SIU plans to unveil new Esports Arena

A new era of competition and gaming is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale with the unveiling of a long anticipated Esports Arena.

Set on the first floor of the SIU Student Center, the 1,200-square-foot facility is scheduled to launch Aug. 16 with an open house and welcome. The festivities are planned from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, esports is quickly developing into a billion dollar industry with more than 300 million fans worldwide. 

Collegiate teams, tournaments and competitions are springing up across the nation, with SIU’s new arena offering more opportunities for the local and campus gaming community.

An initiative first started by the late chancellor Carlo Montemagno, the Esports Arena was a topic of discussion at a SIU Board of Trustees meeting in fall 2018. 

After a brief hold, construction picked up again, with completion wrapping up this summer.

The arena features both a competitive gaming side, with PC’s and keyboards, and a console-style area for patrons who favor the use of a game controller. 

The competitive area includes 12 Alienware Aurora R7 computers, with access to over 20 games at any one time.

Following the open house on Aug. 16, open play is scheduled to begin August 19, which is the first day students are back on campus for class. A free play night for students also is planned from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Aug. 17, during the annual Dawgs Night Out.

While set to be a popular hangout spot for students, the new arena will also be available to the local community. 

Gaming and facility hours will be similar to the SIU Student Center Bowling and Billiards, with occasional differences for competitions and events.

First time users will register at the Esports counter located within the SIU Student Center Bowling and Billiards and will make their own username and password. 

Patrons can purchase gaming time at rates of $3 an hour for students, $3.50 for SIU staff and $4 for community members.

The arena offers more than 20 games. The plan is to continually update and add games as new trends and requests develop overtime. 

While open to the local and campus community, the arena will also serve as the home base for the SIU Esports team.

The SIU Esports Club organizes teams that compete in various online leagues and tournaments against collegiate and non-collegiate teams.