A local council in the United Kingdom has confirmed that the $250,000 funding allocated to the SuperDome esports event, which has since been canceled, is securely held by the council.
Last month, Esports.net reported on the sudden disappearance of the SuperDome esports event, a highly anticipated tournament scheduled for September 2024 in Solihull, England. In January, the West Midlands Combined Authority had announced the distribution of $250,000 from the Commonwealth Games 2022 legacy fund to the SuperDome event, which has now been called off.
The NEC Complex in Solihull, England. Image Credit: NEC Group
Following inquiries with various stakeholders, including event organizers, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Resorts World Arena, Esports.net can confirm that the $250,000 designated for the SuperDome event is currently under the custody of Solihull Local Council.
In response to Esports.net, a spokesperson for the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) clarified:
“The funding for the SuperDome esports event was granted to Solihull Council rather than directly to the organizers. The funds are still available, and Solihull Council is working on organizing an alternative event for early next year. The WMCA’s Major Events Fund aims to attract major events to the region, enhancing the West Midlands’ reputation as a sought-after destination for global sporting and cultural events.”
Solihull Council is among the seven constituent authorities that form the WMCA. Solihull is home to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) complex and Resorts World Arena, the intended venues for the now-canceled event.
In their communication, the WMCA referenced a recent report by the Solihull Council, highlighting the thriving visitor economy exceeding £1.27 billion in 2023. The report singled out the success of the ESL One Birmingham 2024 Dota 2 tournament as a key factor in Solihull’s tourism and leisure sector growth. The council also showcased the tournament’s achievements in a video on their YouTube channel:
Discussing the impact of the tournament, Solihull Councillor Wazma Qais remarked:
“Events like ESL One Birmingham 2024 are helping elevate Solihull as a globally connected hub of tourism within the West Midlands. International esports competitions are attracting a younger demographic of visitors and generating excitement in the region.”
Although unconfirmed, Solihull council hinted at the potential for an esports-related replacement event for the SuperDome.
The reasons behind the cancellation and sudden disappearance of the SuperDome Esports event remain undisclosed.
