EEA recently conducted a comprehensive market demand, economic impact, revenue and return-on-investment analysis for a proposed renovation of existing ballroom space within the historic Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City into a dedicated esports venue.
The Atlantic City destination has undergone several transformative stages throughout its lifespan and continues to be one of the most unique travel destinations along the East Coast. Today, opportunity exists for the destination to gain an early foothold in esports–the live entertainment industry’s newest and fastest growing segment. Meet AC, Atlantic City’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), and other local stakeholders concluded that esports represent a significant opportunity to generate room nights and expose the destination to a wide variety of new customer segments, and as such retained EEA to study the demand and associated benefits of developing a dedicated esports facility.
EEA’s esports feasibility research for Atlantic City included an in-depth evaluation of the regional, national and international esports event markets, as well as market demand research consisting of focus groups and in-depth interviews with publishers and third–party event organizers. A number of potential user groups were identified for a potential Atlantic City esports venue, including events targeting veterans, college students, celebrities, professional gamers, and corporate groups, among others.
The resulting feasibility study provided a clear understanding of the potential economic impacts and tax revenue generation benefits that would be associated with the hosting of major esports tournaments in Boardwalk Hall.
