eSports Meets Drone Racing At The 'Xfinity California Drone Speed Challenge – Level 2'

In a celebration of speed, and to promote its Gigabit Internet service for both Xfinity residential and Comcast Business customers, Comcast will partner with the Aerial Sports League to host The Xfinity California Drone Speed Challenge – Level 2.

Starting this month, drone pilot teams will compete in a multi-week, eSports-style “virtual qualifier” series through the VelociDrone racing simulator and the winning teams will move on to compete live on July 19 for the championship at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA.  That venue, considered one of the world’s most connected indoor sports and entertainment venues, is powered by two, 100 gigabit Ethernet Internet circuits from Comcast Business.

A record-breaking $25,000 prize purse and ultimate bragging rights are up for grabs as the fastest drone teams compete in California’s biggest drone racing event. Comcast will also contribute another $25,000 to a local non-profit organization in the name of the winning team.

“After the success of last year’s race, we wanted to do something even more spectacular to promote the blazing fast Gigabit Internet speeds we are bringing to our California customers,” said Elaine Barden, Comcast California’s Regional Vice President, Residential Sales and Marketing. “Combining eSports and drone racing is the ideal way to celebrate the super-fast broadband service Comcast delivers to our customers throughout the state.”

The live event will feature a futuristic VIP experience, with signature cocktails, appetizers, a DJ, drone combat demonstrations and a “Future Sports Arcade,” featuring hands-on virtual reality (VR) games, a VR “goggle bar,” simulators and drone training, all while being surrounded by thrilling, high-speed drone races in the high-tech Golden 1 arena.

“This will be a unique crossover event featuring both drones and eSports in a single competition,” said Marque Cornblatt, CEO of Aerial Sports League. “We anticipate that a diverse group of some of the best pilots and gamers will qualify, but teams will need to demonstrate a wide range of skills and teamwork if they hope to reach the podium.”

The event is not open to the general public.

(Source: Joint Comcast and Aerial Sports League news release)

FMI: www.AerialSports.tv, www.comcastcorporation.com