Esports competitions are creating a digital splash in the events sector, bringing in close to $1 billion worldwide and showing no signs of slowing down. Hosting an esports tournament is a terrific opportunity to grow your brand and get into a cutting-edge market because large-scale event bookings are already down for 2021.

Esports competitions may run from a few hours to several days, and they are strongly reliant on technology, thus choosing the right site is crucial in this event industry. For your next event to be gamer ready, read on to learn about crucial venue criteria for esports.

12 criteria for an effective esports event location

1. Extra space

The era of two teams of five players each congregating in a room to engage in video game combat is long gone. The venue has to be big enough to hold a crowd since some of the largest esports live events had attendance numbers of more than 100,000 people. Nobody likes a fan invading their personal space during stressful periods of play, therefore a tiny arena will make the players feel uneasy.

On the other hand, selecting a location that is too big for an esports competition might provide its own set of challenges. There will be irritation in the audience as spectators struggle to see the action. (Or much worse, monotony.) Attendees may decide to watch the competition from home the following time if they don’t feel near to the “live” action.

Common esports arena types that may accommodate players of different sizes:

• places specifically for esports
• Cinemas, Convention Centers
• tiny arenas
• Dedicated sports arenas
• shopping centres

New, renovated, and freshly built specialised facilities are springing up all around. The biggest dedicated esports venue in North America, Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is open for events. Additionally, many movie theatres are being transformed into esports venues.

Check some fantastic esports venues.

2. Select a site that is central.

You are aware that one of the key determinants of event attendance is the venue’s location. Avoid choosing an off-the-beaten-track location. Since many of your participants and spectators likely lack driving privileges, they will depend on parent drop-offs or public transit. Some parents may even be hesitant to transport their children to a distant location, much alone leave them there for a competition that lasts all day.

Older gamers are more likely to attend events in or near large cities or popular tourist destinations, where they might use the occasion as an excuse to take a holiday.

No of the size of your audience, choose a site that is accessible by public transit and has lots of free parking for guests who must leave their automobiles for extended periods of time.

3. The required authorization

The same copyright regulations that apply to other audiovisual works also apply to video games. Publishers and creators have the right to consent to (or object to) the usage of their games in open competitions. However, due to the events’ expanding popularity, the majority of publishers now sell licences to esports tournament organisers and outside leagues; after all, it’s a way for them to make money and market their games

Contact the software provider well in advance to inform them of the event and confirm you have the necessary authorizations to play the games. This will help guarantee a smooth tournament day.

4. Support and technology that is gamer-ready

Unsurprisingly, having a reliable and stable power supply as well as a backup plan in case the power goes out is one of the most important needs for any esports arena. There will be a tremendous quantity of electrical equipment that you must put up. Additionally, the power source might be used by hundreds of visitors to charge their computers. Imagine a movie theatre that has been converted into an esports arena. To allow for player plug-ins, the space must accommodate power strips along each row.

The last thing you need is 1,000 spectators and participants waiting around while the power is down. If the venue has an A/V person—a plus when choosing a location—talk to them in advance about your requirements and worries. Consider employing your own A/V specialist if your venue doesn’t have one already.

Additionally, you must ensure that the technology encourages social interaction. This may entail a single huge screen where participants’ laptop games would broadcast. Or, huge displays for professional gamer esports events. Attendees will choose to skip the event the following time if there is no clear view of the live gaming.

5.The appropriate Internet connection.

Although it comes under “game-ready technology,” the following merits special mention: There must be high-speed broadband internet at your facility. The internet connection has to be powerful enough to accommodate the large number of players playing at once in one location.

Slow connections will not only annoy the players, but they will also soon lose the attention of viewers, both live viewers and those watching at home on Twitch or YouTube. This will quickly damage your reputation. Never undervalue the negative buzz that devoted gamers will create if they are unable to watch or stream their favourite event.

6. A layout created for participants and spectators (Guide: How to Create an Event Planning Checklist)

While some esports competitions feature amateur players, others attract top players and resemble important team athletic events. The check-in area has to be big enough to accommodate everyone. Streamline guest arrivals by using an event check-in app, and make sure personnel is there to guide the throng and assist with any technical difficulties.

Your facility must be adaptable enough to enable seats for both team configurations and individual players within the main playing area. This often entails modifying the seating arrangements for players or including risers and stages in your event structure.

Additionally, you’ll need plenty of spectator space and a seating arrangement that promotes clear views. You may design layouts that fit any room, but auditorium and theatre seating are perfect for esports. Don’t forget to reserve seats so that participants who have been eliminated from tournament-style events may see the rest of the game.

Massive LED panels and digital leaderboards will be present in specialised esports stadiums so that everyone can view the action and the score. If not, ensure sure there is enough room at the location. To avoid any surprises, plan a site visit with your A/V provider.

The layout may be made using your event planning programme. Keep in mind to clear routes to high-traffic areas like food and beverage, bathrooms, and game sign-up desks and to keep game play areas free of visitors. You and your group may identify sightline issues with the aid of a 3D tour.

7. Creating welcoming areas outside of the digital “arena”

Even players need time away from their screens. This is especially significant for spectators in casual tournaments and for players’ friends. These non-digital suggestions are for your esports event:

An old-fashioned bar where fans may unwind and enjoy a cocktail or mocktail (keep in mind that your attendance may include plenty of guests under 21).

a band or DJ who plays breaks and background music.

a recreation area where players of air hockey, pool, and ping-pong may congregate.

a place where fans may shop for gaming and esports-related products.

culinary items reminiscent of a carnival, such cotton candy, corn dogs, soft pretzels, and movie theatre popcorn.

You want spectators to have a “wow” experience, whether they are attending an esports competition for the first time or have gone to every event in the nation.

8.Accessibility

The majority of locations offer designated parking spaces, accessible ramps, and elevators, but you should always double-check that locations adhere to accessibility standards. Consider using an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for the deaf at major events. No matter what their specific demands are, everyone who wants to watch an esports competition should have complete access to the same experience.

9. Knowledgeable staff

The players that compete in esports events range in skill from amateurs to seasoned professionals, and those who compete in Fortnite and Minecraft games tend to be younger gamers. To assist attendees with setup, respond to queries during the event, and resolve problems, you’ll need tech-savvy employees.

You may also require event workers to record time and score, aid with check-in, send players and spectators to the appropriate places, or help with F&B sales, depending on the size of the audience. You could even need an event organiser or emcee. The crew at dedicated esports venues will be knowledgeable, but you’ll need to add temporary employees to the budget for standalone locations.

10. Meals and beverages

Renting a location where these things are prohibited is not a good idea. During an all-day event, players and spectators will get hungry and thirsty. You don’t want them to become agitated due to hunger. Additionally, you don’t want them to leave the gathering to get food. If the location doesn’t provide food and drink, you may either arrange for visits from well-known food trucks scheduled to coincide with breaks or engage a catering firm to supply snacks (which you can include in the cost of the event).

11. Clear safety protocols and security

Many venues’ safety regulations have evolved along with how the world operates. Does the location have security personnel to watch after the attendees and the priceless equipment brought in for use at your tournament? Plan to recruit your own if not. If you anticipate a large gathering, notify neighbourhood law enforcement and fire services in addition to your security personnel

12. Experience with Esports events

Given that the esports sector is a relatively new one, this could be difficult to locate. However, choosing a location where a few esports competitions have already taken place will make planning much simpler. Many of the kinks that arise with an event of this complexity and reliance on technology will have been worked out during those earlier events. During the screening process, it’s a good idea to look over how venues handled esports problems.

Your esports venue specifications have been made simpler

Find out next how to entice event sponsors that your attendees will adore. Or, find out how to plan your next event using the newest AR and VR technology.

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