Nerd Street Gamers Partners With Populous to Design Localhosts Across Country

Global architecture firm offers unparalleled expertise in designing next-generation esports venues

FEBRUARY 10, 2020 – Localhosts are getting a new look. Nerd Street Gamers, the national esports infrastructure company dedicated to powering competitive opportunities for gamers, has tapped Populous, the global architecture firm behind some of the world’s largest sporting arenas and esports venues, as its architect for the nationwide expansion of Localhost esports facilities. As the global leader in esports design, Populous has pushed the leading edge of innovation in this exciting entertainment trend as it shapes the world.

Populous will serve as the design partner for future Localhosts, helping to create an exciting and social atmosphere for fans and competitors alike. The company will pull from its experience designing numerous esports arenas, including Philadelphia Fusion’s groundup Fusion Arena in Philadelphia and Esports Stadium Arlington, North American’s largest dedicated esports venue. Populous’ unparalleled expertise will be instrumental as Nerd Street Gamers executes on the company’s plan to build over 100 Localhosts over the next five years including co-located Five Below stores, university models and regional flagship facilities across the country.

“Populous has the vision the industry needs to create exciting, world-class experiences for players and spectators,” said John Fazio, Founder and CEO of Nerd Street Gamers. “We’re incredibly excited to unleash the incredible talent of this team of artists as they help create inclusive spaces for the esports community.”

Localhosts are public esports arenas that use the same high-powered computers that professional gamers use in major tournaments to foster a fun, social environment for players of all skill levels to come together, play their favorite games, and compete with friends and other gamers. Managed under Nerd Street Gamers, they are used by numerous high school, college, semi-professional, and processional esports teams and leagues for competitions.

“Esports and the gaming culture is growing exponentially and the industry needs purpose-built venues that match the passion and commitment of its fans and players,” said Populous Senior Principal, Brian Mirakian. “We’re eager to usher in a new era of esports with Nerd Street Gamers, one that builds transformative entertainment experiences that engage and excite gamers across the country.”

About Nerd Street Gamers
Nerd Street Gamers (NSG), formerly known as N3rd Street Gamers, is a national network of esports facilities and events dedicated to powering competitive opportunities for gamers. The company promotes greater access to the esports industry, laying a national framework for esports talent development and high-quality gaming tournaments. NSG has received backing from Five Below, Comcast, SeventySix Capital, Elevate Ventures, and angel investor George Miller. For more information, follow @nerdstgamers on Twitter or visit https://nerdstgamers.com.

About Populous
Populous is a global architecture and design firm that designs the places where people love to be together, like Yankee Stadium, the London Olympics and the Super Bowl. Over the last 36 years, the firm has designed more than 3,000 projects worth $40 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous’ comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hotels and hospitality, and sustainable design consulting. Populous has 18 offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane. For more information visit www.populous.com or follow @Populous on Twitter.