New Esports Facility Slated to Open in Sandusky

Cedar Fair is preparing to launch the first phase of its new esports facility at the Cedar Point Sports Center in Sandusky, Ohio.

Known as Cedar Point Esports, the facility’s first phase is a 1,000-square-foot space with a state-of-the-art gaming area including 32 competitive gaming stations and multimedia video displays.

Opening in May, the venue will be able to broadcast and produce livestreams and content, and the video displays will connect for larger events.

“Cedar Fair’s long-term strategy is focused on delivering immersive entertainment experiences that differentiate our parks and create an environment where guests want to come back again and again,” said Richard Zimmerman, president and CEO of Cedar Fair.

“The opening of the Cedar Point Sports Center in 2017 was consistent with this strategy and has proved to be a huge draw for amateur sports teams and other large groups.

“Given the booming popularity of competitive gaming, we believe there is an opportunity to tap into its rapid worldwide growth, while providing a natural tie-in to all that Cedar Point has to offer.”

Cedar Fair is partnering with North Coast Entertainment (NCE) to develop and operate the esports venue. In the project’s future phases, Cedar Fair plans to add F&B and a larger competitive space.

Growth of competitive gaming

“We believe Cedar Point Esports will be the region’s premier destination for daily video game play, highly anticipated competitive gaming events and tournaments, and gaming-related experiences,” said Scott Norcross, an esports industry veteran and the founder and CEO of NCE.

Per a statement from Cedar Fair, global revenue from competitive gaming was estimated at nearly $1.4 billion in 2022. Esports has an approximate audience of more than 530 million people across the globe.

Two out of three Americans are gamers, with 75 percent of those between 18 and 34 years old.