Allied Esports has announced that its HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas, located at Luxor Hotel & Casino, reopens to the public today, June 25, with a modified schedule for daily play and weekly tournaments.
The company’s flagship venue has implemented physical distancing and sanitization guidelines throughout the venue, including masks, hand sanitizer and gloves available upon arrival; six-foot separation between gaming stations; disinfecting of gaming stations, peripherals, and other equipment before and after every use; hourly disinfecting of all common spaces; clearly marked floor icons for guest queuing; personal sanitization areas for guest use. Also, there is a limited food and beverage service, and mask and hand washing requirements for all employees. The arena’s guidelines complement and fully comply with MGM Resorts’ Seven-Point Safety Plan.
“The health of our communities will always come first and foremost, and we’ve taken the necessary steps to create an environment where gamers can come together again,” Jud Hannigan, CEO of Allied Esports, said in a release. “We’re confident that with our safety protocols in place players and fans will still be able to enjoy the thrill of the on-site experience that HyperX Esports Arena is known for.”
Starting Thursday, HyperX Esports Arena Las Vegas will offer guests two ways to experience the venue. The Front Lobby will include walk-up video game play on PCs and consoles, which will be available Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. The merchandise area will be open during business hours but limited to online kiosk or personal mobile purchases only.
The Main Arena features the arena’s weekly tournament schedule, which will restart on a limited basis featuring Wednesday Whiffs (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate only), Friday Frags (Fortnite) and Saturday Night Speedway (Mario Kart 8). Tournaments will be capped at the maximum number of players allowed by physical distancing guidelines. VIP rooms and other large gathering spaces will remain closed. Non-participant guests will be required to follow social distancing rules while in the arena.
Started in March as a response to the closure of the arena, Allied Esports said it will continue its online tournaments as planned in June and introduce a new online format beginning in July. The company said additional details will be announced at a later date.