'Boomers: 1, Outlaws 0': Houston Outlaws Move Training Facility Following Neighborhood Outcry

The Houston Outlaws will move its training facility from the 5,900-square foot house it had chosen following complaints from homeowners in the neighborhood.

"Boomers: 1 Outlaws: 0," Outlaws general manager Matt "Flame" Rogriguez wrote in a since-deleted tweet obtained by Dot Esports. "We'll be moving training facilities in the coming weeks." Rodriguez went on to describe the move as "unnecessary and stressful."

Residents of The Woodlands planned community expressed concern for traffic, noise and property values should the Outlaws fully establish the training facility. A public meeting of The Woodlands Residential Design Review Committee held Thursday revealed several violations of covenant restrictions.

Despite having recourse, the Houston Outlaws decided to move to a new facility rather than apply for a variance and hope for a positive ruling.

The Outlaws already signed a lease for the property through the township, according to Rodriguez.

"This wasn't an HOA issue, it was the neighbors petitioning against us moving into a house with a lease we'd signed."

Rodriguez emphasized no players or staff moved into the house.

The Houston Outlaws had a rocky 2019. Immortals Gaming Club acquired its ownership, Infinite Esports, in June. Immortals Gaming Club already owned the Los Angeles Valiant, forcing it to offload the Outlaws in accordance with Overwatch League rules. The Outlaws then spent several months in limbo, without support from an ownership group and facing diminishing morale.

Beasley Media Group purchased the Outlaws in November, beginning the team's rebuilding process following a lackluster Overwatch League Season 2 performance.

"There's a solid chance this org is just cursed BUT not really much I can do about that," Rodriguez wrote.