Atari begins construction on first gamer hotel in Phoenix

Construction has officially started on the first Atari Hotel in Phoenix's Roosevelt Row, nearly six years after the project was first announced, according to 600wrec.iheart.com.

The $124 million development will include 91 high-tech guest rooms, creator studios, and an esports and concert venue with a capacity of over 2,000 people, Hospitality Net reported.

Designed by architecture studio räkkhaus, the hotel will blend Atari's gaming nostalgia with modern technology and entertainment, featuring a sportsbook, immersive bars, restaurants, and retail shops.

The property is being built on a 1.06-acre site that previously housed the KOY Building, a landmark in Phoenix known for iconic radio stations, with demolition of the old building part of the initial construction phase, Phoenix New Times noted.

The project is developed by Intersection Development and backed by celebrity investors including Henry Cejudo and Adapt, with a public investment campaign underway to raise $35 to $40 million for construction, Hotel Business reported.

The Atari Hotel promises fully immersive experiences for all ages and gaming abilities, incorporating the latest virtual and augmented reality technologies, according to the developers.