Desert Recreation District aims to build esports arena in former Indio theater
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) The Desert Recreation District wants to build an esports arena inside the former Metro 8 movie theater in Indio, where players would compete at video games in front of a crowd.
District renderings show rows of gaming stations facing a wall of screens, with a second level for more players and spectators. The district plans to take down a wall of the theater’s old projection room and replace it with glass so families can watch from above.
“We’re actually going to make this two story,” said Scott Sear, the district’s public information officer. “They get to compete against each other, whether it’s school districts, different schools or community teams.”
The arena is not funded. Sear said the district does not want to put the cost on the community and will look for federal community project funding and grants. The district says on its website the theater conversion is moving into its funding phase.
The arena is one piece of a larger plan. The district acquired the theater to turn it into a gymnastics and performing arts center and already runs programs in the building. Plans drawn up with GO Architects after community meetings also show a gymnastics floor, a performing arts space and classrooms.
Sear said the building will keep reminders of its past, including the purple walls in the lobby.
“You will always be able to come in here and remember it’s like, oh, I remember seeing a movie here,” Sear said.
Outside a GameStop, Ethan Zavala, who plays Fortnite and Marvel Rivals with friends, said he likes the idea.
“I think it’s cool,” Zavala said. “It’s a good use instead of just, you know, letting it go abandoned.”
While the district waits on funding, Sear said it is open to hosting pop-up gaming events and asked local gaming groups to reach out.
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