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The British-based company had grand plans to open a 3,000-square-foot eSport arena at the mall downtown, but officials have reached an agreement to part ways, citing it does not comply with city laws regarding arcades, just a day before it was set to open.
Battle Ground Zero’s equipment has been removed from the space, and they have reportedly already begun the process to relocate their efforts to another Westchester city, which would still be the first eSports arena in the county.
Officials from Battle Ground Zero said that their “computers are being held hostage, power has been cut out and their New York manager is not allowed at the Galleria Mall.” Four employees also lost their jobs without warning.
In a statement released on the Battleground Zero website, officials from the company said “our teams have worked extremely hard for this date, and we regret to inform you that we have been shut down by The City of White Plains Building (Department).
“To make it worse we have no idea why since we were in line with all permits and requirements as verified by the White Plains City Inspectors. To make matters stranger the shutdown comes from an Engineer who declared that selling t-shirts, computers, desks, and chairs is considered illegal in White Plains and in a shopping mall.”
On Facebook, Battle Ground Zero continued its crusade against White Plains in a lengthy post.
“America the beautiful is true, we love you, you have been there to the World when we needed you, you had fed us, make us laugh, cry, and no other country in the World has shown more kindness. However, this time the City of White Plains, New York needs us, and the World is here for you, we will liberate you so you can leave the DARK AGES and GAME!!!”
On Twitter, New Rochelle City Councilman Jared Rice mused that Battle Ground Zero is more than welcome in his city.
"We have an emerging tech industry that is building up in NR," he posted. "We’d be happy to have them."
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