USA Drive-Ins, a division of Harena Data, is launching its highly-anticipated drive-in esports arena on Labor Day weekend in Gettysburg, Pa. At the arenas, consumers will be able to enjoy, watch, and compete in major esports events and tournaments from the safety of their vehicles.
The esports outing will feature three prominent forms of drive-in gameplay: Car Play Only, Hybrid Car Play, and Stage Play.
- Community Casual Play – Allows for an experience entirely centered around players being able to connect to games via smart devices without needing to leave their cars. Titles will include games like mobile game titles, trivia, social family games, and bingo and more.
- Intramural Play – Each player is able to bring their own Nintendo Switch or mobile device to play in qualifying rounds from their vehicles remotely. Top players will be invited to the socially distant compliant front stage area to connect to the arena’s Command Center in order to showcase their play on the big screen. They will participate in a King of the Hill and 1v1 style matches while others spectate on the large screen. Titles will include Mario Kart Switch, Mario Kart Mobile, Super Smash Brothers, Clash of Clans and more.
- Competitive Play – Players are invited to the stage and Command Center and be broadcasted on the arena projector for all car spectators to watch and cheer on. Players are entered into a specific, designated bracket with a rigid schedule of competition as they progress through a traditional tournament bracket. Titles include Super Smash Brothers, FIFA, NBA 2K, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and much more.
“We believe the future of entertainment is here and our first launch will be a grand opportunity to show its potential,” said James Harris, Managing Director of Horizon Group Properties. “While maintaining safe precautions, we’re taking all steps possible to ensure our attendees will experience the most thrilling and engaging event.”
“Our first trial will mimic the cinema-going experience but maintain the comfort of gaming in your own space,” said Bill Dever, Chief Strategy Officer at Harena Data. “Along with high-tech concession stands, we’re offering clean bathrooms versus the standard port-a-potties that drive-ins have. They will be disinfected frequently and limited in maximum occupants at one time.”
In addition to the competitions, there will be touch-free menus for ordering safely packaged, yet robust food, snacks, and drinks. Using smartphones, attendees will be able to view, order, and pay for menu items and have them delivered to their parked car by a designated spot number.
The event will be held on Labor Day Weekend at The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg (1863 Gettysburg Village Dr, Gettysburg, PA 17325).
More locations will be coming in 2020.
