SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Point is expanding its footprint into the world of Esports.
Opening this May, officials say the first phase of Cedar Point Esports features “a state-of-the-art, full-service gaming area with the capability to broadcast and produce livestreams and content.”
Centralized in the venue will be 32 competitive gaming setups against the backdrop of multimedia video displays that have the flexibility to connect for larger events.
“Top-tier professional gaming stations and equipment will be utilized throughout the first phase for practice, competition and extra-curricular play,” according to Cedar Fair.
Company officials say the vision is to create Northern Ohio’s premier immersive gaming experience for leagues, camps and clinics.
“The facility also can serve as a practice venue for local high school and collegiate esports teams,” the company said.
This initial phase will serve as the gateway from the existing Cedar Point Sports Center outside of the amusement park on Cleveland Road to the upcoming larger phase two expansion.
“Future plans for the development are likely to include food, beverage and a larger competitive space.”
Cedar Fair is partnering with North Coast Entertainment to develop and run the esports location.
“Esports is the competitive side of the rapidly growing electronic gaming industry,” according to a press release. “Global revenue from competitive gaming was estimated at nearly $1.4 billion last year, with double-digit growth year-over-year and an estimated audience of more than 530 million people worldwide. Two out of three Americans are gamers, with 75 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 years old. The average time spent gaming is more than six hours per week.”
Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous Cedar Point story on Jan. 9, 2023.