eSports continues to grow in popularity, and we can see this in a physical manifestation of new arenas being built. These competitions are rapidly becoming mainstream and being held on our televisions and in local stadiums.
These venues are designed to meet the increasing demand for professional gaming spaces, providing state-of-the-art facilities for players and fans. In many ways, building a new, dedicated stadium is easier than shoehorn these events into older, generic stadiums.
Shanghai, China
Edward Gaming is constructing a 6,000-seat esports arena in the Minhang District of Shanghai. Set to open in 2024, this arena aims to be a hub for esports events in the region, enhancing the city’s reputation as a leading centre for gaming. 6,000 seats is a lot for an eSports arena, so there’s a lot of anticipation behind this one.
Glytch Esports Arenas
Glytch, an eSports entertainment company, plans to build 32 new esports stadiums across the U.S. and Canada over the next seven years. These venues will serve as home arenas for professional eSports teams and feature advanced facilities – so they can likely be monetised outside of just big events. Â Just as people are using sites like Donbet to wager on eSports, people are using Glytch arenas in their droves – all around North America.
Construction has already begun in Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio. The Columbus arena, a 100,000 square foot facility with seating for 2,000 spectators, is expected to open in 2024 or 2025.
Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in all forms of sports, with the Qiddiya City eSports Arena being one. This venue, part of the Qiddiya giga-project, will have a huge capacity of 5,155 seats and feature the largest area of video screens in any eSports arena worldwide.
The arena will also include immersive 4D technologies, bringing something slightly different to the arena. This project aims to make Qiddiya a central attraction for gaming enthusiasts, which may help boost tourism.
Dundee, Scotland
The Dundee eSports Arena, with a capacity of 4,000 seats, is set to open in 2024. Located on the Dundee Waterfront, this £60 million project is part of a broader regeneration effort. The arena will host not just eSports events but also concerts and other live shows. It will also include educational facilities in partnership with Abertay University and Dundee & Angus College, boosting the local economy and creating job opportunities.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha is planning a $100 million improvement project, within which a new eSports arena will be built. This arena will be part of a larger complex called “The Intersections,” which aims to create a community hub for wellness and entertainment. The project is expected to start in 2024, enhancing the local infrastructure and providing a space for not just eSports competitions but community activities.
Conclusion
The development of these new arenas worldwide reflects the industry’s rapid growth. They are tapping into the demand for watching these events and the soft power they can have on a world stage. Another hope is that these arenas can become a cultural hub for community activity, where they can squeeze the most out of the facilities outside of the big events.
