They may not be playing on a grassy field in helmets or cleats, but that doesn't mean esports teams—comprised of competitive video gamers that might be playing popular games like Fortnite or Overwatch—have any less of a fandom. In fact, the global esports market size was worth $1.17 billion in 2021, and it's expected to reach $5.74 billion by 2030. Some destinations have already invested in the infrastructure to meet the demand with dedicated esports arenas.
But these turnkey, high-tech facilities are prime for non-esports events as well.
"I think it's an interesting market space right now with with other places looking at building esports venues," said John Sheldon, the director of live events at Full Sail University in the Orlando area. The university has a dedicated esports arena, Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress, that serves its collegiate esports team, Armada. "My No. 1 piece of advice to planners is to not get hung up on just the esports portion of [these facilities], but what else you can do with them."
Whether its fog machines, laser lights, state-of-the-art controls rooms and production studios, or the ease of high-quality live streaming, esports arenas are outfitted with unique features to keep an event high-tech.
Scroll to see active arenas around the world...
Esports Stadium Arlington + Expo Center | Arlington, Texas
They say everything is bigger in Texas—even the esports stadiums. Esports Stadium Arlington is considered the largest dedicated esports stadium in North America, clocking in at 100,000 square feet. Debuting in November 2018, the facility was custom built with esports in mind and is able to seat 2,500 spectators. But events of any kind can surely make use of the arena's 90-foot LED stage display, dedicated areas for socializing and shopping, and the Expo Hall. The Expo Hall is considered a blank canvas for any event, whether it's a corporate keynote or a national association trade show. The venue is designed for easy set-up and tear down and can handle significant electrical, utility, and communications needs. Esports Stadium Arlington is also located in the city's Entertainment District, so eventgoers are within walking distance of great restaurants, nightlife spots, and hotels.
Photo: Courtesy of Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress | Orlando, Fla.
It's no surprise that a university with degree programs that primarily focus on media, entertainment, arts, and tech would have a state-of-the-art esports arena. Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress debuted in May 2019 and is not only an event space, but a classroom as well. "We're a university first, so the approach was taken to not only make it super user friendly, but trainable too," said John Sheldon, Full Sail's director of live events. "Because we're training the next generation of people that will be working in this sector." Sheldon added that the facility—which has 10 million pixels of LED wall and can accommodate 500—has hosted all kinds of event as a multiuse venue, including community speaking engagements and breakfast functions for the university, plus galas, benefits, and guest lectures. The stage can be easily broken down and reconfigured. "It's one of those spaces that's beyond an esports facility," Sheldon said. "We have the ability to be super flexible and to handle those types of traditional events that event planners and spaces are used to holding."
Photo: Courtesy of Full Sail University
HyperX Arena | Las Vegas
Unsurprisingly, entertainment capital Las Vegas became an early leader on the esports stage, opening the HyperX Arena inside The Strip's Luxor Hotel and Casino in March 2018. The 30,000-square-foot, multilevel arena is designed to host a variety of competitive gaming events, from daily play to high-stakes esports tournaments. It features a competition stage, a 50-foot LED video wall, telescopic seating, PC and console gaming stations, and a high-tech production studio. The space is also fully brandable, able to incorporate custom lighting and printing. Along with the completely customizable and modular nature of the arena, planners can also make use of three private VIP rooms for smaller events. Curious to check it out in action? HyperX will transform its space into a huge watch party for Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023. Tables and VIP rooms also are available with reservations
Photo: Courtesy of Allied Esports
Fortress Melbourne | Melbourne, Australia
This Australian gaming and entertainment brand opened its first location, Fortress Melbourne, in March 2020 (it has plans to open a second in Sydney in Central Park Mall). The flagship Fortress is located in Melbourne's Emporium shopping center, and it offers a number of spaces for private events—including the Alienware Arena (pictured). The arena can accommodate up to 400 eventgoers and features a nearly 400-foot-wide screen, 200 fully retractable seats, an elevated stage, and a world-class production facility that can feed live broadcasts from 15 camera feeds. If you're looking to host a conference or trade show, though, The Hall is likely your best bet. Planners can clear the area for a cocktail setup or roll in seating to utilize up to 25 Alienware PCs and dual projectors. Other spaces on-site include The Tavern, a medieval-themed restaurant and bar with VIP booths; and the Sports Bar, which is adjacent to the Alienware Arena and is available for full buyouts.
Photo: Courtesy of Fortress
Tech Port Center + Arena | San Antonio, Texas
The $70 million Tech Port Center + Arena opened in May 2022, and it's considered a multipurpose technology arena that hosts esports competitions, conventions, conferences, concerts, and more. The 130,000-square-foot facility, managed by ASM Global, features high-impact exterior LED displays for messaging, wayfinding, advertising, branding, and sponsorships; plus a production studio with a control room that allows for live broadcasts from anywhere in the building. There are multiple private event areas too, and a food hall called "Tech Port Provisions"—featuring seven different local eateries from coffee to ramen to barbecue—as well as a full-service bar.
Photo: Courtesy of Tech Port Center + Arena
The Gaming Stadium | Vancouver
The Gaming Stadium is considered Canada's first dedicated esports arena, and it debuted in Richmond in June 2019. The company was started by gamers for gamers, and the facility features a 3,000-square-foot production and studio space, and broadcast-ready setups for any streaming service. Gaming equipment is naturally on hand for esports competitions, but the facility has been used for other gatherings like wrestling matches, family-friendly events, and an event for Vancouver Fashion Week. The facility is generally open to a variety of hosting opportunities, and its connection with young Vancouverites (including Gen Z and millenials) gives TGS a built-in audience for events that want to engage young people, even outside of esports and video games.
Photo: Courtesy of The Gaming Stadium
