Industry News

Sacramento Kings unveil new esports space at Golden 1 Center

NBA basketball team the Sacramento Kings has detailed plans for a dedicated esports facility at Golden 1 Center, its home arena.

The space will consist of a training facility, broadcast centre and gamer lounge, and will be used by the Kings’ NBA 2K eLeague team.

The NBA 2K eLeague is the NBA’s new esports competition and is set to launch in 2018. Seventeen NBA teams have signed up to compete.

It is hoped the facility will become a “venue within a venue”. The space will feature state-of-the-art gaming technology, full-service broadcast capabilities to produce livestreams and content, as well as other amenities to serve games, artists and the esports community.

Gaming stations will be set up to ensure the best possible zero-lag experience for competitors, with 360-degree immersive audio to enhance gamers’ and fans’ connection to the action.

The space will be able to comfortably hold tournaments and events with theatre-style audiences, the Kings said. There will also be the option to expand the space into Golden 1 Center’s premium clubs, as well as a direct feed into the arena’s bowl utilising the NBA’s only 4K ultra HD video screen.

Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé said: “Using technology to engage with our fans and reach new audiences has always been core to our organisation’s mission. Golden 1 Center is the most advanced arena for basketball, entertainment and esports. This state-of-the-art facility will set a new standard and provide the best-in-class tools that the next generation of superstar gamers need to train, compete and win.”

Esports athletes will have access to the same care and treatment as NBA players. An on-demand oxygen bar is available, alongside a beverage bar with fresh kombucha and nitrogen coffee.

The Kings will also create unique content in a full-service studio and green screen room that will feature 4K cameras.

Acts that perform at the arena will also be able to use the space to unwind backstage, with hundreds of titles to be made available. The complex will also serve as a space for local non-profit organisations.

Image: Brian Libby