BURBANK, Calif. -- In the same studio where Johnny Carson once hosted "The Tonight Show," Blizzard Entertainment unveiled its biggest investment in esports yet, with the brand-new Blizzard Arena. A four-story complex situated at the entrance of the Burbank Studios, the venue will be home to all of Blizzard's competitive titles over the coming years, most notably the first season of the Overwatch League, which will begin its preseason play in December before moving into the regular season at the start of 2018.
When you walk through the front door of the arena, the first thing that greets you is the merchandise area. Depending on what event you're there to attend, the merchandise on that day will vary, with Overwatch League merchandise and general game memorabilia, such as figures, on display for opening night. When the Overwatch League begins, it's Blizzard's mission to make the merchandise station the same as if you were going to your favorite traditional sporting event, with the likelihood of team jerseys and other branded items coming as the franchises of the league are beginning to roll out, with the announcements recently of the Shanghai Dragons and the Dallas Fuel.
Up the stairs from the merchandise area and outside the second level of the arena seating, Blizzard has what it calls its "Hall of Champions," where photographs of past winners throughout the years don the walls, and trophies from Blizzard competitions are presented in a trophy case for attendees to view and take pictures of. Downstairs, in the hallway between the merchandise area and the playing area, is a concession room of snacks, drinks and sandwiches that resembles more of a grocery store than what you'd often find at a traditional sporting event.
The main attraction of the studio, the playing area, is a 450-seat setting with three large screens positioned over the audience to make sure, regardless of your seat in the house, that you'll be able to catch all the action without needing to crane your neck. For the time being, seating arrangements will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with floor seating in front of the stage and the theater seats holding the rest of the crowd.
From top to bottom, the new Blizzard arena is polished and ready for the upcoming Overwatch League season, including player rooms for teams to practice before matches, multiple press rooms and even a luxury box for VIP guests to come and watch the games.
After cutting the ribbon Friday, competition at the Blizzard Arena began Saturday, as the Overwatch Contenders champions in North America and Europe will be crowned this weekend, beginning with Europe's Misfits and Cloud9 opening up the action at 1 p.m. ET.