Drive-in esports arenas planned for Horizon malls in the US
Four cities in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas to launch centers for both viewership and competition
Horizon Group Properties and esports analytics company Harena Data -- through its subsidiary USA Drive-ins -- have partnered to launch drive-in esports arenas in four US cities this year.
The centers are planned for Horizon-owned malls in Louisville, Kentucky; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; El Paso, Texas; and Laredo, Texas.
Facilities will include both traditional drive-in movie capabilities as well as the ability for attendees to both watch and participate in competitive esports events and tournaments while remaining within their vehicles.
"These drive-ins are a new and updated, albeit retro, component of centers that give shoppers added reason to visit their local retailers and are a fun entertainment offering to the community," said Horizon managing director James Harris. "To top it off we know this exciting attraction will have safety as a priority."
Harena Data chief strategy officer Bill Dever added, "We're confident in our ability to orchestrate large-scale tournaments with Horizon to bring the joy and thrill of drive-in experiences back to communities.
"Our world today has a changing level of interaction and communication, which we believe can be used to create incredible esports events and encourage Americans to work together in new ways."