American architectural firm, Populous, the designer of the world’s largest spherical structure, the Sphere, in Las Vegas, has announced plans for a new esports arena in Qiddiya, boasting the largest total area of video screens of any esports arena in the world.
To be known as the Qiddiya City Esports Arena, this new structure will comprise six separate sections, with a glazed exterior energized by dazzling neon lighting evocative of the kind of custom PC builds that many esports fans and competitors will be familiar with.
The arena will have a capacity of 5,155 and feature a high-tech seating system, which will allow visitors to sense, feel, and even smell the action taking place in front of them. At the same time, the gigantic LED screen system will be positioned centrally and measure 3,600m2. As well as all of the action taking place, there will also be a range of restaurants and other food facilities to allow everyone to step back, relax, and get ready for the next challenge!
The arena will have a capacity of 5,155 and feature a high-tech seating system
A Populous spokesperson explained: “The general admission experience is carefully crafted, with two concourses wrapping around the seating bowl, offering unique designs and functions. These include a centralized arcade with breakout zones for gaming, a food ‘souk’, retail, and an immersive entertainment zone. This design ambition extends to the food and beverage offering, providing variety and choice through diverse typologies such as self-checkout markets and gaming bars. Many of these spaces can be operated prior to an event or fully on non-event days, with access from the podium, which increases the operation of the venue and its integration into the community.”