In this edition of local business news, the growing interest in esports has prompted an entrepreneur to open a Valhallan Esports Training arena in Royersford. Also, a holiday toy drive organized by an area non-profit agency is being helped by Limerick Signarama.
Esports Arena Grand Opening Soon in Royersford
ROYERSFORD PA – What its local owner claims will be the “first and only youth esports training arena in Montgomery County” is expected to open later this month in Royersford.
Entrepreneur Serge Fadjoh says the grand opening of his Valhallan Royersford arena – a franchise of Texas-based Valhallan Esports Training – is scheduled for Dec. 21 (2024; Saturday). It will occupy Suite 115 of the 10th Avenue Shoppes at 329 N. 10th Ave., according to its website.
Unfamiliar with esports?
EMarketer, a firm that conducts client research on digital industries, describes it as “a subset of gaming video content” organized for “gaming competitions among professional players and teams.” They reportedly can involve online battles, first-person shooters, and fighting games; card, battle royales, and real-time strategy games.
Esports became more popular in the early 2000s, but its activities are more than 50 years old. The first esports competition was played at California’s Stanford University in 1972.
A Booming Attraction, An Olympic Future
Now it’s a booming attraction. In 2025, the International Olympic Committee plans to hold its first “Olympic Esports Games.” EMarketer estimates the viewing audience for esports exceeds 33 million people.
Just like other competitiors, many esports players want to be the best at what they do. That’s where the need for training can begin, proponents say.
The Valhallan Royersford website states the company will offer “competitive gaming that’s fun, safe, and social” for boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 17. Valhallan also has arena locations in Camp Hill and York PA, and elsewhere across 11 states.
The company plans to organize teams so players can “experience the thrill of live, in-person gaming.” It’s prepared to teach both gaming and life skills in camps and training events. It also anticipates its teams will participate in local, national, and international tournaments.
Photo by Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
Limerick Signarama Accepts Toys for Holiday Drive
ROYERSFORD PA – The Limerick Signarama franchise in Suite 407 of the Limerick Square Shopping Center, 70 Buckwalter Rd., is accepting new, unwrapped toys as holiday gifts for children of area families in need. They can be dropped off at its location during regular business hours through Dec. 20 (2024; Friday),” Signarama said in an e-mail.
The Daily Bread community food pantry in Collegeville organized the drive. Like Santa’s helpers, volunteers at Signarama will ensure donated toys reach Daily Bread on time for distribution. The drive is among the ways neighbors “can help our local families in need this holiday season,” the sign-making company said.
Got a question about drop-offs for the drive? Call Signarama at 484-961-8802.
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by Limerick Signarama
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