NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — On Monday, Esports Arena announced it would be opening a location in Hendersonville.
The location will be inside a Walmart. The company has partnered with Walmarts across the country for Esports Arena locations that accompany three standalone arenas in Southern California, Oakland and Las Vegas.
At the Hendersonville location, which opens later this month, gamers will be able to play in leagues and tournaments. They can face off with each other or against players at other locations across the country. The company's CEO said he was attracted to the mid-state because of a growing population of younger people and because of Nashville's active social scene.
"I was kind of surprised to see that," David Corrigan said. "Because I don't see a lot of big local tournaments going on all the time."
Corrgian is the organizer of the Grand Ole Gameroom Expo, that runs from Friday to Sunday at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. The event focuses on classic games, but Corrigan said he's seen interest in esports tournaments growing over the expo's four years.
"Last year we had a really good turnout, we had about 180 players for our tournaments," he said.
Still he said the overall esports scene in the mid-state lagged behind other cities.
"I think we're a little behind, but we're getting some momentum," Corrigan said.
The Hendersonville location is set to open November 16.
