San Gregorio Square hosts the Play & Shop event from today until tomorrow, combining video game tournaments, board games, music, and gastronomy to energise the Open Commercial Zone.
San Gregorio Square in Telde has transformed since early this Friday into a large urban amusement park. Play & Shop Telde 2026, driven by the Local Development Department and fully funded by the Government of the Canary Islands, kicks off with an offering that ranges from tournaments of EA SPORTS FC 26 to lightning chess matches, including virtual reality zones and a Magic: The Gathering tournament.
Video games and competitions for all levels
The gaming section is the main attraction of this first edition. The star tournament, that of EA SPORTS FC 26, will distribute cash prizes and is complemented by free play of titles such as Mario Kart, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, and Just Dance. Attendees will have the chance to try their luck on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox consoles, as well as in driving simulators and immersive experiences with virtual reality headsets.
For board game enthusiasts, the Magic: The Gathering Commander Tournament will bring together veterans and newcomers in a competitive yet participatory atmosphere. Chess also has its place with a Blitz tournament, a fast-paced format that will test participants' reflexes.
Intergenerational leisure and support for local commerce
Beyond the screens, Play & Shop promotes leisure that crosses generations. The Free Play Zone includes a themed photo booth, live music with DJ Yeray Bernal, a chill-out area, and a varied gastronomic offer. All this aims to attract families, young people, and visitors to the Open Commercial Zone of San Gregorio, encouraging consumption in local establishments.
The Local Development Councillor, Nayra Navarro, emphasised that the event is the result of collaboration between the educational community, the City Council, and the business sector.
“Play & Shop is an example of how a good idea can become a real project when there is collaboration between the educational community, the City Council, and the business sector. We want San Gregorio to be a vibrant space where leisure, innovation, and local commerce go hand in hand, attracting families, young people, and visitors to enjoy the city and its commercial offer.”
An initiative born in the classrooms of IES El Calero
The origin of the event is as unique as its proposal. Play & Shop was born as a project from the Commerce students of IES El Calero, whose idea was picked up by the Local Development Department and developed with the Open Commercial Zone of San Gregorio. This collaboration demonstrates that young people's ideas can translate into projects that generate economic activity and new opportunities for the city.
The funding is provided by the Government of the Canary Islands, which has covered one hundred percent of the budget, reaffirming the commitment of both administrations to revitalising the open commercial areas of the municipality. Throughout the weekend, San Gregorio Square becomes a space designed for sharing with family or friends, competing, discovering new experiences, and exploring local establishments.
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