27 Nov 2018
Populous-designed "epicentre for esports" opens its doors in Texas
BY Andrew Manns
Esports Stadium Arlington, the largest video gaming stadium in North America, has opened in Texas.
Designed by international architecture firm Populous and built by Shawmut Design and Construction, the new 100,000 sq ft (929 sq m) facility features eight tea rooms, a player lounge, and a competition space amplified by surround sound.
The venue, which will be able to accommodate up to 2,500 people, will also utilise broadcasting technology supplied by Grass Valley systems, allowing international competitors to engage in real-time.
Commenting on the opening, Jeff Williams, mayor of Arlington said: "With Esports Stadium Arlington, we have positioned ourselves as both a national and international leader in the emerging esports industry. The opportunity to provide jobs combined with growing tourism is phenomenal."
"This esports stadium will transform the Arlington Convention Center and position the city as the epicentre for esports in the heart of North America," explained Brian Mirakian, senior principal at Populous.
"The energy in the venue, being able to feel the excitement and pulse of the game and having the ability to powerfully connect players and fans signifies a new era for esports."
The launch is a major development in the eSports market, which – according to Statista – is expected to generate global revenues of US$1.6bn (€1.4bn, £1.2bn) by 2020.
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