The City of Arlington has unveiled plans to develop what it claims will be the largest esports stadium in the United States.
Esports Stadium Arlington will be set in a 100,000 square-foot space and will open its doors this autumn at the Arlington Convention Center in the Texan city’s Entertainment District.
Mayor Jeff Williams said: “Being on the forefront of new ideas and setting trends is in our DNA and part of who we are as the American Dream City. Esports Stadium Arlington will further cement our city’s status as a national and international tourist destination. Players and fans will come here for the tournaments and they’ll stay even longer to experience everything Arlington has to offer.”
By collaborating with sports and entertainment architecture firm Populous, the City of Arlington and Esports Venues plan to invest $10m (£7.1m/€8.1m) into the Arlington Convention Center to transform it into a stadium that will seek to offer the most immersive spectator experience in the live esports event market.
“This esports stadium will transform the Arlington Convention Center and position the city as the epicenter for esports in the heart of North America,” Brian Mirakian, senior principal at Populous, said. “Esports fans will encounter a live experience unlike any other, by way of space for up to 1,000 spectators, VIP amenities and year-round event potential.”
The city’s proposed agreement with Esports Venues includes an initial 10-year lease with a 10-year renewal option. Arlington’s renovation and equipment investments would be repaid through annual lease payments, event revenue, stadium naming rights revenue and other opportunities associated with catering to the esports industry.
The stadium will be managed by NGAGE Esports, one of the nation’s leaders in the field of entertainment marketing. It will seek to display the adaptive re-use potential of esports, and will feature a major competition event space, gaming, retail and social spaces, VIP hospitality, a broadcast studio and team training areas.
Image: City of Arlington
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