Esports refers to professional-level human-vs-human video gaming competitions, similar to traditional sports, with an engaging element and cash prizes for winners. Players can compete one-to-one, such as in FIFA, or team-to-team, like in Call of Duty.
Esports has recently experienced significant growth in popularity, leading to a proliferation of esports arenas worldwide to cater to gamers’ increased acceptance and enthusiasm. These indoor venues have state-of-the-art technology, including computers, consoles, VR equipment, and other necessary tools to provide an immersive and engaging gaming experience.
The rise of esports has led to the creation of dedicated fan bases, channels, teams, clubs, and followers worldwide. It’s enough to keep up with the Thunderpick news from the esports world, to see the continuous growth of this field. As esports continues to grow, the role of online platforms will become increasingly important, providing fans with a new way to engage with their favorite games and teams.
Among many places in the United States, California is one of the premium esports hubs, with many arenas and venues welcoming beginner and professional gamers and audiences. So, in this article, we gathered the four most popular esports arenas in California.
Staples Center – Los Angeles
Staples Center, now known as Crypto.com, is a multi-purpose arena in Los Angeles; it hosts sporting and music events and welcomes over four million guests annually. Among many events hosted in Staples Center, esports events are at the top of the list.
This center’s venue is a hub for esports fans, as it has a capacity of over 20,000 people. It’s also worth noting that some of the most popular esports events were held there. In 2013, The League of Legends Season 3 World Championships was held there and attended by over 10,000 people. Tickets for that event, in addition, were all sold out in 15 minutes. That’s because the esports venue on Crypto.com provides advanced technical capabilities, a great fan base, and an unparalleled viewing experience.
Esports Arena – Santa Ana
Esports Arena, dedicated solely to esports, opened in 2015 and is located in downtown Orange County. It is the premier destination for esports gamers in North America. The 15,000-square-foot facility is equipped with everything needed for a distinctive gaming experience, including over 100 advanced computers, a large stage, and seating for live events. Esports Arena hosts local tournaments and major leagues and has hosted some of the most historic esports events, including Civil War and World of Warcraft: Legion Launch.
OGN Super Arena – Manhattan Beach, California
OGN, the South Korean esports network, and content producer, is one of the forerunners of esports competitions, as it has been hosting and producing live esports events for two decades. OGN invested at least $100 million in the North American gaming market, partnered with battle royale giant PUBG, and set up OGN Super Arena in California in 2018.
Its huge capacity of 35,000 square feet can accommodate up to 100 combatants and 500 spectators. The stage in OGN Super Arena is specifically designed to host Battle Royale games competitions, such as Fortnite and PUBG. It’s one of the best royal arenas in the world. With a great focus on cameras, LEDs, and augmented reality, gamers will get an amazing esports gaming experience. With all these state-of-the-art facilities, OGN Super Arena has also been used for broadcasting esports events.
Blizzard Arena – Burbank
Blizzard Arena is a dedicated esports venue that has hosted some of the major esports events. The Arena World Championship (AWC) is one of the most important events that regularly take place in Blizzard Arena, where players have been competing for 15 years for a share of the $800,000 prize. Not only that, but other sports events will also take place in Blizzard Arena in the future, such as the Hearthstone Summer Championships.
With a space of about 50,000 square feet and a capacity of 450 people, the arena has player practice areas, many sound stages, and multiple spectator arenas. As a matter of fact, Blizzard Arena has been equipped with all the necessary amenities to accommodate as many players and fans comfortably.
Conclusion
Esports games are growing in popularity, and California is one of the world’s most dominant hubs for esports, with many options for esports enthusiasts. Now that we have reviewed the top esports arenas in California, you will have many options when looking for a center to attend your next esports event.
The arena is just as important as the game or the event, as it sets the tone for the experience. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly research the given options and choose your esports destination accordingly to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.
