University of Albany announces esports arena

The University of Albany in the USA has launched a 4,000-square-foot esports arena to support the growth of its collegiate competitive gaming programme, UAlbany Esports.

The facility is equipped with 36 Lenovo Legion gaming PCs and console stations featuring PlayStation 5s and Nintendo Switches.

In addition, the new arena offers a broadcast and content creation room for students covering live esports events as well as a large spectator area for fans. The spaces are open for esports team practices or matches and general student use between 5-10 pm daily.

Plans for building the esports facility were initially announced in 2022. The same year, UAlbany created a $1,000 (~£747) merit scholarship for select incoming esports freshmen.

The New York State University launched its esports programme in 2019 with the support of President Havidán Rodríguez and the Division of Student Affairs. UAlbany’s Esports teams compete in games including Overwatch 2, VALORANT, League of Legends and Rocket League. The teams were supported by telecommunications company Verizon with $10,000 (~£75,000) for new gaming equipment and peripherals.

In a press release, UAlbany’s esports director, John Macone, shared that he also aims for the esports arena to be a space for all gamers in the capital region: “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.”

With the rise of esports and its expansion into the mainstream, universities worldwide have shown interest in the scene. Institutions, such as Mount Kenya University and the University of Salford, have also unveiled esports training spaces.

Furthermore, a growing number of universities offer dedicated esports programmes. This year, The University of West London launched two new esports degrees, while the University of Suffolk announced an esports undergraduate course for 2025.