$30M Chicago esports arena being considered for Near South Side

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago city planners are set to review a proposal Thursday for a new $30 million arena on the Near South Side.

The venue would be used for esports, where professional video game players compete.
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The proposed building would occupy more than 100,000 square feet, and it would be able to host more than 1,000 people.

RELATED: Illinois Institute of Technology adds more esports scholarships as coronavirus pandemic jumpstarts interest


"Surge" Esports Stadium would be located in the 2500-block of South Wabash Avenue. The proposal for the arena was put in front of the Chicago Plan Commission by a company called Smash Interactive.
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The Chicago Park District's first esports tournament took place in December.

The COVID-19 pandemic has jumpstarted interest in esports.