Disney has revealed plans to open a dedicated esports arena in the Floridian city of Orlando next year.
According to Dexerto, the new facility will measure in at 300,000sq ft and boast a total capacity of 8,000 seats, as well as being fully equipped to host various esports events.
Faron Kelley, vice-president of sports at Disney, said the company has looked at other esports venues to gain inspiration for its own arena, adding that the firm “has a lot of flexibility” in terms of being able to host an esports event and expo at the same time across several venues.
“We are trying to keep up with what sports are breaking and how we can be involved in them…esports is a big one we are looking at and are very excited about it,” Kelley said.
“When we look at a lot of esports events in other locations, the arena-style setting is very important. It creates an almost gladiator-like feel that they are looking for.
“There is going to be a Call Of Duty championship at a stadium in Orlando in a couple of weeks and I’m going to go there and check that out.
“It’s such a new sport that we are learning. Everyone is learning at the same time about what is the best way to do this.
Kelley added: “With our unique configuration we could have an esports event going on at the same time as an eSports conference or expo in one of our other venues. We have got a lot of flexibility.”
Disney already has a major presence in Orlando, with Walt Disney World Resort covering an area of approximately 27,258 acres and employing 62,000 members of staff.
In addition to theme parks, hotels and water parks, the entertainment complex features the ESPN Wide World of Sports, which itself has nine sports venue and regularly hosts both amateur and professional events.
Image: Chris Harrison
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