Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company and Esports Entertainment Group (EEG) have entered a partnership that will bring esports to the Hall of Fame Village in Ohio.
As part of the deal EEG will become the official esports provider for, and operate a Helix Esports entertainment center in, the Hall of Fame Village.
The gaming complex will be used for competitions, tournaments and practice space.
It is set to open mid-2022.
The partnership will also expand EEG’s esports reach in Ohio, which may include the implementation of esports and fantasy sports betting. Sports betting is not currently legal in Ohio, but a bill currently under consideration could change that
Last month, this bill to legalize sports betting was passed to the state’s finance committee. The bill was first introduced in May.
“We are excited to work with HOFV to bring esports to the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls,” said Grant Johnson, CEO of EEG.
“This partnership places our brand in front of professional football fans globally and will place a Helix eSports center right in Canton.”
EEG’S gaming complex will feature 80 PCs, an Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, and advanced gaming equipment. It will also be used for educational STEM-related events.
“With the popularity of esports and its continued upwards trajectory, we are thrilled to partner with the highly respected EEG to offer fans a new state-of-the-art facility at the Village,” said Michael Crawford, president & CEO of the Hall of Fame Village.
“Having an EEG-powered esports complex as part of our development on campus adds another compelling opportunity for gaming enthusiasts and guests to engage in virtual environments as well as offering us the ability to draw in fans from all over the world – both in person and virtually – providing us with strategic growth opportunities within our company’s gaming vertical.”