Esports competitions are presenting a "new way to make money and fill up hotels and restaurants" for cities in North Texas, and they are also a way to "get exposure for the cities by putting them in front of fans who attend in person and stream from afar," according to Melissa Repko of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. The city of Allen announced it will "host the first-ever home matches" for the Overwatch League's Dallas Fuel in April. Arlington also has hosted several esports events after spending $10M on a "dedicated esports stadium" and is currently "discussing naming rights with some Fortune 500 companies." Last summer, Ft. Worth "hosted a three-day OpTic Arena esports gaming event concurrently with A-Kon," a three-day anime convention. In June, Dallas will "host DreamHack, a three-day gaming event downtown." Irving hosted OP Live, an esports event that "drew about 2,000 people to its convention center this fall." Allen Assistant Dir of Parks & Recreation David Angeles said that the city's upcoming OWL event is "expected to draw about 4,700 spectators a day." The Fuel will "pay the city $32,500 for rent and staffing and an additional fee of $7,500 if it uses the venue's suites and club seating." Allen will make 90% of "profits from them." The Fuel will "not share the ticket revenue, which will range from $35 to $145 for a seat." Fuel President & COO Geoff Moore said that the team's first home games will "help build up its fan base and set the stage for the future" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/3).
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