RICHARDSON, Texas — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal
The University of Texas at Dallas, located in Richardson, has plans to transform an existing building into an esports center with a $13 million renovation.
According to a planning document filed with the state, the center will span 17,384 square feet across two stories. The filing says construction is expected to wrap up in December and although an opening date was not disclosed, early 2025 is what is planned, according to the UTD website.
Information found in Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filings often includes preliminary details that are subject to change, but such filings can be useful early indicators of new construction.
The existing building was the university’s former Pub at UTD dining area, a gathering space for students. Demolition of select areas were 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, a multipurpose gaming area, broadcast and production space, and a new eatery.
UT Dallas added an esports team to its athletic department in 2018 as competitive, organized video gaming was quickly turning into 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 players are considered student-athletes and receive athletic benefits from the school, including an athletic scholarship, a jersey and uniform, and priority class registration.
Even though the university is a relative newcomer, it's fast becoming a top competitor in college esports. In 2021, the school's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate team captured its 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.
Although the center is under the university’s ownership, this is not the first time an esports arena has found a home in North Texas.
Esports Stadium Arlington, the largest esports stadium in North America, opened in November 2018 and spans 100,000 square feet. The cost of construction was $10 million.
Esports Stadium Arlington hosted the third annual College Esports Commissioners Cup tournament in May for 64 collegiate esports teams from 50 schools across 14 conferences in America and Canada. The event attracted more than 3,000 fans and roughly 8,000 more viewers watched the teams compete on online platforms.
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