Belong Gaming Arenas, a subsidiary of esports and technology company Vindex, announced it would begin rolling out experiential gaming centers across the U.S. to establish a connected framework for esports at the local and amateur level.

“Following more than a year of isolation, people are craving interactive and shared gaming experiences where they can come together to celebrate a shared love of gaming and its culture,” said Martyn Gibbs, CEO, Belong Gaming Arenas. “Belong will play a key role in the next evolution of gaming by deeply integrating within local communities while also connecting people from around the world digitally.”

This summer, Belong will open its first U.S. location in Houston, TX, which joins its network of 25 arenas in the UK. Additional U.S. venues will open in Dallas, TX; Columbus, OH; Chicago, IL; and Nashville, TN. The company plans to open 500 gaming centers in the U.S. over the next five years. Each location will offer daily competitive programming and practice space for professional and amateur teams.

In Fall 2021, members will represent their hometown Belong teams in inter-arena competition against teams from cities across the U.S. and the UK. The tiered competition will accommodate recreational and elite play, with seasons ranging from three to ten weeks.

Photo courtesy Belong Gaming Arenas