An absolutely breathtaking experience
by A. N. on 10/2/19Barclays Center - BrooklynFirst off, this is my first ever trip to an event of this size. I've been watching Counter Strike tournaments for the past 3 or so years now, including some past ESL One NY events from 2018 and 2017. It's a completely different world altogether. Ordering the tickets was no big deal, seats aren't assigned, so regardless of whatever seat number your ticket says, depending on the type of ticket, either general, plus, or premium, you are allowed to sit in whatever areas are designated for those tickets. In my case, my brother and I were right smack in the middle of it all with premium tickets. They come with a goodie bag that includes some collectible t-shirts, mouse pad, and coin commemorating the event, seats in front of the stage where the players are, and access to premium signing sessions. The atmosphere of the whole thing is amazing, to put it simply. We we're lucky enough to be given a lot of close games, which made the whole crowd cheer and shout non stop the whole weekend. The staff for all of the booths that were set up and the gift shops were friendly and nice, however the food prices are incredibly expensive, not to mention $6 USD for a bottle of water. Upon entering, they do have a bag check and detectors, we were allowed with string backpacks to carry our stuff in. Went by nice and smoothly, and security was all over the arena to make sure nobody was getting out of hand, considering much of the crowd were mostly teens/young adults. All in all, if you love the game counter strike, and you're craving that incredible experience of being in an arena of a couple thousand people screaming their heads off for their teams, then ESL One NY is absolutely for you. They've done this event every year for the past 4 I believe, and I can't wait to go again in 2020.