ASM Global to develop US$60 million multi-purpose technology arena

Venue management and services company ASM Global has announced timelines for a US$60 million Innovation Center complex in the US city of San Antonio which includes a 2500-seat multi-purpose technology arena, the first of its kind in North America.

With construction to commence this month and a scheduled completion in 2022, the venue will be able to accommodate esports competitions, concerts and corporate functions.

Being developed in partnership with Port San Antonio, the 12,077 metre² complex will also be home of the San Antonio Museum of Science & Technology, hosting numerous hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs.

Announcing the development, ASM Global President and Chief Executive, Bob Newman stated “we salute the Port and its leadership for their forward-thinking vision and desire to further develop the large campus into a hub for global innovation.

“We look forward to partnering in bringing this innovative, world-class venue to life and delivering unparalleled experiences for the entire South Texas region and beyond.”

ASM Global Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development, Chuck Steedman added “this next-generation development will be unlike any other in North America.

“All of us at ASM are excited to be able to leverage our extensive esports and venue management expertise, not just for the benefit of the local community and economy, but also to serve as a global showcase of American innovation.”

Located in the heart of the 769 hectare Port campus on the site of the former Kelly Field Air Force Base the new facility aims to be part of activities that are setting out to transform the economic trajectory of the region.

Key highlights of the new development project:

• 2,500-seat Technology/Esports Arena that can be configured for multiple uses in addition to esports competitions, including concerts, conventions, product launches, large-scale training programs, and special events.
• New home of the San Antonio Museum of Science & Technology (SAMSAT), hosting numerous hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programs, as well as showcasing innovations that are being developed by technology firms at the Port and throughout the region to
prospective buyers.
• 24-hour LAN Gaming Center, serving as a leading destination for gaming access and events, and a community gathering space for a wide range of users, including members of the Port campus community and general public.
• Full-Scale Food Hall, providing in-venue dining and hospitality services as well as catering support for various events hosted at the center, and daily culinary options for the 14,000+ workforce currently employed by the Port’s tenant customers in leading global industries such as
aerospace, cybersecurity, defence, manufacturing, education and robotics.
• High-Tech Research and Development Lab, delivering scalable space and prototyping/fabrication equipment to support the work of start-ups, and allowing greater collaboration between tech companies, universities and other research partners

The Port Authority of San Antonio (Port San Antonio) is a public entity created to redevelop the site of the former Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Images courtesy of ASM Global.