Brazilian entertainment group Bad Boy Leroy (BBL) and concessionaire Allegra Pacaembu announced plans to construct a R$95 million (£13 million) battle royale esports arena complex on the grounds of São Paulo’s historic Pacaembu Stadium.
While touted as a battle royale arena, the complex will open “with the purpose and the ability to host any type of esports event,” per a release.
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The 80-year-old Pacaembu Stadium is undergoing a modernisation and restoration effort. Beginning in 2021 the esports arena will be temporarily housed on the football field inside a provisional infrastructure.
Features for the new competitive space include an audience capacity of 2,000 people, 482m2 of LED I panels, a “state-of-the-art” broadcast centre that allows for multiple and simultaneous transmissions, VIP boxes, suites and a support area for teams and delegations.
Nando Cohen, CEO of Bad Boy Leroy, commented in a release: “We are honored to take another step forward, collaborating with the advancement of Brazil as a world reference in electronic sports. This arena represents a new phase not only in the lives of gamers but in the entire ecosystem and fulfils BBL’s mission to foster and democratize the culture of games and esports, connecting brands, developers and consumers.”
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BBL holds the exclusive license in Brazil for ESL, one of the largest producers of esports content, and both companies collaborate often to produce events for competitive gamers.
Eduardo Barella, CEO of Allegra Pacaembu Concessionaire, added: “This partnership is in line with our vision for the future of Pacaembu. Over the past year, we have shared our project for the Complex with many potential partners and the acceptance has been incredible.
“The gaming and esports universe, due to the importance and global reach it has achieved, deserves to be announced as the first of a series of strategic partnerships that we intend to reveal in the next few months. Pacaembu, the home of soccer, will also be home to every sport and also culture, leisure and entertainment.”
Esports Insider says: As one of the top esports markets in the world, Brazil plays host to a massive audience known for its passion. Building an international hub for esports inside São Paulo’s historic Pacaembu Stadium further weaves competitive gaming into the country’s sports-loving fabric.