An esports town complex has opened in Hangzhou as part of the Chinese city’s wider drive to embrace the rapidly developing sector.
Operated by the Hangzhou government, the Esports Observer website said the 3.94 million square foot space has been developed at a cost of around CNY2bn (£224m/€253.5m/$287.9m) with one of the first facilities to open being a new arena for Chinese esports organisation LGD Gaming.
The venue has been developed by esports entertainment firm Allied Esports, which this month signed a naming rights partnership and wider multiyear agreement with HyperX for the first dedicated esports venue on the Las Vegas Strip. The LGD arena adds to other venues that Allied Esports has opened in Tianjin, Shenzhen and Beijing.
Esports Observer adds that the Hangzhou government has committed to developing 14 esports facilities before 2022. It reportedly plans to spend up to CNY15.45bn on the project, which will include an esports academy, esports-themed hotel, theme park, a business centre and a hospital designed for esports players.
The 2022 deadline comes with Hangzhou due to host the Asian Games that year. Esports featured as a demonstration event at this year’s edition of the multi-sport Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, and is expected to be elevated to full medal status for the 2022 Games.
Image: LGD Gaming
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