If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

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."

Related topics
Author
Rebekah Valentine avatar

Rebekah Valentine

Senior Staff Writer

Rebekah arrived at GamesIndustry in 2018 after four years of freelance writing and editing across multiple gaming and tech sites. When she's not recreating video game foods in a real life kitchen, she's happily imagining herself as an Animal Crossing character.