Esports Stadium Arlington has announced a strategic partnership with Philadelphia-based amateur esports network N3rd Street Gamers.
As a result of the deal, N3rd Street Gamers’ National Championship Series will be integrated into Esports Stadium Arlington’s Strike League.
Strike League is an open tournament league that involves four different titles – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, and League of Legends – with all the action being hosted in the stadium. Towards the end of each quarter, winners qualify for the Strike League Season Finale and have a chance to compete for $15,000 (£11,512.50) worth of prizes.
Jonathan Oudthone, President of Esports Stadium Arlington said the following in a statement: “I come from a gaming community that didn’t have many opportunities but managed to stay strong through local gatherings. NSG strengthens and understands that they are the pillars to the success of esports. We are excited to be able to contribute to the national reach that the National Championship Series will have on esports while connecting communities from all over the world.”
The aim of the partnership is to bolster the amateur esports scene, something that N3rd Street Gamers has been working towards since it started the National Championship Series last year. In the same year, the company received investment from Comcast Spectacor, the company behind NHL team Philadelphia Flyers and Overwatch League franchise Philadelphia Fusion.
Ryan Barr, COO of N3rd Street Gamers also commented: “NSG strongly believes in creating new and bolstering existing opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete in esports. Working with Esports Stadium and their talented team to bring ESA’s Strike League into the National Championship Series will offer new options for competitors both regionally and nationally. This series of events exemplifies the experience of competing in the NCS.”
Esports Insider says: Esports Stadium Arlington has hosted a good mix of events since it was opened, from ECS Season 6 Finals to amateur competitions – this, in our eyes, is a great thing. This move further solidifies the venue’s stance as a hub for amateur players to hone their craft, compete, and potentially climb the ladder of esports.