The University of Albany, USA, has launched a 4,000-square-foot esports arena to enhance its collegiate competitive gaming program, UAlbany Esports. The arena is equipped with 36 Lenovo Legion gaming PCs, as well as console stations featuring PlayStation 5s and Nintendo Switches.
Esports Expansion at UAlbany
In addition to gaming stations, the new facility includes a broadcast and content creation room for students covering live esports events, and a large spectator area for fans. The arena is open for esports team practices, matches, and general student use between 5-10 pm daily.
Plans for the facility were first announced in 2022, the same year UAlbany introduced a $1,000 (~£747) merit scholarship for select incoming esports freshmen.
A Growing Esports Programme
UAlbany launched its esports program in 2019, supported by President Havidán Rodríguez and the Division of Student Affairs. The teams compete in games such as Overwatch 2, VALORANT, League of Legends, and Rocket League. Telecommunications company Verizon supported the teams with $10,000 (~£7,500) for new gaming equipment and peripherals.
Esports director John Macone expressed his goal for the arena to become a hub for all gamers in the capital region, stating: “We hope to offer an inclusive environment for anyone passionate about video games. This includes creating new video game-related student organizations, planning and hosting public events in the arena, and further engaging with local high schools and the wider Capital Region gaming community.”
Esports Growing Worldwide
With the rising popularity of esports, universities around the world are showing increasing interest in the field. Institutions like Mount Kenya University and the University of Salford have also introduced esports training facilities.
In addition, many universities now offer dedicated esports programs. This year, the University of West London launched two new esports degrees, and the University of Suffolk announced an esports undergraduate course set to begin in 2025.