CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus will launch a new Esports Arena as it embraces a new era of competition and electronic gaming.
The Southern Illinoisan reports that the 1,200-square-foot facility will open Aug. 16 with an open house at the Student Center. Interim Chancellor John M. Dunn will conduct the ribbon-cutting festivities. The arena will serve as home base for the SIU esports team.
Esports is one of the world’s fastest growing sports, emerging into a billion-dollar industry with more than 300 million enthusiasts worldwide.
More than 20 popular games, including Fortnite, Apex Legends, Battlefield and assorted FIFA and Madden NFL games, will be available in the new arena.
Student Center official Kent Epplin says that SIU’s move to esports is an ideal way to involve more campus students.
