Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Feature Story
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
      • Bid Bowl Listings
      • Submission Form
        • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2022 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Latest News > Survey: Cities and Venues Want More Esports Events

Survey: Cities and Venues Want More Esports Events

The new study by CSL and Esports Entry Advisory reports positive experiences from past events

Posted On : July 16, 2020 By : Jason Gewirtz
Andrew “Andinster” Woodward of Spacestation Gaming competes onstage during the Smite match at Esports Arena Las Vegas’ grand opening

Results of a new survey of destinations and venues reveal a high interest in hosting live esports events, and a desire from those that have already hosted such events to stage even more.

The “Assessment of Esports in the Travel and Event Sectors” survey, conducted by Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) and the Esports Entry Advisory, was conducted among 35 destination marketing organizations and 25 venues across the United States. Participants were asked to gauge their interest in the esports event industry and their experience in hosting events in an effort to prepare themselves and other destinations to host more events in the future.

The results showed a strong appetite for destinations and venues to learn more about esports. They also demonstrate a track record of success in terms of room nights and attendance for those that have already hosted events. The survey also reveals the potential for new venues or renovations of existing venues that could better accommodate esports events as well.

“It’s really indicative of an industry that’s still young,” said Tyler Othen, project manager with CSL, who conducted the survey and leads the consulting firm’s esports practice. “And people as they host these events and get more familiar with them, they start to see that potential.”

Among the report’s findings:

  • 88 percent of convention and visitors bureaus—and 79 percent of venues—said they had a “strong” or “highly significant” interest in hosting esports events once public gatherings are considered to be safe again.
  • 85 percent of destinations that have hosted an esports event said they would like to host more.
  • 71 percent of destinations said they have staff members researching the esports industry or considering researching the industry.
  • 78 percent of venues that have hosted esports events ranked attendance with a high or very high rating and more than half applied the same ratings to the number of hotel room nights generated from those events.

To see the full survey results, click here.

A Desire to Host

Othen said the survey was conducted because cities are asking more questions about how to host esports events and how they differ from typical sports events. “Everybody knows it’s out there and they’re trying to host these events,” he said. “But there’s very little trading of thought about how these events actually work.”

The survey results show that cities and venues that have hosted events have a desire to host more. According to the results, 38 percent of venues surveyed had already hosted an esports event, while 41 percent of destinations said they had experience hosting esports events as well. Of those with experience, the vast majority said they would be interested in hosting again, with many citing positive results in event attendance and room-night generation.

But there are also challenges as well. Many reported that internet and production costs can be relatively high and organizers typically require more flexible food and beverage policies, including access to food trucks or pop-up vendors. Among the challenges were marketing to a new attendee base that may not be reachable through the usual channels.

In addition, over 30 percent of venues survey doubted or did not know if they had the technology to host an esports event, suggesting more education may be necessary about the requirements.

Cities Begin Mobilizing

While destinations are getting more sophisticated in their approach to esports, Othen noted some are taking a comprehensive approach to their esports efforts. Kansas City, for example, has formed an esports coalition led by the local sports commission that also includes leaders of the local esports scene. Raleigh, North Carolina, has also taken a similar approach in an effort to secure events by engaging elements of its community, including its medical professionals, in an effort to attract esports teams and events.

“The blueprint that a lot of cities are showing is creating commissions or special councils either under the umbrella of their sports commission or CVB,” Othen said. “But they’re bringing in those tech companies and the heads of esports grass-roots communities in their area to give them a voice to see what they’re looking for and how can we help you develop events and attract events. Some cities are starting to get those people to the table. But in speaking to a lot of DMOs, many of them are still trying to wrap their heads around who to contact first.”

Opportunities Ahead for Venues

Othen said opportunities may eventually exist for the development of more esports-specific venues. For now, though, destinations are redeveloping existing space to accommodate esports events. Several cities are making that investment including South Bend, Indiana, which is converting portions of its convention center into new esports-specific space for competition and social interaction.

The investment of new technology infrastructure in an existing venue to accommodate esports events or the creation of dedicated studio space for esports events, for example, may also prove advantageous in the post-COVID world, where an emphasis on virtual meetings or hybrid events will become even more important.

“In our convention practice we’re starting to talk with clients about adding a broadcast studio or production studio along with built in-cameras for some of their meeting rooms or in their pre-function areas,” Othen said. “We’ve talked about the reinvention of that area. Is there a way to take a portion of your concourse area and partially enclose it to create this intimate space? There’s a lot of potential there.”

Filling a Gap

Among the information collected in the survey was how esports events have fit into the overall event schedule for venues. In many cases, esports events have provided short-term filler business, as esports organizers tend to book their events several months out as opposed to several years out.

“A lot of venues were filling in three- to six-month booking windows with esports events,” Othen said. “Usually that window is banquets or luncheons. Because of how esports operate, (organizers) are more than happy to schedule something three months in advance.”

Othen said as the industry matures, that window will no doubt extend to a longer time period. But cities, he said, are often finding esports as an attractive new business regardless.

“A lot of the comments we received (in the survey) were that this is new, and it diversifies our mix,” he said. “It’s a new, attractive piece of business.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Esports, Hosts & Suppliers, Latest NewsTagged : CSL,esports,Esports Entry Advisory,Tyler Othen

Post navigation

Illinois Venue Renamed to NOW Arena
2022 Transplant Games Heading to San Diego

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

sportstravel

TEAMS Europe is a wrap! The launch of our TEAMS Co TEAMS Europe is a wrap! The launch of our TEAMS Conference in the UK at the ExCeL in London was an astounding success. And we were delighted to have Lord Sebastian Coe as our keynote on the 10-year anniversary of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. Special thanks to all our speakers and the HMS Belfast for a memorable opening night. Can’t wait for the next one and for our U.S. event, October 24-27, 2022, in Oklahoma City!
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a deep dive on The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a deep dive on the new @sports_eta State of the Industry report, detailing how fast the industry recovered in 2021. Hear from Al Kidd and Jennifer Stoll on what that recovery looked like and take away lessons from the data that you can use to advocate for the importance of the industry.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

#podcast #sportspodcast #research #sports #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #economicimpact
SportsTravel recently was able to take a look arou SportsTravel recently was able to take a look around The Podium, a world-class indoor track and field facility completed in 2021 in @spokanesports and @visitspokane. The venue has already hosted the USA Track and Field indoor championships in February 2002 and will host the 2002 USA Karate National Championships later this summer. While currently able to host other events such as local high school graduations by covering up the track plus karate, volleyball and more, indoor track and field is what makes the Podium stand out from the crowd. In its inaugural season, the complex hosted 13 events that totaled 9,867 room nights and had an estimated economic impact of more than $15.3 million dollars.
SportsTravel was able recently to go behind the sc SportsTravel was able recently to go behind the scenes at #Gonzaga University in @spokanesports and @visitspokane. Opened in 2004, the 6,000 seat McCarthey Athletic Center, known as “The Kennel,” has been sold out for every men’s basketball game since the building opened. The facility includes state of the art locker rooms and coaching office suites for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. The event level includes the men’s and women’s locker rooms, athletic administrative offices, the Herak Club Room and more. The concourse level of houses men’s and women’s basketball coaching offices, six luxury suites and concessions stands. 

#gozags #basketball #sportstravel #spokane
With its prime location near many of the most impo With its prime location near many of the most important business hubs in the northeast, Ocean City is ready to host your sports events. Northside Park, Ocean City’s largest and most popular park facility, is well-suited for sporting activities, thanks to its impressive array of facilities, which include walking and jogging paths, three lighted softball/baseball fields, a lighted soccer field, a multipurpose sports field and even a fishing lagoon. Concession stands, two piers and a gazebo add to the venue’s appeal. Groups can also make use of a 14,200-square-foot gymnasium, complete with kitchen, community room, conference room and a sports annex with a 21,000-square-foot arena.
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a talk with Aja The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a talk with Ajay Nwosu, the CEO of USA Teqball, on the emerging sport, its Olympic dreams and his own introduction to the activity that combines soccer and table tennis. Learn more about a sport with big ambitions for the world stage.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

@teqballusnf @teqball #teqball #podcast #sportspidcast #olympics #sports #emergingsports
SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at t SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, presented by Collegiate Sports Management Group, EsportsU and Skillshot Media at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. More than 400 collegiate players from all over the country competed with more than 2,000 attendees. #CECCAtlanta2022 #esportsindustry
SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach vo SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach volleyball championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama. @gsob_sportsandevents is a partnership among Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, the organization became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the GSOB Sports & Events – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality athletic and leisure events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

#GSOBsports
#GSOBsportsandevents
#GulfShores
#orangebeach
Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat wi Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat with Scott Howson, president of @theahl about how the hockey league survived the pandemic and what competition and events look like on the other side. We also explore his journey from player to executive.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hockey #hockeypodcast #AHL #sports #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary o SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary of issue one this year. We recently caught up on the SportsTravel Podcast with magazine founder Tim Schneider to talk about the origin of the publication, what those early days were like and where the industry is headed next.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

#podcast #sportspodcast #sports #sportstourism #sportstravel #magazine #magazineindustry #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation with @julius_journeys of @marriotthotels on the company’s @ncaa sponsorship and activation at the recent Women’s Final Four in Minneapolis. We also delve into his take on how sports have helped the travel industry recover. 

Take a listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hotelindustry #sportssponsorship #basketball #womensbasketball #womensfinalfour @meetminneapolis
ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-l ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-listen with Tom Cove, the president and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, where we go into which sports are trending up and which are trending down when it come to participation. More important, we explore what sports organizations and destinations should do depending where those trends are going.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for sponsoring this episode!

@thesfia @myrtlebeachconventioncenter #podcast #sportspodcast #sports  #research #data #sportsparticipation #youthsports #pickleball #pickleballpodcast #sportsresearch
Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was one of the first major sporting events that went away because of COVID-19. This year’s #BNPPO22 crowds have roared on some of #tennis’ biggest stars including Rafael #Nadal and more. With COVID restrictions recently lifted in California and a vaccine mandate in place, attendance over the middle weekend of the tournament—which runs through March 20—was close to 75 percent of its biggest years. Here is a look around the grounds at what a return to normalcy in the sports world looks like (fingers crossed). Saturday’s tight three-set match between Nadal and up-and-coming young American Sebastian Korda drew a close-to-capacity crowd and something that hasn’t been heard in awhile—legions of screaming fans, while the outer courts at the appropriately named @indianwellstennisgarden are a popular spot. Doubles action between John Isner and Jack Sock of the U.S. and Nick Kyrios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia was a popular draw on Stadium 2 but those not inside the stadiums can still watch the action on big screens on the lawn outside. Organizers of the @bnpparibasopen are happy to welcome fans back to what they call “Tennis Paradise."
College basketball is full of venues that reflect College basketball is full of venues that reflect the community teams play in and one such place is the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. Since it opened in 1966, the Reilly Center has served as the focal point on @bonnies_mbb and @bonnies_wbb game nights not only for the campus community but throughout the region. In 2016, ESPN selected it as the most difficult place for opponents to play in the Atlantic 10 and one of the top 10 such venues in the nation. In the summer of 2007, a state-of-the-art floor was installed and named "Bob Lanier Court" in honor of the 1970 @stbonaventureuniversity  graduate, All-American and Basketball Hall of Famer. Tuesday’s win over Rhode Island was in front of just under 4,000 fans in an atmosphere that sounded like twice as many people were there.
NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and wome NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and women’s basketball tournaments tipping off this week, we sit down with Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams to learn why the event has moved to Baltimore after years in Charlotte, the importance of ancillary events to the festivities and the pace of DEI efforts in collegiate sports hiring. Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major #podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @marylandsportscommission for sponsoring this episode!

#sportspodcast #ciaa #basketball #collegebasketball #sportstourism #sportstravel @visitbmore #baltimore #maryland #hbcu #hbcubasketball
The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its k The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its kind on a college campus with tens of thousands every season coming to watch stars such as Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Derrick Coleman and 2003 NCAA champions Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara. The Dome has hosted five NCAA East Regional since 2000 and also hosts SU's football team, the 11-time NCAA champion men's lacrosse team, the women's lacrosse squad and the women's basketball team. It’s iconic dome structure has been replaced with a more modern look in recent years. Saturday’s crowd saw the Orange beat Boston College 76-56.
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu Upson, CEO of @usapickleball. We discuss what’s behind the phenomenon that SFIA says is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, the status of pickleball venues and the landscape for events.

Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. And special thanks to @playacsports for sponsoring this episode!

#pickleball #podcast #podcasts #sportspodcast #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportstourism #sportstravel
SportsTravel was excited to be on hand for today’s historic opening of the new @usabmx headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue includes office space for the NGB but even more importantly a world-class arena and a permanent home for the BMX Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage at SportsTravelMagazine.com.

#bmx #tulsa @visittulsa @tulsasportscommission #ngb #cycling
As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebra As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebrations of hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a public exhibition of sports including curling and biathlon was held outside along with pin trading, music and a climbing wall. Nearby at the @teamusa USA house with graphics designed by @infinite_scale, dignitaries and Olympic supporters from around the area gathered to watch the action from Beijing. Part of the afternoon included a visit from Senator Mitt Romney, who was part of the 2002 SLC leadership along with Fraser Bullock, with both speaking to a crowd that included Olympic legend Eric Heiden.
What does this robot bartender have anything to do What does this robot bartender have anything to do with the Olympic Winter Games? It’s one of the many quirky aspects of being in the “closed loop.” Visit SportsTravelMagazine.com for Lisa Delpy Neirotti’s inside look at what life is like in the loop.

#beijing #beijing2022 #robot #bartender @gwsportmngt #olympics
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • USA Fencing Welcomes Phil Andrews as CEO
  • New in COVID and Sports: Surge in Positives Cause Concern at Wimbledon
  • The Old Course at St. Andrews Readies For the 150th Open Championship
  • USL Summer Showcase Schedules Louisville Fan Activations
  • USA Luge Appoints Lauren Howe to Communications Manager
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2022 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top