One of the most common questions we receive is where to open your esports center. Choosing the best esports center location is crucial. The good news is that in 2025, brick-and-mortar retail still dominates, with approximately 83% of U.S. retail sales occurring in physical stores. For esports centers, a booming entertainment segment, the right location can mean thriving versus struggling. But how do you balance visibility, accessibility, and cost while targeting a tech-savvy, 8–34-year-old audience? Our guide breaks down critical factors, leveraging retail insights and esports strategies to help you find the best esports center location for your venture.
Why Finding the Best Esports Center Location Matters
Esports centers are more than gaming hubs; they’re social spaces where communities form. Consequently, a prime location ensures foot traffic, visibility, and accessibility for your core demographics. Understanding the ideal esports center target audience helps define this. Conversely, a poor location can isolate your business, reducing footfall regardless of your setup. Success hinges on finding the best esports center location.
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Esports Center Location
Location and Accessibility Considerations
The famous “location, location, location” mantra holds true, but with nuances for esports. Venues are often destination spots. Therefore, your ideal location should primarily be easily accessible to your target audience. Proximity to schools, colleges, and universities helps reach the core 18–34 demographic when seeking the best esports center location. Also consider areas near tech campuses or neighborhoods with young professionals.
Being near restaurants/convenience stores can be mixed. While potentially helpful, remember venues often rely on concession sales. If offering food, nearby competition might hurt unless your offering is unique. Carefully weigh this when considering potential sites.
Furthermore, esports venue accessibility goes beyond geography. Look for locations near public transit, bike lanes, or ride-share zones. Ample parking is highly desired, especially for events. Consider offering incentives like carpool discounts to mitigate parking challenges for the best esports center location experience.
Visibility matters somewhat, but maybe less than expected. While avoiding hidden spots is wise, a strong online presence helps people find you. Sometimes small details, like a heavy door or awkward entrance, can deter customers. Pay attention to the ease of physical entry when assessing the best esports center location.
Demographics and Local Gaming Culture
Understanding your specific esports center target audience is key. The 18–34 group dominates, but analyze local specifics. Are there colleges with esports teams? Tech employers? Homeschooling groups seeking SEL opportunities? Income levels also matter; target areas where residents have disposable income. This analysis helps pinpoint the best esports center location demographically.
Engage with local gaming communities. Partner with school esports clubs or attend meetups to gauge interest. A thriving local tech or gaming scene suggests a built-in audience for your potential location.
Competition and Synergy in Your Chosen Location
While avoiding oversaturation is wise, adjacent businesses (cinemas, cafes, bowling alleys) can boost foot traffic. Consider areas where people already gather for leisure. The general “vibe” of an area can contribute to traffic flow around your prospective esports center location.
However, avoid markets with too many direct competitors unless you can clearly differentiate. If two gaming venues exist nearby, consider another area or offer unique features (VR, coaching, studio space, unique retail/F&B). Spirited competition can grow the overall market, even improving the appeal of the general area as the best esports center location cluster.
Logistics and Infrastructure for the Ideal Location
Esports centers rely on robust tech infrastructure. Using the latest PC equipment and servers attracts players. Prioritize locations with reliable high-speed internet and consider backup power. A dedicated, accessible, well-ventilated network rack space is helpful. Proximity to IT support can be beneficial.
Don’t overlook practical needs: storage, tournament space, concession areas, possibly lounges. A cramped location limits revenue potential, even with lower rent, making it unlikely to be the best esports center location long-term.
Costs, Flexibility, and Lease Negotiations
Budgeting involves balancing cost and potential. High-traffic areas often justify higher rents. Evaluate the potential return: if a busier $3,000/month spot brings just a few extra daily customers over a $1,200/month one, it might be worth it. Factor potential esports center lease costs carefully.
Negotiate lease terms. Shorter leases (2–3 years) with renewal/sublet options offer flexibility. Seek tenant improvement (TI) allowances from landlords to cover build-out costs, reducing upfront gaming venue rental expenses.
Types of Locations: Finding the Best Fit
Understanding the different types of esports locations helps narrow your search for the optimal spot.
Standalone Sites & Industrial Spaces
Independent locations (storefronts, industrial/warehouse developments) often have lower rent. However, visibility and foot traffic can be challenges. These work best in suburbs with existing communities or if you’ve pre-built a following. Industrial spots often have desirable features like high ceilings and robust infrastructure, potentially making them the best esports center location from a cost/build-out perspective.
Natural Shopping Areas
Strip malls or downtown districts offer steady daytime traffic and benefit from proximity to other businesses and transit. However, parking might be limited, and security needs could be higher.
Shopping Centers and Malls
Malls offer high visibility and built-in traffic but come with steep rents. Success can depend on the mall’s overall health. These locations suit family-friendly centers, but check for operational restrictions.
How to Analyze and Test Potential Locations
Catchment Area Analysis for Your Ideal Location
Map your catchment area. Primary zones (1–5 miles near target markets) might supply 40–60% traffic. Secondary zones (adjacent areas) 15–60%. Tertiary zones are bonus. This helps define the reach of the best esports center location you’re considering.
Occupancy Cost Evaluation
Evaluate total occupancy costs. Compare lease terms, taxes, CAM/NNN fees. Understanding the full picture of your esports location budget is vital.
Lean Testing Strategies
Gather insights before signing a lease. Host pop-ups in other venues or school workshops. Track metrics like dwell time and secondary spending to gauge potential success for a specific area.
Additionally, observe potential locations directly at different times. Note traffic patterns, nearby activity, and general atmosphere. This boots-on-the-ground research is invaluable for selecting the best esports center location.
Final Tips for Mitigating Risk When Choosing Your Location
Connect with local business associations. They often have valuable intel on construction projects or incentives. Avoid areas with planned disruptions during your critical first year, as this can undermine even the best esports center location choice.
Observe human behavior. Where do people gather? Are there street performers, food trucks, busy cafes? Cities often place amenities near these hubs. Locating where people linger can be advantageous. But remember, a destination model in less obvious areas can work if the offering is strong.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Esports Center Location
Choosing the best esports center location isn’t just about cost—it’s about aligning with your target audience and business goals. Prioritize visibility, accessibility, and suitable infrastructure. Negotiate flexible leases and understand all costs. Whether it’s a high-traffic retail spot or a functional industrial space, research thoroughly. Careful planning minimizes risk when determining the best esports center location for your needs. Start smart, learn fast, and level up your venue!
Have tips or experiences? Share how you chose your esports center location in the comments!
Not sure how to proceed with your esports center site selection? Contact us for a free consultation – we’d love to discuss your vision!
