On a ceremonial Wednesday, Michigan State University (MSU) revealed their first-ever dedicated esports area, the Alienware Esports Lounge. Situated in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, this cutting-edge space comes as part of a partnership with Dell Technologies.
Esports, the competitive participation in video games, servs a fast-growing domain. At MSU, there are both varsity esports teams and clubs. In fact, the MSU Esports Club Association represents one of the largest student groups on the campus, boasting a strength of over 1,500 members.
The grand introduction of the Alienware Esports Lounge took place in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building, Michigan State University on Jan. 17, 2024. It is the first within the Big Ten and the second in the U.S. The E-sport lounge is accessible to every student.
Christopher Bilski, Esports Director, illustrated how this novel area will facilitate collaborative learning and equip students for prospective careers in the industry.
According to Bilski, the MSU Alienware Esports Lounge, apart from being a nexus to the university, also encourages student connectivity. The facility offers practical learning possibilities, events management, broadcasting and production, and countless other opportunities aligning the students’ potential career paths with this space.
The Michigan State University’s Alienware Esports Lounge was launched in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on Jan. 17, 2024. It is the first of its kind in the Big Ten and the second across America and open to all university students.
Guests such as influential esports player and WNBA athlete Aerial Powers, Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, several MSU leaders, and Matt McGowan, Dell’s Senior Director and PC Gaming Lead graced the lounge’s grand opening.
At the inauguration of Michigan State University’s Alienware Esports Lounge (housed in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building), Matt McGowan – Senior Director of Dell’s Gaming Unit delivered a speech. He highlighted that it’s the second esports lounge across the US and the first in the Big Ten, made available to every campus student.
The interim President of MSU, Teresa Woodruff, noted during her speech at the launch that the student-led advocacy for esports investment at MSU enabled the establishment of the facility and the varsity esports programs.
Woodruff felt it was a special occasion to be a part of such dedication, as the university has ensured to cater to student needs leading to a celebratory event for all.
Interim President of Michigan State University, Teresa Woodruff, and Lt. Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist, played a video game at the opening of MSU’s new esports lounge located in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building on Jan. 17, 2024. The lounge is second of its kind in the US and the first in the Big Ten, offering access to all campus students.
Lt. Governor Gilchrist pointed out how the student-led process demonstrated the influence of student voice in the campus.
His suggestion was that students can bring a positive change to their campus by raising their voices, emphasizing the significance of universities.
Collin Landers, the captain of the Varsity Smash Bros team, believes that this facility will be beneficial to all students and isn’t limited to just those participating in esports teams.
Landers asserted that the facility is suitable for all players, regardless of their seriousness for the game. He said that it would be a valuable resource for those playing casually with friends or for those aiming to improve their skills to join varsity team.
At the launch of MSU’s new esports lounge in the Communications Arts and Sciences Building, Sparty, the university’s mascot, amusingly tried to put on a gaming headset. The lounge is second of its kind in the US and the first in the Big Ten, and invites campus students to enjoy the state-of-the-art gaming facility.
Besides offering more classroom room, the lounge promotes socialisation among students.
Ryan Thompson, Assistant Professor of Games and Interactive Media, believes that the lounge is a beginning of a student-led space designed for socialising which was lacking in the Com Arts. He believes that this space offers a great opportunity for students to socialise and hang out.
This is an unprecedented type of space in the university. According to Bilski, It will create a base for the burgeoning esports community at MSU.
“The Alienware MSU Esports Lounge is a transformative initiative that allows students to connect, build a community and prepare for their future in a manner never experienced before,” concluded Bilski.
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The Alienware Esports Lounge, housed in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building of Michigan State University, made its debut on Jan. 17, 2024. This trailblazing esports lounge is the first within the Big Ten and the second within U.S. borders, which makes it an accessible space to all students.
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