British Esports Opens Arena To Community Events

British Esports has opened its British Arena in Sunderland to community-led events and will support four events each year by giving organisers access to the venue. Three slots remain available to UK esports organisations, tournament organisers and other groups.

The first slot has been assigned to a special EPIC.LAN community event planned for 2027. British Esports will release more details about the event later.

Applicants can propose a LAN tournament, watch party, community gathering, awards show or launch event for an esports or video game project. The federation is also considering ideas based on growing games, smaller gaming communities or projects that support the development of UK esports.

Organisations can apply by emailing British Esports with a short proposal. The proposal should describe the event, explain why it should take place at the British Arena and set out how it could support the growth of esports in the UK.

The programme was announced during a panel at EPIC49 featuring British Esports and Ukie, the trade body for the UK games industry. The discussion covered national and government developments in esports and ways for community groups to participate.

Dave Martin, senior vice president at British Esports, told the panel: “We’re so pleased to have finally opened our doors at the British Arena. We feel this is a great way to say to the UK esports communities that we’re here, we have this premises, and we want to help you.”

Martin invited groups with “interesting gaming projects” to submit event proposals.

The British Arena covers 15,000 square feet in Sunderland, opposite the Stadium of Light, the home ground of Premier League club AFC Sunderland. The venue can host esports competitions, live music, comedy shows, private bookings, broadcasts, games industry events, sports events and conferences.

British Esports has also promoted three existing staff members to vice president roles. They will oversee the arena’s main operations and support the organisation’s growth.