Esports in Canada is getting a boost after OverActive Media confirmed today that together with the design firm Populous, a near $500M entertainment performance venue is due to be completed in 2025. This project marks the first potential new sports or entertainment venue built in Toronto since BMO Field was completed in 2007. This project was a privately financed, purpose-built venue, and will offer music artists and entertainment acts a new place to call home in Toronto.
The new facility will be located in the heart of the historic CNE Grounds, with a facility plan that “is a strategic extension of the master plan for the region previously established by city officials.” The new venue is located on four acres on the northside of Lakeshore Blvd., and across from the Ontario Place lands.
Looking ahead, the facility plans to host more than 200 events a year, which will consist primarily of music and entertainment bookings. However, the venue hopes to “ attract major city-wide conventions, corporate events and product launches, awards shows” and “a full slate of esports events increasing over time.”
As OverActive Media is the owner of four major global esport franchises, including Toronto’s two professional teams,Toronto Ultra of the Call of Duty League and Toronto Defiant of the Overwatch League, the new venue will become the new home for both but, the plan is to also elevate Toronto and Canada as a destination of choice for the global industry of gaming and esports.
The design was conceived by U.S. multinational design firm Populous.
