Weibo Esports Venue Opens in Beijing's Repurposed Olympic Stadium

Sina Weibo has converted the 2008 Olympic Beach Volleyball Stadium into a sprawling esports and entertainment complex, marking the social-media company's latest effort to monetize its youth audience beyond digital advertising.

The Weibo IN Interdimensional Gravitational Zone, which opened in Chaoyang Park, spans 42,000 square meters and includes Beijing's largest esports-themed comprehensive venue alongside retail markets, music venues and recreational facilities. The four-story complex houses a 1,500-seat arena, professional team training rooms and broadcast studios.

Sina Weibo announced the project as bridging the company's online fan communities with live experiences. The Weibo esports venue will host more than 100 esports competitions and 300 intellectual-property events annually, including matches from the King Pro League mobile-gaming tournament. The facility connects to Weibo-sponsored teams including WB and Weibo Gaming.

Weibo Esports Venue: Inside Beijing's New Gaming and Entertainment Complex

The Weibo investment reflects a broader push by Chinese digital platforms to establish physical footprints in the esports sector. Weibo projects $1.9 billion in revenue by 2028, but analysts say the company faces mounting pressure to diversify income sources as online advertising growth slows.

"This is about creating new revenue channels through ticketing, sponsorships and content licensing," said one industry analyst who asked not to be named. The venue's integration with Weibo's social-media ecosystem could give it an edge over standalone event operators in attracting sponsors and audiences.

The complex opened in March 2025 with events tied to popular gaming titles including Genshin Impact and a Three-Body franchise game. Beyond esports, the site features an outdoor market, jazz performance space and plans for a skateboarding park.

The project aligns with Chaoyang district's ambitions to develop a new-media cultural corridor. Local officials have promoted entertainment venues as part of efforts to attract younger consumers and position Beijing as a digital-entertainment hub.