An exterior view of Fusion Arena, Philadelphia’s new esports venue. Credit: Comcast Spectacor/The Cordish Companies/Populous.

Professional sports and entertainment company Comcast Spectacor has announced plans for a $50m next-generation esports arena in the Philadelphia Sports Complex, US.

Fusion Arena is claimed to be the ‘largest new-construction, purpose-built esports venue in the Western Hemisphere’.

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It is expected to serve as a leading destination for gaming events and elite training. The arena will also host various live entertainment events and experiences.

It will be developed by The Cordish Companies and is designed by architectural firm Populous.

“Fusion Arena represents a watershed moment for the competitive gaming market.”

The Philadelphia Fusion esports franchise is the arena’s primary tenant.

Populous senior principal Brian Mirakian said: “Fusion Arena represents a watershed moment for the competitive gaming market. We’re taking our 36 years of designing iconic experiences for traditional sports – settings like Yankee Stadium – and applying those same principles of design to the virtual world of gaming.”

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Features of the venue include the 6,000ft² entrance hall and a 2,000ft² interactive media surface that is designed to hover 30ft above the entry area.

The 3,500 seat venue will have two balcony bars, flexible loge boxes, club seats with USB ports and exclusive suites.

An additional 10,000ft² has been dedicated as a training facility, as well as a broadcast studio for live streaming and team offices.

Comcast Spectacor chairman and CEO Dave Scott said: “We’re thrilled to introduce a venue like no other as we move forward with the next phase of development within the Philadelphia Sports Complex.

“Fusion Arena gives esports fans a best-in-class venue to call home and be proud of. Beyond competitive gaming, it’s a stunning facility that will host a wide array of events.”

Construction work on the arena is slated to commence this year.