Arlington, Texas is jumping on the eSports bandwagon, announcing plans for a 100,000-square-foot eSports arena in the city’s entertainment district.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams announced the venture with Esports Venues, LLC, during a news conference at the Arlington Convention Center, which would provide space for eSports Stadium Arlington.
“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,” Williams said. “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.”
The project is a collaboration between the city, architecture firm Populous, Esports Venues, and NGAGE Esports. The stadium will be managed by NGAGE Esports.
The city and Esports Venues plans to invest $10 million into the city convention center to transform space there into a stadium that offers the most immersive spectator experience in the live eSports event market, officials said in a press release.
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 release said.
The stadium would feature a major competition event space, gaming, retail and social spaces, VIP hospitality, a broadcast studio and team training areas.
