After opening the Huskies Esports Lounge in Atwood Memorial Center last year, further strides have been made after the Huskies Esports Arena had its grand opening on April 3 in the lower floor of Atwood.
The space, formerly known as “The Quarry”, has seen wide-ranging updates to make it a multi-purpose space for future SCSU Esports events.
It will enhance SCSU’s ability to host immersion camps and experiential learning opportunities, including camps for esports management and esports broadcasting in the summer. The University currently offers an Esports Management minor and soon will be offering an Esports Broadcasting minor.
Huskies Esports Arena will also be a benefit to the community in hosting regional esports events in the coming months, while SCSU’s first Rocket League team has begun playing their varsity matches inside the new venue.
The demand for esports also brought about a new hire. Chase Neukam was named the first Director of Esports at SCSU on Feb. 1.
Neukam recently served as the Director of Esports at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and he is actively engaged in the esports community.
He has a grassroots approach, seeking to build an authentic culture that aligns with student interest. Neukam said he’s already had students share excitement about esports in many areas that go beyond competitive gaming, including social media, marketing, event planning and broadcasting.
“We have a multi-directional approach to elevate our esports culture on campus through community engagement, club opportunities, expanding competitive teams, curriculum and experiential learning,” Neukam said. “We’re also here to support new and existing student gaming clubs, communities, and events. Whether you are a casual or competitive gamer, or you just enjoy watching others play – there is a place for you in esports!”
Esports fits directly into the University’s “It’s Time” strategic framework, beginning with coaches and staff engaging with students to provide individualized support.
This includes adapting in market-relevant areas like esports, giving students the chance to incorporate individual interests and passions into their SCSU experience.
“We welcome students to reach out with project ideas to incorporate holistic health, education, leadership and Engineering and Applied Science into esports venues and programming on campus,” said Chris Stanley, Director of Educational Technology Innovations at SCSU. “There are opportunities to connect with the broader community.”
Stanley said he has already received numerous thank you’s and recognition from students on SCSU’s investment in esports, allowing students to make new friends and feel a sense of belonging.
SCSU is also extending its regional reach with community events and outreach, highlighted by two successful “Best Buy After Dark” events this year. The first event had over 300 attendees, showing a clear desire and interest from the St. Cloud community about learning what esports has to offer.
Esports has the ability to bring together a diverse group of individuals in ways traditional sports can’t always offer.
Learn more about SCSU Esports at stcloudstate.edu/esports or join their Discord
