“Level Up: Premier eSports Arena Launches in Carlos – Alexandria Echo Press”

CARLOS

— A fresh enterprise in Carlos strives to draw gamers out of their rooms and cellars, where they dedicate countless hours in solitude, into a new gaming environment where they can interact with other gamers face-to-face.

Travis and Jeannie Shaw have recently launched

Premier eSports and Gaming

located at 4451 County Rd 13 NE in Carlos. This venue was previously home to Northwest Martial Arts, situated east of Brothers Market at the “Carlos Corners” junction.

Travis Shaw, who is also the owner of Premier IT in Alexandria, stated that he conceived the idea roughly two years ago while returning from an IT assignment in Morris.

“God placed it on my heart,” he expressed. “I was contemplating how else we could assist the community. I was considering what is necessary within the community.”

He then reflected upon their 15-year-old son, Taylor, who was engaged in sports for a time but has now transitioned into a considerable admirer of gaming and eSports.

Contributed photo

“My son returns from school, ensures his assignments are completed, and then vanishes into his room,” stated Travis. “He’s conversing with his friends through his headset, but what else could he be engaging in?”

While there are some activities and venues for youth to occupy their time, Travis mentioned that he believed more options should be available. He pointed out that when Taylor was playing baseball, he had a circle of friends who would congregate at their residence. Although he still has friends, they predominantly connect with each other using headsets, each one tucked away in the basement or their own room.

Being an IT professional, Travis remarked that he pondered whether there was something within his area of expertise that could be beneficial to the community and the gaming youth. He came up with the concept of establishing a new school arcade.

“Thus, we opened Premier eSports and Gaming and currently have 20 high-performance gaming PCs equipped with top-quality peripherals – the finest monitors, keyboards, mice, and controllers,” Travis noted. “We also include a couple of Xbox consoles, PlayStations, five Nintendo Switches, and a VR treadmill.”

Before launching the new eSports gaming center, Travis mentioned that he conducted extensive research and discovered that the high schools in the vicinity each feature an eSports team, as does Alexandria Technical and Community College. He then learned that numerous colleges and universities provide eSports programs as well.

Additionally, since he identifies as a forward-thinker, he delved even deeper into his research and discovered that there are over 200 colleges in the U.S. which offer scholarships for eSports, similar to those for baseball, football, hockey players, etc.

Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press

However, he mentioned that many children or families are unable to afford a $3,000 gaming setup or do not have access to appropriate internet services. By launching an eSports center, it provides kids with the chance to become skilled gamers and potentially earn a scholarship in the future.

Travis mentioned that on high school eSports teams, there are typically five players. With his 20 gaming PCs, up to four teams could be competing simultaneously.

The Shaw family is thrilled about the prospects their new venture will bring to the community. Travis even indicated that if all goes well, they would be keen to open additional centers in Fergus Falls and Brainerd. Moreover, he proposed the idea of hosting friendly competitions between the various centers.

They might also consider offering an after-school program, stated Travis. The center provides complimentary guest internet so students can occupy the available booths, complete their homework, and afterward indulge in fun gaming sessions with their peers.

“And then they can ‘punch’ each other playfully and say, ‘Oh, I got you!’ ” he added. “You know, so they can engage more interactively than just remaining in their rooms alone.”

Like Taylor, numerous other children feel isolated, noted Travis. Parents are often preoccupied, which is why he affirmed that the eSports gaming center serves as an excellent location for kids to socialize safely with their friends. He pointed out that there are surveillance cameras installed inside and outside the facility. Additionally, he highlighted that snacks and drinks will be available for sale, ensuring kids won’t go hungry.

Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press

The fee to play games at Premier eSports and Gaming is $8 per hour, said Travis, adding that the more hours purchased, the less expensive it becomes. The VR treadmill costs $20 per hour. While gaming, children will have the opportunity to collect coins, which can also be utilized to buy gaming hours/time.

An essential factor that Travis pointed out is that the gaming center is not exclusively for children. He mentioned that businesses could reserve the venue for team-building exercises for their staff. Perhaps a company wishes to compete against another in a tournament. He speculated on whether employees of 3M might challenge the staff of Douglas Machine or if Alexandria Industries wants to face Brenton. Additionally, he envisioned a fantasy baseball or football squad gathering for tournaments.

“That would work as well,” he acknowledged. “We simply want individuals to enjoy themselves, and my ultimate aim is to assist children in leaving their rooms and potentially secure a pathway to a college education. We genuinely wish to support the community in any way we can.”

For the present, Travis, Jeannie, and Taylor will be operating the gaming center. Their hours will be from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

Celeste Edenloff / Alexandria Echo Press

“We are contemplating whether to close on Sundays or perhaps open for just a few hours during the afternoon,” said Travis. “We hold a belief in the Lord and wish for families to have the chance to attend church together.”

For further details regarding Premier eSports and Gaming, please visit the website at

centers.ggcircuit.com/pegmn/home

or visit their Facebook page, ”

Premier Esports & Gaming

.”