British Esports has announced a new 15,000 sq ft national esports and gaming arena in Sunderland, marking a major step forward for the UK’s competitive gaming scene.
The venue — located beside the Stadium of Light and next to the National Esports Performance Campus — is set to open by March 2026. Once operational, it will act as the UK’s first true esports hub, designed to host everything from World Cup-level competitions to Olympic-scale events.
A Huge Boost for UK Esports
Sunderland City Council hailed the project as a “fantastic addition” to the region’s fast-growing digital and gaming sector. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025, putting the UK on track to rival international esports hubs like Seoul, Los Angeles, and Shanghai.
Inside the Arena: What Fans Can Expect
The flagship esports arena will feature:
- 🎮 200-seat esports theatre for live competitions
- 🖥️ 56ft-wide LED screen for immersive viewing experiences
- 🎙️ Broadcast, content, and editing studios for global streaming
- 🛍️ Retail and hospitality zones for fans and visitors
- 🏆 Training & education hub to nurture future UK esports talent
British Esports’ Vision for the Future
Andy Payne OBE, Chairman of British Esports, described the project as the “St George’s Park of esports”, referencing football’s elite training center.
“We could host a publisher’s game launch, a worldwide esports tournament, a training and performance center, or even a music event on any given day,” Payne said.
The arena is a key milestone in British Esports’ mission to develop grassroots talent, support rising athletes, and establish the UK as a global leader in esports.
