New gaming facility opening at Cedar Point

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter. The long-awaited first phase of the Cedar Point Sports Center Esports arena is scheduled to open next month. The facility is scheduled to open Oct. 6. First announced in July 2021, the project suffered some delays, and, in February 2023, the site inside the Cedar Point Sports Center — which was originally scheduled to open in May — sat relatively silent all year. The new gaming facility will initially cover an area of more than 1,000 square feet within the existing Cedar Point Sports Center. The first phase of the development will include 32 state-of-the-art gaming stations, each equipped with the latest hardware and peripherals. Through this initiative, Cedar Point Esports aims to establish a dynamic hub for gaming enthusiasts and competitive gamers. "Our long-term strategy is focused on delivering immersive entertainment experiences that differentiate our parks and make our guests want to come back again and again," said Richard Zimmerman, Cedar Fair's president and chief executive officer. "The opening of Cedar Point Esports marks a significant step for us as we diversify our offerings and engage with a broader audience," he said. "Given the booming popularity of esports, we are excited about this opportunity to tap into the growing appetite for that form of entertainment and package it with all that Cedar Point has to offer." Cedar Point Esports partnered with North Coast Entertainment, an entertainment company highly involved in the gaming industry, on the project. "North Coast Entertainment is delighted to collaborate with Cedar Point Esports," said Scott Norcross, president of North Coast Entertainment. "Together, we aim to bring innovative gaming experiences to the players and fans. This facility will not only serve as a competitive battleground for esports athletes, but also as a nurturing ground for anyone interested in gaming." He said Phase I of Cedar Point Esports will focus on organizing leagues, camps and clinics to guide and support aspiring esports athletes and anyone looking for new entertainment. The facility's gaming hub will allow participants to hone their skills and compete at the highest level. Furthermore, Cedar Point Esports seeks to become the premier location for high school and collegiate gaming events in the region. By collaborating with educational institutions, the facility aims to host regular tournaments and foster healthy competition and camaraderie among students passionate about gaming and esports. The Phase I hub will also offer Cedar Point Sports Center's traditional athletes a wonderful opportunity for low-impact entertainment and recovery between athletic competitions. Cedar Point Esports anticipates collaborating with regional schools to offer an alternative for a computer lab and remote learning facility.