The Lava Esports Centre in Sheffield is looking forward to re-opening its doors to customers once the Covid-19 restrictions come to an end.
After being forced to close a year ago, when the first lockdown was announced, the city centre venue is now aiming to welcome back customers in May.
Director of Lava Esports, Jay Song, said: “The past year was the hardest period for most businesses including Lava Esports. [During lockdown] we were not able to provide too many valuable online services as we mainly provide these in our venues so gamers can get together and play in a positive atmosphere.”
Outside the Lava Centre on Rockingham Street
Lava Esports, on Rockingham Street, have tried to engage their customers and attract new ones by organising self-funded online tournaments.
They have developed a relationship with both esports societies at The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, allowing Lava tournaments to invite competitors and engagement from across the city.
Mr Song said: “As long as the venue is ready to open, we will organise a range of events and tournaments. Of course, everything will be strictly followed in a Covid secure way.
“I believe the new normal will still affect the business but we are fully ready to upgrade the services to different situations.”
Lava Esports Centre
Lava offers 38 state-of-the-art gaming computers, regular tournaments with prizes, group booking and serves food and drink.
Earlier this week the company released a statement related to Covid-19 and the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown which stated the earliest hospitality may reopen in the UK is 17 May.
It said: “These times may be tough, but we will get through them. We will comply with all necessary guidance provided by the government to keep us all safe once we reopen. There will be a whole host of new competitions and services so keep an eye out.”
Lava’s Lockdown Update
Esports is a billion-dollar industry worldwide and has seen huge growth as the whole world moved online during the lockdown. The business is expected to grow in Sheffield and Lava Esports could be key to such success.