ESports Arena

The eSports Arena is an indoor arena in Santa Ana, California. The building, specifically intended to host eSports tournaments and events, was founded in 2015. For a monthly membership fee, amateur gamers are able to practice and "mingle" at the location. A second eSports Arena was to be opened in Oakland, California before the end of 2016.

"There was nothing on the horizon where somebody could have access to a facility like this on a 24/7 basis"

Former military intelligence officer Paul Ward started thinking about starting a major video game venue in 2010. He and his childhood friend Tyler Endres had fond memories of attending LAN parties and small-scale video game competitions while growing up, but were disappointed by the existing venues for such events as adults. The eSports Arena was founded by Ward and Endres as a location where amateur players can practice and mingle. The two initially had trouble finding a venue for their idea, though their pitch was positively received by Santa Ana building owner Jack Jakosky, who, despite not playing video games himself, saw potential in the idea. In order to afford a 10-year lease on the building, Ward and Erdes received a Small Business Administration loan, checks from friends and family, and an anonymous large investment.

The building opened on October 3, 2015 to host a Hearthstone tournament with a $20,000 USD prize pool. The 15,000 square-feet venue is housed in an old renovated brick building in downtown Santa Ana and holds slightly under 1,000 people. Though major leagues are hosted in the eSports Arena, the building is primarily used as a "gym", offering memberships and passes to amateur gamers. Technology companies Corsair Components, Eizo and CyberPowerPC sponsered the gaming equipment, which included 130 computer stations and 64 Xbox consoles when the building was opened.

As it was opened, Ward and Endres planned to livestream daily amateur matches. Commentators and award ceremonies of such events would then create a certain atmosphere. In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Endres stated that the "we're selling an experience, not Internet time."

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