BUSINESS: Man City opens new esports facility

Manchester City Football Club’s esports division, Man City Esports, has unveiled a state-of-the-art gaming facility at the Etihad Stadium. 

Esports Insider reported that this new studio, equipped with Herman Miller’s Embody Gaming Chairs, will serve as a hub for the club’s EA FC 24 and Fortnite players to practice, compete, and create content.

“Man City Esports hopes to continue building on the positive impact the studio has already had on our esports performances ahead of a busy summer,” the organization said in its press release.

Founded in 2016, Man City Esports has rapidly expanded, featuring prominent players like Donovan ‘Tekkz’ Hunt and Matías ‘Bonanno’ Bonanno. The duo recently claimed the ePremier League title without a single loss, securing a spot at the FC Pro 24 World Championship in Berlin. Bonanno also earned a top-four finish in the latest eChampions League.

Beyond competitions, Manchester City has made strategic moves to enhance its esports presence. In 2021, the club partnered with FaZe Clan to host a Fortnite tournament and followed up with various activations and pop-up events. Additionally, Man City Esports is a member of the UK Esports Teams Committee, further embedding itself in the industry.

The club has also teamed up with Korean esports organization Gen.G to create unique fan experiences and engagement opportunities. 

This collaboration included events in South Korea and the UK, along with the launch of limited-edition, co-branded merchandise, showcasing Manchester City’s commitment to innovation and global fan engagement in the esports arena.