Syracuse University Unleashes Cutting-Edge Gaming and Esports Hub

Continuing to lead as a pioneering institution for electronic sports (or esports) and gaming in the U.S., Syracuse University has proudly unveiled its new, advanced Gaming and Esports Center—an exhilarating venue for both skilled competitors and newcomers eager to engage in this expanding and dynamic arena. The community gaming area significantly enhances the esports offerings at the University, promoting student involvement and innovative academic programming.

“This outstanding esports center signifies a major achievement in an ongoing endeavor to position us as the premier university for esports and gaming,” stated Syracuse University Chancellor and President Kent Syverud during the inaugural festivities on Friday. “No other institution of our caliber invests in esports as we do. This presents Syracuse University with a unique chance to elevate our status while others remain on the sidelines.”

Spanning 5,800 square feet, the center located within the Schine Student Center represents the second recreational gaming and esports facility on campus. The esports gaming room at the Barnes Center at The Arch has drawn over 100,000 visits from students since its launch in 2019.

This new establishment will provide even more students with the chance to explore esports and gaming, reinforcing the University’s dedication to leading in the esports domain through the creation of a unique space that distinguishes it from comparable institutions.

The Gaming and Esports Center caters to each member of the University community, notes Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of esports, including the first-ever esports communications and management degree program, jointly offered by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the David B. Falk College of Sport.

The center is set to host the University’s competitive esports varsity teams, featuring a long, raised stage equipped with 10 computers for team competitions. Each workstation is fitted with a camera for live streaming, complemented by two lengthy video boards positioned in front of and behind the stage, ideally suited for showcasing match statistics, visuals, and replay videos to the audience in front of the stage.

This facility is also tailored for gamers of varying levels and interests. It boasts 24 high-performance personal computers and various console gaming systems including Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox, in addition to offerings in virtual and augmented reality, two racing simulators, classic arcade games, and tabletop gaming options.

“We are establishing a new benchmark for what esports and gaming can embody, with Syracuse University recognizing the influence esports and gaming can have within a higher education setting,” Gawrysiak explains. “This space illustrates our innovative spirit and our focus on the future of gaming and esports. We’re leveraging esports and gaming as an educational resource, and this facility serves as a testament to all things gaming for every member of our campus community.”

The University, in collaboration with the international esports and gaming organization Gen.G, has forged a multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing student engagement opportunities while supporting the University’s esports degree program. In addition to providing a chance to partake in an immersive, three-week study abroad experience in South Korea, this partnership will introduce Gen.G’s Campus Takeover conference and program to Syracuse in honor of the University’s Gaming and Esports Center.

The center will also include a production area where students can gain practical experience in live streaming varsity

and club esports tournaments—and a venue for student commentators to deliver play-by-play narration and color analysis during the competitions.

Will Delgado ’26 has engaged with esports since his initial year at the university, starting as a broadcaster and subsequently as a content creator for the esports program’s social media platforms. Delgado filmed, edited, and produced the promotional video for esports that was showcased during the grand opening event on Friday.

“This venue is going to significantly influence the campus community. It will aid in educating and enlightening our students about the potential career paths offered by esports,” states Delgado, who is pursuing studies in both supply chain management at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and television, radio, and film at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

“By engaging with esports, students can gain valuable career skills and experiences that will benefit them in this field. I should know, as I aim to combine my passions for gaming, esports, and content creation into a career in esports upon graduation,” mentions Delgado, who serves as a resident advisor for an esports-focused Living Learning Community in Haven Hall.

During the ceremony, Syracuse University’s Counter Strike 2 varsity squad, which secured a national championship from the National Association of Collegiate Esports, received a trophy that will be proudly displayed in the center. It marks the first of what Gawrysiak anticipates to be many trophies in the future.

Later this summer, the University will commence construction on a competitive esports arena located within the Marley Building. The third esports venue on campus will supply real-world, professional experiences to esports student-athletes and those in the esports academic degree program.

The Gaming and Esports Center will operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week and is situated right next to the campus bookstore. All games and experiences are complimentary for members of the University community.