In the midst of the rapid development of the esports industry, not much news emerged from the Netherlands. In the European region, countries that are known on the international esports scene are the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. The Netherlands wants to change this. At Gamescom, they announced that they would make a special stadium for esports. The stadium, named Rabo Esports Stadium, will be built in Amsterdam. This is the first esports stadium built in the Netherlands. The stadium, which was built on top of the former school’s sports hall, will have an area of 10,000 square meters. The construction of the stadium is sponsored by Rabobank and H20 esports.
“With H20, we realize the dream that we have been striving for years. H20 esports wants to create an ecosystem to build the next generation with gaming, esports and creative technology, “H20 founder Dirk Tuip was quoted as saying by Inven Global. “The esports industry is growing rapidly and the younger generation has strong ties with the industry. With H20 Campus, we will invite the community to gather together and we will get to know each other by doing training and education. Gamers, influencers, and esports players are the people who will build the future. ”
It is estimated that this stadium will be completed by the end of next year. Even so, there are already parties who order to use the stadium. In fact, this stadium will be used as an esports center. However, it will also be used as a center for gaming and technology development. It is hoped that this stadium will make the esports and gaming communities from all over the world come to Amsterdam and encourage the growth of the esports ecosystem in the Netherlands. Not only about esports, the presence of Rabo Esports Stadium is also expected to make gaming and esports companies more interested in building offices in Amsterdam. Ultimately, this will encourage the local economy.
“All esports competitions and tournaments, and gaming events will be held at Rabo Esports Stadium Amsterdam,” Tuip said when asked about what events could be held at the new stadium. “The stadium has been booked for 75 days next year. All necessary facilities will be prepared, such as broadcast equipment, shoutcasting, a stage with a table for players, a playing area, and so forth. In addition, there will also be a gaming section with high-quality gaming devices, a VR racing center, an interactive sports hall, and a place to work for companies and startups. ”
The Netherlands is not the only country that has begun building esports stadiums. Earlier this month, NetEase announced that it would build a class A stadium worth five billion yuan (around Rp10 trillion) in Shanghai. In the United States, esports stadiums also began to emerge. This happens because the Overwatch League will establish a home-away system. Therefore, teams that compete in the league must have the stadium as their headquarters.
“In addition to gaming, the H20 focuses on education. Together, we can teach young people how to play responsibly, “said Chairman of the Board of Rabobank Waterland, Eric Zwart, quoted from Inven Global. “Spaces for businesses are built for gaming and technology companies so they will be able to meet easily. This will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to make innovative plans together. Amsterdam Waterland is an important part of the metropolitan part of Amsterdam, the existence of this stadium will be able to encourage economic growth. “
