Jacksonville to get e-sports 'arena'

Jacksonville is getting a new "arena" for video-game players.

ACE Arena is scheduled to open later this fall and will cater to e-sports players. A news release says it will have more than 120 gaming systems, four training/party rooms, a video projection wall and a lounge. It will reportedly be 22,500 square feet and will be the largest dedicated e-sports facility in Florida. It's in Mandarin at 10503 San Jose Blvd., Suite 18, in the same shopping center with Whole Foods.

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The center will be run by Awkward Croc Entertainment, a Jacksonville company founded by John Sarmie. Jill Sarmie, who handles marketing for the company, said the center is intended to be family-friendly and will be home for little eLeague, a local e-sports league for kids, as well as adult and corporate leagues. It will also be open for walk-in gamers.

She said they are aiming for a mid- to late-November opening. The facility will have food on hand, but she said there are no plans for beer or liquor.

“People ask, why would someone go out to a place to play video games when they can play at home?," John Sarmie said in a news release. "We ask the same question about those who go to bars or concerts. They can drink or listen to music at home, but they still go out to socialize with friends. The e-sports and gaming community is no different. Gamers like to high five and fist bump in real life.”