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E3 may leave LA next year amidst concerns over the proposed remodelling of the Los Angeles Convention Center to make way for a new stadium
The president of the ESA Michael Gallgher told the LA Times that if the issues surrounding the new Farmers Field stadium were not resolved ‘imminently’, it would look elsewhere to host the event.
"We’re still in discussions with the city of Los Angeles," said Gallagher.
"But we have a number of issues that still need to be resolved. If we can’t resolve them, we are preparing to go elsewhere."
The ESA is concerned that about ease of access during proposed construction work, although a replacement hall above Pico Boulevard, adjacent to the South Hall where the event currently takes place, has been proposed.
"We need assurances on things like square footage, the quality of the space, the ease of loading and unloading equipment, signage throughout the convention center for marketing and sponsorships," he said.
"We love being in Los Angeles, but we also have a show to put on."
If an agreement cannot be reached, “executives close to the association” have allegedly cited San Francisco, New York, Chicago and New Orleans as potential new destinations.
One of the games industry’s biggest events of the year, E3 has taken place in Los Angeles 16 times in its 18-year history.
