A former nightclub becomes the Las Vegas Strip’s first dedicated Esports arena
By David Malone, Associate Editor
Esports Arena Las Vegas officially opened on March 26 at the Luxor Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The 30,000 sf, multi-level arena is the first dedicated Esports Arena on the Las Vegas Strip.
(See BD+C's January 2018 report on the rise of Esports facilities.)
Allied Esports, Esports Arena, Luxor, and YWS Design & Architecture joined forces to transform the space, a former nightclub, into the flagship venue with a network TV-quality production studio that includes 24 cameras and HARMAN Professional Solutions; a two-story, 50-foot LED TV wall; a vintage video game cocktail bar; five luxury VIP lounges; telescopic seating; and a gamer-inspired menu created by Chef José Andrés.
Barring a ticketed event, the public can enter the space for free. The arena has over 100 gaming stations with PCs and consoles that can be used after purchasing an all-day gaming pass for $25. The first floor of the arena will be home to complimentary vintage arcade cabinets such as Pac-Man, Street Fighter, and Golden Tee. A VR gaming space, complete with a VR treadmill pad, will also be included. In addition to the daily gaming available to everyone, the arena will host tournaments pitting the world’s top competitors in a variety of games against each other for a chance to win cash prizes.
Andrew Woodward competes onstage during the Smite Match at Esports Arena Las Vegas. Courtesy Esports Arena Las Vegas.
A History of Gaming exhibit allows visitors to play some of the most popular and beloved games across eight generations of consoles. The exhibit is equipped with a 360-degree video wall and a custom-built gaming controller chandelier.
Esports Arena plans to announce 10-15 new dedicated Esports arena locations in North America over the next few years.
