An Esports Arena has been in the works for some time in Las Vegas, via the Luxor Casino property. Last year it was announced that MGM Resorts International and Allied Esports had created a new partnership to bring the unique gaming venue to Sin City. Now it has been announced that the new sports venue will be opening in just over two months.
Once a nightclub, the former Luxor LAX is being transformed into the first permanent esports venue on the Las Vegas Strip. The new Esports Arena Las Vegas is set to open on March 22nd, featuring a series of gaming events, including an invite-only live streamed tournament that will last for several days.
Once the Esports Arena is completed, it will encompass 30,000 square feet of space and include a 50-foot light-emitting diode video wall. A production studio will be located onsite with telescopic seating for those in attendance. Jose Andres, a celebrity chef, will be providing the food and beverage selection of the venue.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of the new Esports Arena, Tyler Enders, said that the venue will probably be selling day passes to the public for $20 per person. However, the final price has yet to be set. Gaining access to events or taking part as a competitor will have an additional fee.
Enders also reportedly stated that individual events will have national and local sponsorship’s which will help to push prices of tickets down. Gamers will also have the advantage of enjoying Luxor amenities.
The overall goal is to see Nevada become a hub for the video gaming industry as it converges with casino gaming. Regulators in the state approved skill-based gaming rules two years ago which led to an increase in esports competitions as well as betting on the outcome of esport games. The International Gaming Institute of UNLV opened the first esports lab in 2016, not long after regulators approved the industry.