Overactive Media’s new 7,000-seat performance venue has been approved by Toronto City Council. Slated to be completed in 2025, the theatre-style entertainment complex and hotel will house a new generation of fans wishing to enjoy esports, music, and a host of other events under one roof.
The complex will be positioned on the north side of Lakeshore Blvd., across from Ontario Place and house OverActive Media’s Call of Duty and Overwatch League franchises. It is expected to book 180 to 200 events each year.
According to a press release, the venue will support over 3,000 jobs during the planning, design, and construction phases of development. Once completed, the proposed performance venue will support 1,790 full-time jobs annually, with 89 percent of these jobs based in Toronto.
“Further development in the heart of Exhibition Place through OverActive Media’s performance venue project will create new jobs and investment opportunities, and enhance our position as a global entertainment destination,” said Mayor John Tory.
The site is expected to generate nearly $39 million in annual government revenues.
“We’ve been working closely with our city partners to assist in the development of a strategy that will position Toronto squarely as an international hub for global esports. We expect this venue will be the centrepiece of that strategy and provide a significant opportunity to meaningfully increase shareholder value,” said OverActive Media’s CEO Chris Overholt.
The complex is being developed by global design firm Populous. Construction is set to begin in late 2022.
Photo courtesy: OverActive Media