How the University is preparing students for a regional boom in the esports industry

Published on 25, July, 2025

Staff and students at the University of Sunderland are ready to seize the opportunities that the recently announced British Esports arena may bring to the city and region.

Earlier this month, British Esports announced that it had secured multi-million-pound funding to build its flagship national Gaming and Esports Arena next to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Set to open in 2026, this would be the first of its kind in Europe which will be able to support future tournaments, including Esports World Cups and Olympic Esports Games.

Gregg Hill, Lecturer in Esports Event Management at the University, said: “It is great to hear the news of the long-awaited British Esports arena coming to Sunderland. It is an amazing development that signals an exciting new time for the city, region, and the entire country.

“This isn’t just about a state-of-the-art venue; it’s about building esports from the grassroots and shaping Sunderland to be a major player in the world of esports.

“With esports being one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and the digital sector in the northeast is growing rapidly and this stadium will be a game-changer, not just for competitive gaming, but for the local economy, tech innovation, and youth engagement.

“Employment in the region has increased by over 25 percent in recent years and digital industries contribute over £1 billion to the local economy.

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“It will create new opportunities, attract talent, and inspire the next generation of digital creatives, bringing to light the valuable skills used to participate but also the skills needed to run and support these events.”

The University of Sunderland offers a range of gaming and esports degrees from including its Esports Event Management course. Harrison Richardson is one of those students looking to the future.

Harrison said: “The new arena opening is a massive step in the right direction for esports in the UK.

“Other countries such as the USA and South Korea have venues and arenas specifically tailored to esports, so the introduction of ours makes it clear that we want to be in the same league as them.

“I chose the University of Sunderland because it was one of the few universities in the country that offered specifically what I wanted to do. I studied an esports BTEC after my GCSEs and took a big liking to the events aspect of the industry, and Sunderland was one of the few spots that actually offered the events aspect as a stand-alone course.

“I can’t wait to see the arena itself. My course is preparing me for the future and helping me get a head start on my career post-university.”

Gregg added: “At the University of Sunderland, we’re proud to be playing a key role in shaping this future.

“Our talented students are already making waves in gaming, media, design, and technology. The Esports Event Management degree prepares students to manage events both in the physical and digital environments, forging the skills needed to lead in a world where digital culture is shaping business, entertainment and events.

“This development, along with our degrees, provides a platform to showcase and nurture that talent right here in Wearside.

“The arena is more than bricks and mortar or a place to play games. It’s a statement of modernity and change, about ambition, progress, and possibility all in Sunderland.”

If you’re interested in studying Esports Event Management at the University of Sunderland, find out more here.