Theresa Gaffney
The International is up for bid — well, at least the hosting duties are. Valve’s most valuable event property is now being offered to cities interested in hosting the biggest esports show in their own town. A request for proposal (RFP) began circulating last week, outlining why the event is so valuable an attraction:
“Each [of the previous host cities] has seen an influx of visitors (about half of the attendees) that patronize their hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions,” Valve says in the document. “Moreover, Valve works with local suppliers to source equipment such as lighting, rigging, broadcast equipment, and internet bandwidth. Valve also hires local skilled laborers to handle catering, construction, décor, printing, marketing, security, transportation, and entertainment. All of this typically results in a significant boost to the host city’s economy.”
Who wouldn’t want to have that sort of economic activity in their city? It’s easy to see how traditional sporting events draw crowds and help local economies grow. Even esports newbies can see the potential in hosting the International. To support this, Valve is offering statistics about the TI8 and how it attracted $7.8 million into Vancouver’s local economy in 2018.
Valve will answer RFP-related questions until March 15th. Interested cities have must submit their final proposals by March 31st, 2020.
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