The troubles for Apex 2015 continue. After co-founder Johnathan Lugo was forced to step down following sexual harassment allegations, it seemed like the Smash-centric tournament would continue without a hitch. Then just as Day 1 was about to kick into gear, the event was promptly placed on hold because the Clarion Hotel just outside of New York City which housed the event was not structurally sound.
NeoGAF has a collection of tweets from people describing what went down. Apparently, the venue was recently damaged by the snowstorm that tore through the region earlier in the week. Though the parking garage collapsed, the hotel ensured guests that the rest of the facilities were in proper condition. Then somebody triggered a fire alarm, summoning the fire marshal, who inspected the premises and noticed that many rooms were in poor condition and everyone had to evacuate. Because the hotel staff lied about the safety of the building, the law may come down hard on them.
But there is good news! The Apex organizers alongside Twitch were able to quickly rustle up a new venue: Garden State Convention Center in Somerset, NJ. Shuttles will of course be provided for attendees stuck at the Clarion, and if all goes according to plan, Apex 2015 will be back on for Saturday. Of course, that means today is a wash, but this is better than no tournament at all.