Blizzard Opens Its Own Esports Arena In Los Angeles

Because they can, Blizzard now has its own custom-designed esports venue in Los Angeles, California. Slated to open next month, the Blizzard Arena boasts amenities catering to eports competitors and their fans. It's located at Burbank Studios, a TV production facility in LA and has been "custom-tailored" to accommodate both those attending in person (up to 450 people) and those watching via broadcast.

Features of the facility include sound stages, control rooms, practice rooms, and a Blizzard store.

While Blizzard isn't showing what the Arena will look like just yet, they have revealed that the Overwatch Contenders Playoffs will take place there October 7-8. Following that, the Summer Championships for Blizzard's free-to-play CCG Hearthstone will take over the venue for the weekend of October 13. A $250,000 prize pool will be on the line and the finalists will be entered into the Hearthstone World Championship set to take place in early 2018.