The Mattamy Arena, where the Season 6 Overwatch League Grand Finals is being held, is like no other arena that the Grand Finals have been held in before. The Mattamy arena is a multi-floor building that has other locations than just the arena, such as the gym on the second floor. Though it was a different setup from previous years it holds a unique experience for the fans.
Outside the Arena
Outside the actual arena has many small things for the fans to discover. It is not as spacious as last years venue, but has more stackable locations. On the first floor is where ticket pick up is. There are large banners and the far wall is all decked out in Toronto Overwatch Watch signage. The second floor as a QR for fans to scan, but of all the floors this one has the least activities.
The third floor is where the teams, content creators, media, and staff can check-in. There are rooms for practice and work on the east side, while on the west side is for the volunteers that are helping out at the event.
The fourth floor is where fans are able to get into the arena. There are two security checks on either end that fans can go through to get to the arena. This was a quick process to get through will the basic security protocols in place.
Inside the Arena
Inside the arena there are many different fan events. This is where fans spent most of their time. There was many interactive elements that fans could participate in during their time in the area.
On the upper level is where the analyst desk was set up for fans to watch. On the same side was the Bell gaming station where fans could play Overwatch with other fans. Across from the Bell gaming station was the photo station where the backdrop of New Queen Street and different hero weapons were available for fans to pose with.
On the other side was where the casters were set up. They had an open set up where fans could watch the casters. That side was also where the Defiant Lounge was. This area was roped off with tables and food.
Main Floor
On the main floor there were a lot of activities. The Overwatch League merchandise was on the opposite end of the arena from the stage. Most of the teams had some sort of merch available for purchase. Right in front of that was the iconic sign-making tables. There were blank signs specifically for the grand finals that the fans could use to cheer on their teams. Next to that was were fans could get a temporary tattoo of their favorite team’s logo, with someone to help put the tattoo on with a water station. AMD was also present to show off their new product, allow fans to test it out, and sign up for a chance to win a computer.
There was the Red Bull F1 car, where the fans could also play a racing game. Attached to Red Bull was special seating for two fans who were picked at random drinking Red Bull. It was in the middle of the floor on a special couch that incentivized fans to drink Red Bull.
The Stage
The stage was 180 degrees for the fans. It was not a 360-degree experience like last year. But there were many different levels for the fans. There were two large screen that was easily watched from the upper level of the area. These two screens faced the East and West bowl sides.
The main stage had one large screen to view from. The fronts of all the players set ups had screens that projected their faces while playing. Behind the players were five long screens that would also have the players headshots. No matter where seated, fans could see some kind of screen to watch the action.
The audio did seem to be a little inconsistent with the game sound, at times, being as loud as the casting. But the overall ability to hear the match was well projected. Some of the stage was partially blocked because of the camera cranes or VJs. Unlike in the Midseason Madness there was no drone cameras, but humans which could see the stage from the crowd partially blocked, though the big screens were still viewable.
Mattamy Arena
The Mattamy Arena in Toronto gave the Overwatch League a new look for what the Grand Finals could be. Though it is not like the 2022 Overwatch World Cup arena feel, the Mattamy allows for a more personal and up close experience for fans. Toronto Defiant did a good job in helping put on the Season 6 Grand Finals.
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