ESPORTS COMING TO CONCORDIA AS VARSITY OPTION
Concordia College is excited to announce it will be offering varsity esports and will be joining the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the largest association of varsity esports programs in North America.
“We said if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right,” said Lisa Sethre-Hofstad, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life. “The equipment is going to be high-end. The coach will be a paid employee. We’re not tiptoeing into this. There’s a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation.”
Esports has exploded in popularity and is a billion-dollar industry. Competitive gaming has challenged the cultural norms of traditional sports, while at the same time, promoting inclusion.
“I’m excited that a new group of students is going to be embraced and supported,” said James Jehlik, associate director of Academic and User Technology Services, who is helping oversee esports development. “They’ll experience valuable life lessons such as how to win, how to lose, and all the good things that come with sports. And they can put that into their gaming passion.”
Through the NACE membership, the college will stream games for fans on Twitch with the potential for non-players to fill supporting roles, such as announcers, chat moderators, and camera operators.
The first titles to be offered will be League of Legends and Rocket League, with competition expected to begin in January 2023.
The lower level of Park Region Hall will be renovated to house the 18 gaming computers. The space is planned to be available for student use at the start of the Fall 2022 semester.
Additional details will be announced as the program develops.
For more information:
JAMES JEHLIK/ Associate Director of Academic and User Technology Services
DR. LISA SETHRE-HOFSTAD/VP for Student Development and Campus Life
CANDACE HARMON/Media Relations