The presence of esports in North Texas continues to grow.
RICHARDSON, Texas — read This article and other North Texas business news From our partners at Dallas Business Journal
The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson plans to spend $13 million to transform an existing building into an esports center.
According to planning documents filed with the state, the center will be 17,384 square feet over two stories. Construction is expected to be completed in December, according to the application, and an opening date has not been disclosed, but is expected to be in early 2025, according to UTD's website.
Although the information contained in Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings often includes preliminary details that are subject to change, such filings can serve as an early indicator of new construction. .
The existing building was the university's pub in UTD's dining area, a gathering space for students. Demolition in some areas is expected to begin in January or early February, according to the school's website.
UT Dallas said the new space will feature an open gaming lounge, multipurpose gaming area, broadcast and production space, and new dining options.
The University of Texas at Dallas added an esports team to its athletic department in 2018 as competitive, organized video gaming quickly became one of the fastest-growing entertainment events in the world.
UT Dallas maintains varsity esports teams in Overwatch, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. All varsity athletes are considered student-athletes and receive athletic benefits from their schools such as athletic scholarships, jerseys and uniforms, and priority class registration.
Although the university is relatively new, it is quickly becoming a top contender in collegiate esports. In 2021, the school's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team won his second national title, and by the end of the 2020-21 school year, the UTD Overwatch team ranked among the top eight esports teams in the country. Ta.
Although the center is under university ownership, it is not the first time an esports arena is based in North Texas.
Esports Stadium Arlington is the largest esports stadium in North America, opening in November 2018 and measuring 100,000 square feet. Construction cost was $10 million.
Esports Stadium Arlington hosted the third annual College Esports Commissioner's Cup tournament in May, attracting 64 collegiate esports teams from 50 schools across 14 conferences in the United States and Canada. The event attracted more than 3,000 of his fans, and an additional approximately 8,000 viewers watched the teams compete on online platforms.
