The ambition and design for the Dundee esports arena is for nothing short of world class.
That’s the statement from the operator and architects as new images for the Waterfront arena are revealed.
Operator Northern Lights Arena Europe (NLAE) hopes to open the arena in 2024. The plans are for a capacity of 4,000 seats.
NLAE said the arena, beside Slessor Gardens, will be “Europe’s first truly digital enabled arena space”.
Esports is sports competitions using computer games. Teams often competing for multi-million pound prize pots in the rapidly growing sport.
A four day esports contest is taking place at Dundee Contemporary Arts in November.
The images show the solar-powered building will be covered in glass with a huge external screen.
Inside giant screens will broadcast the action as esports teams compete.
Esports in Dundee A ‘world class’ experience
Lord Michael Grade, chairman of NLAE, said: “We are very excited to be able to share new concept images of our proposed arena at Dundee waterfront.
“As well as creating jobs and boosting the local tourism industry, the arena would create a world-class experience for esports fans, both in Dundee and virtually.”
The new concept images are by Scottish firms Holmes Miller and ADP Architecture.
Holmes Miller has worked on the Scottish Event Campus (formerly SECC) in Glasgow. It has decades of experience in the arenas and stadium sector.
ADP Architecture associate Umesh Luharia said: “We envisage this to be a landmark building.
“It will bring new degree courses, jobs and benefits to the community whilst committing to deliver a low energy carbon building for the city.
“The initial concept for the building is to physically reflect the integrated technology of the digital arena and its function into the architecture.”
Focus on education in emerging esports sector
Along with being a home to the world’s top gamers, the arena will provide local education facilities.
NLAE is working in partnership with Abertay University and Dundee & Angus College to integrate state-of-the-art classrooms, professional arena operations and esports teams.
Former BBC chairman Mr Grade said: “Education is at the heart of our mission.
“We are partnering with Abertay University and Dundee & Angus College to build on their gaming curriculum, in order to provide life-long skills and digital fluency to students in Dundee.”
Esports arena makes Dundee a ‘trailblazer’
NLAE has an exclusivity agreement with Dundee City Council.
Council leader John Alexander said there was “clear momentum” in the city with the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc and Eden Project as well as the esports arena.
He said: “The latest images from NLAE offer another glimpse into what could be an incredible project that positions Dundee as a trailblazer in this sector.
“I’m really excited to hear more about their plans and how these will move forward in the coming months.
“Dundee is demonstrating how a small city can make big waves. We are making our elbows felt.”
