Global sports entertainment leader Topgolfand TCL, the fastest-growing television brand in North America, have announced a national partnership that will generate exciting esports entertainment at Topgolf, designed for gamers from all walks of life.

The first TCL esports Lounge will open at Topgolf Las Vegas in early January, aligning with the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 8-11.

“Topgolf at our core is about bringing people from all walks of life together through play, competition, music and food to share in meaningful moments,” said Topgolf Media President YuChiang Cheng. “In partnership with TCL, we have reached out to a diverse group of gamers of all different backgrounds to give us input to make a welcoming space. Creating an inclusive esports destination, driven by TCL’s polished viewing and gaming presentation, will help further a diverse group of people to enjoy esports and feel welcomed.”

Through the partnership with TCL, Topgolf will add esports lounges to six Topgolf venues creating an inclusive guest experience and offering daily esports play, along with the traditional sports viewing areas featuring best-in-quality TCL 4K UHD 6-Series TVs, optimized for individual and group esports gaming and entertainment. Guests can play esports games and participate in special events, coaching sessions, viewing parties and meet pro gamers.

In addition, Topgolf is designing turn-key solutions for esports events to be hosted at all Topgolf venues. Topgolf is bringing their famous special formula of hospitality, food and beverage and entertainment production to esports. Topgolf provides a network of venues which can host esports events and make it simple for publishers, teams, brands and leagues to create meaningful experiences at Topgolf.

Topgolf is also partnering with national esports leagues to host events, qualifiers, local and weekly leagues, which will attract gamers, influencers and celebrities to compete in tournaments at Topgolf venues. TCL and Topgolf expect the partnership to reach more than 63 million guests annually over the multi-year partnership.

“Topgolf is a destination unlike any other and as America’s fastest-growing TV brand, TCL is excited to be teaming with one of the fastest-growing sports and entertainment brands in the world to create a new experience for the esports community and Topgolf guests,” said TCL North America Senior Vice President Chris Larson. “TCL’s award-winning TVs have been praised for delivering premium picture quality and powerful performance, especially by the gaming community, which makes TCL products a worthy addition to homes and Topgolf venues across the country. As such, we’re confident that this partnership will be long-lasting and successful for both brands and our customers.”

Topgolf venues in Austin, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Houston-Katy, Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Scottsdale, Arizona will open TCL esports lounges throughout the first quarter of 2019, aligning with major events in local markets such as the NBA All Star Game and Topgolf’s WGT/ PGA Tour Golf Events.

Throughout January 2019, Topgolf will host a TCL National Sweepstakes in all venues nationwide, offering Topgolf guests a chance to win a grand prize trip to Hollywood, California to attend a movie premiere for a “Red Carpet Experience” at the TCL Chinese Theatre, along with a 65-inch TCL Roku TV.

“We believe that esports is ready to reach a much wider scale and serve many untapped segments,” said Kevin Chou, Chairman of Gen.G, which just announced an all-female Fortnite team. “Gaming is for everyone.”

“I am very inspired by Topgolf’s commitment to inclusion and excited that the industry is embracing minority gamers,” said SuperLeague Community Manager and esports enthusiast Michelle D’Antonio. “I feel honored to partner with Topgolf to help drive the gaming world forward.”

For more details on Topgolf’s new TCL esports lounges, visit topgolfmedia.com.

