Industry News

Launch plans revealed for Vegas esports arena

Esports Arena Las Vegas has detailed its launch plans as it seeks to set new standards for esports facilities.

The first dedicated esports venue on the Strip, the venue will open its doors later today (Thursday) at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Featuring a blend of live experiences and streaming, opening weekend will seek to showcase the arena’s versatility across professional esports, high-stakes tournaments, daily gaming, world-class production, and interactive entertainment.

With a live show match lineup featuring fighting game properties SonicFox vs. GO1, Rogue vs. Ghost Gaming in Rocket League and eUnited vs. Spacestation in SMITE, and more than 20 top esports talent and influencers in the building, opening night will include some of the most popular talent across multiple gaming communities.

In addition, Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins, currently the top streamer on video platform Twitch, will make a special live announcement during the event stream. World-renowned chef and gaming enthusiast José Andrés will also talk about the unique gaming-inspired menu that he and the ThinkFoodEntertainment team created for Esports Arena Las Vegas.

ThinkFoodEntertainment, a division of Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, will be delivering exclusive food and beverage offerings at the arena.

On Saturday and Sunday, Esports Arena Las Vegas will host a two-day Super Smash Bros for Wii U event, featuring some of the game’s top casters and analysts, to kick off Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas, the first global circuit for the Super Smash Brothers game.

Following the Vegas event, the Smash Masters League series will make stops across North America, Europe and China with the winner at each competition earning a spot at the championship back in Las Vegas in December.

Following the conclusion of Saturday’s Smash play, the arena will host a special Esports Music Experience (EMX) event featuring headliner Pegboard Nerds, supporting headliner Grimecraft and opener Trav Piper.

At a total of 30,000-square feet, Esports Arena Las Vegas consists of three connected spaces: the Main Hall, featuring the main competition stage, gaming stations, a two-story video wall, upper- and lower-level VIP rooms, two bars, and production facilities.

The facility also incorporates The Dome, which houses an interactive history of gaming display, a 360-degree videoboard, and a one-of-a-kind gaming inspired chandelier; and the Front Lobby, featuring additional gaming stations, a streaming booth and a virtual reality experience.

Esports Arena Las Vegas will begin standard operating hours on Monday.