Vue Entertainment and Gfinity launch UK’s first dedicated gaming arena in Fulham
ESports company Gfinity is to launch the UK’s first dedicated competitive gaming arena after striking a deal with Vue cinema to repurpose its Fulham multicomplex.
Recognising the growing interest in competive video gaming, the Gfinity Arena will house three custom-built stages, each capable of holding 600 spectators at any one time. Furthermore, the venue includes one of London’s largest digital screens.
The venue will offer up Fifa, Starcraft 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike and Call of Duty competitions during week nights.
Neville Upton, co-founder and chief executive officer of Gfinity, said: "This is a pivotal moment for Gfinity and an exciting time for everyone involved in eSports in the UK. We are delighted to have signed this exclusive agreement with Vue, a well-established international brand, to develop and launch the UK’s first and only dedicated eSports arena.
"The deal gives us excellent flexibility and ensures we can accommodate larger crowds as the boom in the popularity of eSports as a spectator sport continues to grow."
Kevin Styles, managing director UK and Ireland of Vue, added: "Vue prides itself on being at the forefront of cinema ensuring that we are an exciting and dynamic entertainment destination. This collaboration with Gfinity underlines this and heralds a new era for eSports in the UK.
"ESports has seen explosive growth both in the UK and throughout the world with popular events attended by thousands of fans and viewed by millions more online… we look forward to helping Gfinity deliver exciting live events that will lead the way for eSports in the UK and Europe."
The arena will open in March just in time to host the 2015 Gfinity Championships.