The Netherlands will soon have its first esports stadium. Rabobank and H20 will join forces in the coming three years to bring young people together in the Rabo Esports Stadium Amsterdam. In addition, the parties want to encourage innovation in creative tech startups and businesses. Rabobank Waterland en Omstreken and H20 esports announced this news today in Cologne during Gamescom 2019, the largest game fair in the world.
Connecting young people and entrepreneurs together
Eric Zwart, Chairman of the Board of Rabobank Waterland en Omstreken:
"The world of the future lies open for young people at the Rabo Esports Stadium Amsterdam. The great thing is that we can connect young people here in real life. And in addition to gaming, H20 is strongly committed to education. Together we can teach the youth to game responsibly.
In addition, the esports stadium will provide business space for game- and tech-related companies. Because they can easily meet each other, it offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to come up with innovative plans together. For the Waterland region, as an important part of the Amsterdam metropolitan area, it can be a catalyst for economic growth. This, together with the strong support from the municipality and the education sector, makes us enthusiastic about our collaboration with H20. As our mission states, here we are really building a better world together for young people and entrepreneurs."
Esports to the next level in the Netherlands
Founder Dirk Tuip of H20 esports: "Internationally, esports has grown into a billion-dollar industry with professional teams, matches in sold-out stadiums, millions in prize money and also gaming clubs where visitors pay to play. We have great ambitions to make the Netherlands part of this industry.
We are therefore very proud that Rabobank dares to take this step with us. This is one of the first structural esports sponsoring deals. Hopefully it's a start and more large parties in The Netherlands will follow and embrace esports and gaming structurally. The next generation is waiting for it. More and more companies want to connect with this new generation, which is often also very tech-minded."
Rabo esports stadium Amsterdam
What is there to do in the esports stadium? Dirk Tuip: "We want all kinds of esports matches, tournaments and gaming events to be organised in the Rabo Esports Stadium Amsterdam. All necessary facilities are available, think of: broadcasting, a place for shoutcasters, a stage with players desks, play areas, etc. There is also a gaming club. This is comparable to a sports club, where you can improve your gaming skills individually or as a team with high-quality gaming gear, such as PCs and accessories. For more information, please visit www.h20.gg.