October 24, 2021 – Bendix Arena in South Bend has signed a major sponsorship agreement with leading residential Internet service provider (ISP), Xfinity. Opened in February 2021, Bendix Arena has already welcomed more than 1,000 gamers, hosted numerous esports tournaments and serves as the home facility for Bethel University’s esports team, as well as South Bend Lions Esports. The arena is set to host even more national level events in November and December, with additional events to follow in the new year. As part of the agreement, the Bendix Gaming Center located inside the arena will be renamed the “Xfinity Gaming Center” and will be rebranded later this year.
Professional, competitive electronic gaming, or “esports,” has become a billion-dollar industry and is continuing to grow rapidly. South Bend is an esports early adopter and is becoming a national esports hub. Esports relies on fast, reliable Internet connectivity. Hence, the partnership with the region’s and the nation’s leading ISP, Xfinity, which is operated by Comcast.
“Joining forces with Xfinity to serve the local gaming community is exactly in line with our mission at the Bendix Arena,” said Jeff Jarnecke, Bendix Arena Executive Director – Venues. “The vision for our partnership with such a powerful brand in Xfinity will continue to differentiate our approach to esports while serving the gaming community in a meaningful way.”
“Comcast is thrilled to sponsor the arena and play a role in positioning it and South Bend as a national esports hub,“ said John Crowley, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “The largest provider of gigabit speeds in the country, Xfinity Internet offers gigabit speeds to nearly 100 communities in Northern Indiana via our 10,000+ miles of network in the region, so we’re a great partner for home gamers, professionals and aspiring esports professionals, too.”
To learn more about the Bendix Arena, visit bendixarena.com.
About Bendix Arena
Bendix Arena is the region’s first large-scale, dedicated gaming facility. From a 600-seat arena to a 2,500 square foot gaming center, the Bendix Arena is creating a unique experience and operating model in the world of esports.
Venues Parks & Arts is a department in the City of South Bend that inspires a more livable South Bend for all, connecting people to emotionally engaging experiences and to one another. For more information about Venues Parks & Arts, visit www.sbvpa.org.
About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
With nearly 6,000 local employees, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, northwest Indiana and southwest Michigan. “Like” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. “Follow” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois.