Texas-based Envy Gaming has reached an agreement to acquire the operation contract for Esports Stadium Arlington, the largest esports facility in North America.
Envy, which owns professional esports teams, operates content creation networks and has a live and digital events business, will acquire the venue from Esports Venues LLC, a group previously owned by Texas Rangers co-owner Neil Leibman and other investors.
Esports Stadium Arlington opened in November 2018. The facility was designed by Populous and spans 100,000 square feet, featuring 90-foot LED displays, theatrical quality lighting and audio, secure technology systems, high-performance internet service providers and access to adjoining expo hall space.
The venue will host the season kickoff tournament for the global Call of Duty League from January 21-23, with thousands of fans set to attend. Esports Stadium Arlington recently hosted the Esports Awards, which were attended by hundreds of esports luminaries and gaming personalities from around the world and attracted more than 300,000 live viewers.
Following the announcement of Envy Gaming’s acquisition of the venue, Arlington city manager Trey Yelverton said: “Esports Stadium Arlington has been in the national spotlight since day one with its high-tech capabilities and the calibre of new events it has brought to our city.
“Opening this stadium was part of our broader economic development strategy to appeal to a younger generation, to attract entrepreneurs in the fast-growing esports industry, and to brand Arlington with a more modern vibe.
“We are excited to partner with Envy Gaming to play host to their home matches and to continue attracting esports and gaming events that will bring fans here from around the globe.”
Geoff Moore, president and chief operating officer at Envy, added: “Esports Stadium Arlington is without a doubt the best venue in North America right now for any publisher or league considering an esports event with spectators.
“Keeping Esports Stadium Arlington operating at a high level is a natural extension of what we strive for at Envy Gaming: we want to give all people that love gaming the opportunity to enjoy amazing competitions in a social environment.
“Live events, and the reactions they generate from the players and audiences, create a unique experience for both the attending fans and anyone watching the broadcast. The beauty of Esports Stadium Arlington is that this valuable experience can be created very efficiently.”
Envy owns and operates the Dallas Fuel team, which plays in the Overwatch League. It also owns the OpTic Texas team in the Call of Duty League, the OpTic Halo team in Microsoft’s Halo Championship Series, as well as professional teams in Riot Games’ Valorant and Psyonix’s Rocket League Championship Series.
Image: Dallas Fuel/CC BY 3.0/Edited for size
