A New Colosseum: Riot Games to introduce NEW ARENA for EMEA LoL and Valorant in 2024
According to the press release, Riot Games has revealed one of their plans for 2024. This plan centers around the remodeling of their Berlin-based studio/facility - formerly known as the LEC studio.
This remodeled facility is set to become the epicenter of Riot Games’ esports operations in the EMEA (Europe/MiddleEast/Africa) region. According to the report, they are looking to utilize this new facility to house all their known competitions and soon-to-be-revealed events.
Riot Games Arena
Amidst other troubling news in the League global community - both the LCS downsizing in 2024, the departure of several notable organizations (including even within EMEA), and the merging of Japan’s LJL with the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) - this move is meant to signify Riot’s long-term continued commitment to the EMEA region.
Riot Games’ Head of Esports for EMEA, Alberto Guerreto expressed the game company’s ‘long-term commitment to the region’s competitive ecosystem.’ He also expressed the hope that this new ‘world-leading esports facility’ will become the ‘beating heart of all esports-related operations in the region.’
“We’re all in on esports at Riot Games and in EMEA, so this upgraded, world-leading, esports facility will become the beating heart of our esports operations in the region, servicing all our competitions. Creating a venue of this scale is a testament to our long-term dedication to continue developing the future of esports in EMEA for our fans, teams, and their players, and the facility will set us up for further success in the years to come.”
Among the expected upgrades to come to this newly dubbed ‘Riot Games Arena’ are enhancements that promise an unparalleled experience for attending viewers as well as significant upgrades to production and broadcasting capabilities.
According to the press release, Riot designed the arena to include an immersive experience for anyone attending live. Broadcast booths, dedicated co-streaming booths, on-stage LED screen, high end theatrical and broadcast gear. One of Riot’s goals with this remodel is to place more emphasis on the quality and diversity of their broadcast and production.
Moreover, the arena will be remodeled into the style of an amphitheater, with refurbished cinema seats, layouts that brings the audience closer to the players, as well as the addition of a dedicated player tunnel.
The New Center of EMEA Esports
Serving as the epicenter, this new facility will be the primary venue and home for both the Valorant Champions’ Tour EMEA league, as well as the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) league.
Riot also revealed that the plan is to also use the facility to host other related Riot-owned events. This would also include Valorant’s EMEA Ascension tournament in 2024, EMEA’s Game Changers, League of Legends EMEA Masters, as well as Teamfight Tactics competitions.
The facility will also include the option for an audience, allowing Riot the ability to select between remote audiences or an in-person crowd per event. Both the VCT EMEA and LEC products will be hosted live with full audiences.
One of the key things for this upcoming remodeling of the facility is the anticipated adaptability. It is this that will allow Riot to swap between all their different IPs (utilizing a combination of digital technology and physical infrastructure). Moreover, it was mentioned in the press release that the arena will include an adaptable stage and desk area.
2023 League of Legends EMEA Championship Series Season Finals. LEC Studio in Berlin. Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
VCT EMEA 2023 Playoffs Grand Finals at Messe Berlin. Credit: Hara Amorós / Riot Games / LVP / lag.More information and details on the remodeled arena will be revealed at the start of 2024. For all the latest Valorant and League of Legends releases, follow Strafe Esports to stay updated.
Credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
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