Events D.C., Washington, D.C.’s official convention and sports authority, is launching an esports pop-up bar called “Levels Unlocked: House of D.C. Heroes” at SXSW.
The esports bar will have esports entities of D.C., including interactive retro games and shareable social experiences, according to the press release.
In July and August, Events D.C. is also bringing the esports pop-up bar to D.C. at 1839 7th St. NW.
Events DC is heading to #SXSW and we're all in on esports! #HouseofDCHeroes #RuntheDistrict #NRGFam #JusticeIsServed #DCSportsCapital #esports #SXSW2019 pic.twitter.com/04D6hVI1mP
— Events DC (@TheEventsDC) March 7, 2019
“D.C. is one of the few cities across the globe with multiple dedicated esports teams and sponsorships, and we are excited to highlight our incredible achievements during SXSW Gaming. This year we will showcase D.C.’s ties to Overwatch, Smash Bros. Ultimate and NBA2K by bringing these games to life with a pop-up event in Austin and later this summer in D.C.,” Gregory A. O’Dell, president and CEO of Events D.C., said in a statement.
“Through our efforts at SXSW it is our goal to continue to grow this new market and ignite a new ecosystem for our city with new jobs and opportunities,” added O’Dell.
Zach Leonsis, senior VP of strategic initiatives and general manager of Monumental Sports Network, in a statement, said that D.C. continues to make its mark as a first-class hub for all things esports. “We are proud to play a role in its rapid growth in our region,” said Leonsis.
Esports-themed musical performances by D.C. DJ Farrah Flosscett, other gaming DJs, Mega Ran and R.O.C.K.M.A.N, along with headliner The Glitch Mob are lined up at the pop-up bar.
The esports pop-up bar can be visited for free at SXSW on March 13, 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Hall, on 311 East 5th Street.