The Overwatch League published its schedule for the second season today. After unveiling the opening week schedule during a special episode of Watchpoint last week, the League put its finishing touches on what we should expect in 2019.
Watchpoint explored some of the major changes in the season’s structure, and today’s publication lays it all out. As we heard, each team will play 28 games this season, bringing it down from the 40 matches played in 2018. Additionally, each division gains four of the new expansion teams; the Atlanta Reign, Paris Eternal, Toronto Defiant, and Washington Justice head to the Atlantic Division, while the Chengdu Hunters, Hangzhou Spark, Guangzhou Charge, and Vancouver Titans join the Pacific Division. Information on the expansion teams has been added to the Overwatch League as well, making it feel all more official.
The League also expanded the map pool to twelve maps per stage, and revealed the map pool for Stage 1.
Courtesy of the Overwatch League.
Finally, the League will continue building on the television presence it established during last season’s Grand Finals. Some of this season’s matches will be aired on ESPN, Disney XD, and ABC. The League plans to release more information on which matches soon, but Watchpoint revealed that the opening week matches between the Hangzhou Spark and Shanghai Dragons, the Houston Outlaws and Boston Uprising, and the Philadelphia Fusion and Atlanta Reign will all air on Disney XD.
Beyond the full schedule, the League also provided more information on the road games mentioned during Watchpoint. The Dallas Fuel, Atlanta Reign, and Los Angeles Valiant will host Homestand Weekend events in their home cities. The Fuel’s event will take place on April 27 and 28, the Reign’s event is scheduled for July 6 and 7, and the Valiant’s event is on August 24 and 25.
The official writeup includes notable changes to the All-Star Game as well. The previously off-season event, as well as “other skills competitions,” will now take place between Stages 2 and 3.
The League also revealed additional ticket packages and events for their matches in Los Angeles. These include the Pick 6 option, which allows fans to customize a six-game ticket package for their favorite team, the Friends & Family Friday deal, and a Pride Day event in conjunction with LA Pride.
The full schedule, as well as additional information on the season layout, can be found here. The Overwatch League returns on February 14, 2019, with a match between the Philadelphia Fusion and the London Spitfire. Keep an eye on The Game Haus for more information and thoughts on the season ahead!
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Featured image courtesy of the Overwatch League.
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