With one push of a big red button, Trine University’s latest facilities upgrade went live last week. The Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena officially launched at Trine last Thursday afternoon.
The university has partnered with Easterseals Northern Indiana in Angola as that organization has become a national leader with its esports program. It’s part of a nationwide initiative from Easter Seals called “ES Gaming.”
The esports environment offers equity, inclusiveness and opportunities for disabled gamers, and is a powerful conduit to foster education and inclusivity. Trine University, which has offered esports since 2017, was a natural partner as Easterseals Northern Indiana developed its program, university officials said.
Jeremy Goossens, Trine’s esports director, said that after coming to Indiana from Europe as an exchange student, he was amazed to get to see high school and college students representing their community in the athletic arena.
“Unfortunately, not every kid is interested in sports or born with the physical abilities,” Goossens said. “So not all kids get to live that amazing experience… With this new arena, we can offer that experience to all our 150 esports players and by having them play on stage in front of their friends and family, wearing a Trine jersey and being part of a welcoming community.”
According to Trine officials, the $2.1 million project has transformed an auditorium classroom into a facility featuring 60 state-of-the-art gaming computers. The cutting-edge technology will cater to a diverse range of gaming preferences and skill levels.
The arena also will include a spacious spectator area, dynamic competitive battle stage and fully equipped broadcast booth for live streaming and commentary, the Trine news release noted.
As the project launched, Paige Hart, esports head coach for Easterseals/Arc of Northeast Indiana, was excited for the possibilities the new facilities offers for its clients in the area.
That includes getting to play alongside Trine esports athletes. “It’s a great opportunity for them,” Hart said as she watched a couple of her esports athletes be among the first to try out the cool new digs. “They get a lot of coaching and leadership, as well as learning social skills from the Trine students.”
Trine officials proudly showcased the new facility for the community Thursday night as part of the Angola Chamber of Commerce’s “Business After Hours” event for this month. Angola Chamber Executive Director Julia Hewitt said the new facility is another manifestation of the longtime relationship between Trine and the Angola community at large.
- Written by David Vantress for KPC Media -
ABOUT THE NECC
The NECC fosters innovative competition experiences, provides quality broadcasting services, and works to support an inclusive community within collegiate esports. The NECC was started to provide the collegiate gaming community with the respect it warranted and deserved. The conference prides itself on responding to the needs of its schools, directors, coaches, and most importantly - its players.
With more than 500 colleges and universities currently competing, the NECC strives to be a positive home for the collegiate gaming community.
For more information about the NECC, their schools, games, and community, visit their website at https://necc.gg/
