The architectural design company behind the Sphere has unveiled their next large-scale project: an ambitious esports arena in Saudi Arabia.
Populous already has several esports venues under its belt, but the planned Qiddiya City Esports Arena takes things to an entirely new scale. The 5,155-seat multifunctional venue is planned to anchor an entire new development called the Qiddiya Gaming and Esports District, which is on track to become the world’s first mixed-use gaming and esports district.
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The neon light-accented Qiddiya City Esports Arena will be constructed with the largest combined total video screen area of any esports arena in the world, in addition to 4D haptic seats and immersive audio.
“Featuring a distinctive architectural identity, the venue will provide a best-in-class experience for players and spectators alike,” reads Populous’ announcement. “Extensive sightline studies have been carried out to optimize seating in the main auditorium for the best views, and parametric design tools have been utilized to refine screen locations, resulting in an innovative “digital chandelier” placed centrally within the seating bowl for enhanced gameplay content delivery.”
The venue’s massive main LED wall will measure nearly 39,000 sq ft, and will be complimented by a variety of hospitality installations that will make up 20% of the venue and be catered towards an esports-minded audience.
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“The general admission experience is carefully crafted, with two concourses wrapping around the seating bowl, offering unique designs and functions,” says Populous. “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.”
