The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) has always been an industry-only fair for the video gaming business. But not anymore. 

The expo's organizer Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced on Thursday that 15,000 tickets will be made available next Monday (February 13) for the general public, opening the event's doors to everyone.

The tickets are priced at 250 US dollars. But those who rush to buy tickets at the very beginning of the sale can enjoy a discounted price of only 150 US dollars, according to an article on GameSpot which was shared by E3's official Twitter profile on Thursday.

Calls to open E3 beyond insiders have been voiced for years, the article says. ESA's Senior VP of Communications Rich Taylor told GameSpot that there was "incredible attendee enthusiasm" for this event.

The company streamed live video of E3 2016 to the public for free, which can be considered a test drive ahead of Thursday's decision.

"The feedback we heard was clear - they wanted to play the games inside the convention center. In addition, exhibitors inside the convention center wanted to have access to the fans. So this year we're bringing the two together," Taylor said.