When you think about it, fans filling an arena to watch gamers play video games isn't that much different than fans packing an arena to watch a basketball or hockey game.

It is something that's been going on for a few years, according to a Star Tribune story. Fans fill sports arenas to cheer on people playing video games. League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Call of Duty are some of the more popular games in these venues.

Among the locations that have hosted such tournaments are Staples Center in Los Angeles and Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. In Las Vegas, plans are coming together for a new arena dedicated to gaming, according to the vegasinc.com website.

My son has been watching YouTube videos for years of people playing games. Aaron does it to learn some of the strategies that he can turn around and use when he plays. He also tells me the payday can be substantial for the winners. A friend of his used his spring break to drive hundreds of miles to such an venue and be a spectator. Aaron says he's not much more likely to want to attend a video game event than a sporting event. I have to twist his arm to get him to come to a game with me.

The format is a little different than a basketball or hockey game and can be a full-day event. Arenas are adapting to that schedule and offering more concession choices and even allowing fans to leave the arena and return, says the article.

I wonder if there are officials for fans to heckle and jeer. Also, is there video replay at a video game tournament?

 

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