Sports architecture specialist Populous has cast its eye to a new venture, unveiling concepts for a new multi-use stadium in Toronto, Canada, specially designed for the growing eSports market.
Populous has a strong track record when it comes to stadium design, with Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium in Florida and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK, among the projects included in its portfolio. Its latest design has a look akin to a tortoise shell, with the stadium capable of housing 7,000 people.
“The design of the theatre was neither conceived as a sports arena nor an opera house, rather, a new typology that straddles the two – a state-of-the-art performance venue,” said Populous’ senior principal, Johnathon Mallie. "The theatre architecture creates a merger of the old and the new."
Developer OverActive media currently owns two of the world’s largest eSports franchises, including two existing teams in the city, with Toronto home to the CalloToronto Ultra that play in the Call of Duty league and the Toronto Defiant that play in the Overwatch league.
“It’s always been our intention to develop a venue and hosting strategy and to build a facility that could not only serve as an iconic home for our two franchises but ultimately emerge as a global hub for major international eSport events,” said Chris Overholt, CEO of OverActive Media.
“We’re already in active discussions to attract some of the biggest eSport events in the world. This venue will redefine Toronto's event hosting opportunities in every way.”
The stadium is expected to open its doors in 2025 CREDIT: POPULOUS
