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Cedar Point's parent company is developing an esports arena with 200 gaming stations

Cedar Fair's esports arena aims to host gaming tournaments all year, among other events.
Cedar Fair's esports arena aims to host gaming tournaments all year, among other events.

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Amusement park operator Cedar Fair Entertainment plans to add esports to its lineup of roller coasters and water parks.

The parent company of Carowinds, Schlitterbahn and Knott's Berry Farm wants to build a 1,500-seat esports arena in Ohio for gaming tournaments near Cedar Point, its flagship amusement park in Sandusky, the company announced Thursday.

The Ohio-based amusement park chain hopes to begin construction on the $28 million arena by the end of the year. The company believes it will be a draw for gamers across the Midwest.

Plans call for the arena to have 200 gaming stations and host tournaments year-round beginning in the first half of 2023. It also could be used for concerts and other events, the company said.

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The parent company of amusement and water parks like Carowinds, Schlitterbahn and Knotts Berry Farm plans to build a $28 million esports arena near its flagship park, Cedar Point in Ohio.
The parent company of amusement and water parks like Carowinds, Schlitterbahn and Knotts Berry Farm plans to build a $28 million esports arena near its flagship park, Cedar Point in Ohio.

The building will have locker rooms, a food court and dormitory rooms for esports participants.

The booming esports industry is especially popular among teens and younger adults, a target audience for the company's 11 amusement parks and four separate water parks across the U.S.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cedar Point's parent company is developing an esports arena for gamers