GALLERY: UNCG unveils brand-new esports arena

On Monday afternoon, UNCG officially unveiled their new state-of-the-art esports arena with the latest technology, equipment and gaming resources. The new facility features 3,300 square feet of space, 48 PCs, three gaming console bays, new RESPAWN chairs, Oculus Rift headset, everyday play and tournaments.

As Triad City Beat has reported before, esports are a growing area of interest for local colleges and universities. In an article from August 2021, Dr. Laura Colson, the vice president of academic affairs at Bennett College said they have been trying to find ways to promote esports and video game creation on campus.

“From a Bennett College perspective and being an all women’s college, we look at gaming and esports from probably a different lens than everyone else does,” Colson says. “We are truly a liberal arts college so we look at esports and gaming from that perspective.”

The city of Greensboro has also dipped their toe into virtual waters.

Jacob Neal, the operations supervisor for Greensboro’s parks and recreation department, told TCB that he has been helping to facilitate a new esports program within the city. The idea started in fall 2020 and has blossomed into trying to host regular leagues for games like Madden, Rocket League, Fortnite and 2K.

At UNCG, the new arena is for students to meet other students through the UNCG Esports Club Team, use the lab for their academics, or play in national esports competitions.

Learn more on their website.

Photos by Stan Sussina.