Wells Fargo Center enjoys first esports space in US

Article posted by Coliseum, October 3^rd, 2019

Image: Wells Fargo Center

Wells Fargo Center – home of the Philadelphia Flyers NHL team and 76ers NBA franchise – has opened a new pro-level Esports space. With the opening of this space, it prides itself on being a first for a major US sports arena.

The arena is owned by Comcast Spectator, on the project. Esports infrastructure company Nerd Street Gamers has collaborated with the Philadelphia-based American sports and entertainment company.

As part of the deal, the Wells Fargo Center will be equipped with a Localhost – an esports facility that features high-powered computers used by professional gamers. Nerd Street Gamers manage each Localhost and it is fully staged with associates.

Localhost Wells Fargo Center will be fitted with professional-grade PC and console gaming stations and will be open before, during and after events at the arena. The space will boast a separate entrance and competitive gaming events in coordination with special ticket packages and event theme nights will be held.

Come October 9, the space will open regularly as the Flyers take on the New Jersey Devils. The space was recently opened to supporters who had gathered for the Overwatch League Grand Finals. Competitive gaming tournaments on non-event days will also be held in the Center.

Rob Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of Nerd Street Gamers, commented, “We’re connecting traditional sports and esports for fans because there’s a direct connection between their love for their favorite traditional sports franchises and their love for video games. At the Wells Fargo Center, fans will now have access to the excitement of their favorite teams coupled with the thrill of their favorite games.”

Valerie Camillo, President of Business Operations for the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center, informed, “Through this new gaming space and partnership, we have created another unique destination for our guests within the Wells Fargo Center. We know that many of our fans were first exposed to hockey through video games, so this gaming space will provide a way for fans to show off their skills.”

The announcement was made following the Philadelphia-based esports franchise Fusion breaking ground on its new Populous-designed 3,500-seat arena. The price tag of the facility is $50m (£41m/€46m). Once the Fusion Arena goes on stream, it will become the largest ground-up,
purpose-built esports venue in the western hemisphere.

The arena had earlier this month revealed details of its New City Terrace space which is a part of the venue’s multi-year $265 m restoration plan. The esports space installation of Wells Fargo Center comes right after the announcement.

The terrace overhaul will result in the total rebuilding of the top level of the arena and will enjoy a range of amenities and on offer will be ticket options. Wells Fargo Center said the terrace will “redefine” traditional in-arena rituals.

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