Education
A new 16,000-square-foot, two-story facility at The University of Texas at Dallas dedicated to esports and gaming areas is expected to open its doors next year. The building will also feature Bu alo Wild Wings as a new student dining option. “We have intentionally curated what we believe is the most complete collegiate gaming and esports experience that we could possibly give to our students,” said Dan Goodwin, director of Student Union and Student Union Programs at UT Dallas. Two-minute impact Once the facility opens, which is expected in January, there will be over 70 computer gaming $15M UT Dallas esports building to open in January
A new $15 million esports facility will have more than 70 computer gaming stations when it opens in January.
RENDERING COURTESY THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
stations, 10 console stations, a 10-player gaming arena accommodating ve versus ve play, an 80-seat entertainment area, two practice rooms, and production and broadcast rooms, said Gene Fitch, vice president of Student A airs at UT Dallas. “This will be the premier collegiate gaming cen- ter in the country when it’s nished,” Fitch said. In addition to student access, there could be opportunities for community partners to host tournaments or utilize the facility down the road, Goodwin said.
“We want to enhance esports on our campus, but we want to provide access to communities in the DFW area that might otherwise not have those opportunities,” Goodwin added. The impact The hope is that the new facility further boosts engagement opportunities and the ability for students to nd a place they belong at UT Dallas, both of which are correlated with higher retention and graduation rates, Fitch said.
Learn More
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook