Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland unveiled a new esports arena on Feb. 13, giving its 14 teams a place to practice, compete and host competitions.
The arena features 20 gaming PCs fully equipped for competitive play, along with two large TVs dedicated to console gaming, Florida Poly said in a news release. The facility includes a 48-foot exterior screen on the Barnett Applied Research Center wall, allowing tournament gameplay to be displayed for crowds to watch the action live.
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Florida Poly esports is part of the National Esports Collegiate Conference, fielding more than 100 students across 14 competitive teams in games including Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, Valorant and Super Smash Bros.: Ultimate, the release said.
During the day, all students will have access to the arena to play, study or just hang out. But in the evening, the space reverts to exclusive use by Florida Poly varsity esports for practice and competition, the release said.
Florida Polytechnic University leaders hold a ribbon cutting Feb. 13 for the new esports arena in the Barnett Applied Research Center.
Esports has been part of Florida Poly’s culture since its early days. In 2023, the University’s Valorant team won the NECC Challengers Division South Atlantic Conference title. And in 2019, student Christian Lomenzo became the EA Madden NFL 19 Challenge champion, securing both national bragging rights and a $35,000 prize, the release said.
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“Students will be in the arena every single night, often playing against universities from all across the nation,” said Derek Lower, director of athletics and recreation at Florida Poly. “Esports is a huge industry, so it’s really great to give our students the opportunity to get their feet wet and hop into it at an early, grassroots level.”
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Florida Poly unveils large arena for esports teams with 48-foot screen