Sunderland will host a brand-new National Esports Arena in 2026
The British Esports Federation will oversee the multi-million-pound investment that will see Sunderland’s new Gaming and Esports Arena open its doors in 2026. This pioneering European facility, located adjacent to the National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC), will provide a high-level environment for events, training, and talent development in the northeast of England.
Innovative facility: Gaming and Esports Arena
The Sunderland Gaming and Esports Arena will span approximately 15,000 sq ², featuring a 200-seat theatre, a 17-metre LED screen, broadcast and editing studios, hospitality areas, and an outdoor space for activations. Additionally, the infrastructure has been designed to provide immersive experiences and high-level competitions, replicating the conditions of international tournaments. Therefore, the arena’s flexibility will enable it to host a wide range of events, from world championships to video game launches and music concerts, according to British Esports.
This versatility responds to the increasing demand for multifunctional spaces in the sector, enabling the organisation of a variety of event formats. Likewise, its strategic location next to reinforces its appeal to organisers and sponsors, consolidating the city as the epicenter of Esports in the United Kingdom.
Training and development at the Games and Esports Arena
The Games and Esports Arena will not only be the venue for major tournaments but also a training and education centre. The venue will allow professional players and students to practise under real competition conditions, with lighting, audiences and stages that simulate the pressure of significant events. In addition, students on programmes such as BTEC in Esports (Business and Technology Education Council) and university degrees will be able to participate in the organisation of tournaments and live broadcasts, gaining practical experience in key industry roles.
Collaboration with schools and colleges through the UK national esports body’s Student Championships expands the educational reach of the arena. Likewise, the integration of production studios and training rooms encourages the development of talent in areas such as broadcasting, coaching and event management. This commitment to comprehensive training reinforces the ‘s position as a leader in esports innovation and training, according to statements from the organisation.
Regional regeneration
The New National Esports Arena project is part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration plan, one of the most ambitious urban initiatives in the country. The investment, backed by a leading bank, will contribute to the creation of highly skilled jobs and attract international visitors, boosting the local economy. According to the leader of Sunderland City Council, the arena will consolidate the city’s reputation as ‘the home of Esports in the United Kingdom’. It will be a key driver of regional development.
In addition, its proximity to new housing, high-end offices and technological innovation centres, such as Nissan’s electric vehicle centre, positions Sunderland as a magnet for companies and professionals in the sector. Therefore, the synergy between the Gaming and Esports Arena and other urban projects will boost sustainable growth and economic diversification in the region.
NEPC and Gaming and Esports Arena: synergy for high-performance
The Gaming and Esports Arena will complement the National Performance Campus-NEPC, inaugurated in 2023, which has already hosted Esports World Cup champion teams and national teams in titles such as NBA 2K and Rocket League. The NEPC, with approximately 30,000 sq ft, offers intensive boot camp-style training facilities, gaming houses for 27 residents, educational suites, and cutting-edge technology from leading brands. This infrastructure has been key to the preparation of athletes and the organisation of high-profile events.
The combination of both spaces will allow the British Esports organisation to consolidate its vision of a comprehensive campus for athlete development, hosting top-level events and fostering entrepreneurship in the sector. In addition, the flexibility of use of the new arena ensures its sustainability and ability to generate long-term value, benefiting both the local community and the global Esports industry.
