As esports continues to grow at the professional level, colleges across the United States are adding or expanding their own programs. Major esports upgrades were announced this month at both the University of Wisconsin-Stout and Cleveland State University where athletes will be given state-of-the-art facilities in which to compete.

UW-Stout’s New $1 Million Esports Arena

A state championship win in the 2023-24 season spurred a boost in recruiting leading to a record-sized roster at the University of Wisconsin’s Stout campus. According to a release from the school, the UW-Stout Foundation and Alumni Association responded to the growth with a grant that will allow for the construction of a $1 million arena. Located on the first floor of the university’s library, the new esports arena will feature 34 computer stations, a production room, and seating for spectators. “The UW-Stout Foundation Board is delighted to further the athletic and academic innovation and achievement of our student-athletes with a new, state-of-the-art esports arena,” said Linda Funk, Foundation Board president.

UW-Stout Esports Has Growing Pains

Currently, the UW-Stout team’s arena is a retrofitted classroom that only has space for 12 computer stations. As a result, many of the team’s members have to practice and compete from their dorm rooms.  The new arena will serve both as a home for the team and as a learning lab for academic programs such as game design and esports coaching.

Coach Aaron Froelich said the current space is no longer adequate, but the new facility shows the university’s dedication to improving things. “The university is really invested in esports, and with this Foundation gift we’re headed in the right direction,” he said. “This will be the future for Stout esports for many years. We can continue to grow into this space, and it will be a highlight for recruiting.”

Cleveland State’s On-Campus Esports Lab

Cleveland State University recently celebrated a ribbon cutting for a new lab in Fenn Hall, part of the Washkewicz College of Engineering. The new lab represents a major change for athletes who will now practice and compete on campus, after previously training off-site at the Cavs Legion Lair. PJ Farrell, CSU’s esports director, said the players are excited about the new space.

“Our players are thrilled to finally have a space to call their own, and this is just the beginning,” he said. “With this foundation in place, we are determined to build one of the premier collegiate esports programs in the country.”

Despite not having an on-campus facility, Cleveland State has already established a presence in esports, competing in multiple leagues, including the GLEC and NACE Premier Conferences, with teams playing Rocket League, League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch. With the new lab operations, CSU will now be able to host events like the Esports Ohio High School playoffs and collegiate tournaments. The future is here, and the possibilities are endless for these schools. 

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