Riot Games is opening a revamped arena that is scheduled to arrive in early 2024, replacing the LEC Studio in Berlin.

Riot Games has announced a major upgrade to their EMEA operations. The former LEC Studio shall now be known as the Riot Games Arena. The venue, based in Adlershof Berlin, will receive a massive revamp to allow for all of Riot Games' esports to thrive there.

New Riot Games Arena to replace LEC Studio in Berlin

The new arena is under construction and will be revealed soon (Image via Riot Games)
The new arena is under construction and will be revealed soon (Image via Riot Games)

The change from the LEC Studio to the new Riot Games Arena is scheduled to take place ahead of 2024. Riot Games states it will serve all of their esports products in the EMEA region. This means particularly the VCT Emea league in VALORANT and the LEC in League of Legends.

The main focus of the new arena is to provide an enhanced experience for everyone involved. Broadcast and production capabilities alongside fan inclusion are the number one priorities.

“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.”

- Alberto Guerrero, Head of Esports, EMEA at Riot Games

Per the Riot Games press release regarding the new arena, one key aspect of the change is an immersive fan experience. Those attending an event at the arena will feel right at home with their favorite esports title from entrance to exit.

“When planning the refurbishment, we put player and fan needs and desires central to our decision making. On-site, we want to offer an experience that brings them into our worlds, immersing them more fully into Riot Games’ universes. With a large portion of our fan base watching from home, we also needed to put a lot of emphasis on the quality and diversity of our broadcast and production, to enhance their personal viewing experience.”

- Sarah Joynt Borger, Head of Media House for Riot Games EMEA

The venue will include amphitheater style seating, a dedicated player tunnel, and adaptable stages and desk areas. This is a quick and efficient way for the arena to swap to whatever Riot Games esport is being showcased on any given day.

The announcement details that the studio will open in January 2024 (Image via Riot Games)
The announcement details that the studio will open in January 2024 (Image via Riot Games)

There is no word if other regions will receive a similar treatment to their arenas. That could be a way to keep things uniform across the board, no matter the location and no matter the esport. Riot has indicated that they will release more details regarding the new studio at the start of 2024.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news, along with VALORANT and League of Legends coverage.