AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: ELITE Gaming Arena Proposes Renovation Plan
John Tangel: Elite Gaming Arena is modifying its space in the Atrium Building. The communal video game space proposed improvements for training and competition. Syracuse University E-Sports broadcaster Gunjan Silwal says the improvements can attract more gamers.
Gunjan Silwal: It’s always nice to play in a space where you know all of the equipment works and it works to the top extent. And its also nice to be around the people that you’re playing with.
Tangel: Some of the renovations are for The Underground, a restaurant inside the arena. Silwal thinks serving food and drinks can improve the gaming experience.
Silwal: Gaming sessions unlike other spaces, do end up going a lot longer just because if you’re going to a gaming esports arena, you’re going to want to be there a while. So having food readily available will be needed.
Tangel: The public hearing tonight at City Hall reviews Elite Gaming’s proposal. John Tangel, N-C-C News.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse City Planning Commission approved a major site plan Monday for renovations to ELITE Gaming Arena. The downtown esports and community gaming facility is located in the basement level of the Atrium Building at 2 Clinton Square.
Rob O’Connor, co-founder of ELITE Gaming, and architect James Knittel presented the proposal to the commission, which approved the application during its Feb. 23 meeting at City Hall.
The scope of work included renovations to the competitive gaming arena and modifications to tenant space for expanded seating. Syracuse University esports broadcaster Gunjan Silwal said the improvements could make the facility more appealing to gamers.
“It’s always nice to play in a space where you know all of the equipment works,” Silwal said. “It’s also nice to be around the people that you’re playing with.”
Among the most significant elements of the renovation is the Underground, ELITE Gaming’s on-site bar and restaurant. The Underground will be formalized as an accessory dining area with food preparation and bar service under the approved plan. Silwal said having food available is especially important at a venue where visitors tend to stay for longer periods.
“Gaming sessions, unlike other spaces, do end up going a lot longer,” Silwal said. “If you’re going to a gaming esports arena, you’re going to want to be there a while. So having food readily available will be needed.”
No exterior changes to the building were proposed.
Under the approved plan, ELITE Gaming must obtain a certificate of use for The Underground and comply with the city’s noise ordinance.