Brookdale Unveils State-of-the-Art Esports Arena

Brookdale Community College Unveils Cutting-Edge Esports Arena at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Elevating Student Opportunities and Community Engagement

Brookdale Community College proudly announces the grand opening of its state-of-the-art Esports Arena, a monumental leap into the world of competitive video gaming that promises to be a game-changer for both students and the Monmouth County community. Evolving into a thriving industry, esports has experienced unprecedented growth over the past five years and Brookdale has embraced this rapidly growing phenomenon.

“I want to extend my gratitude to the Board of Trustees for their unwavering vision and steadfast support of esports at Brookdale Community College,” said President David M. Stout, Ph.D. “The Brookdale Esports Arena is not merely a facility; it is a thriving hub of innovation, competition, and camaraderie. As our college continues to invest in this exciting venture, we are confident that it will serve as a catalyst, nurturing an environment where our students can truly excel, collaborate, and reach their fullest potential.”

The Esports Arena at Brookdale Community College is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including 26 professional-grade PCs, with six on an ADA-compliant competition stage. The Arena features a broadcast booth for casters, a team meeting and strategy room, a console lounge area with big-screen TVs for gaming enthusiasts to relax and watch professional events, audio-video systems, and lighting equipment. The competition stage is the epicenter of esports action, complemented by a 20-foot by eight-foot LED video wall displaying thrilling gameplay.

The Arena’s Director Chirs Boehmer expressed his profound gratitude, “Seeing the look of excitement on every person’s face as they have walked through those doors in the past two weeks has been truly humbling. A lot of passion, planning, and hard work has gone into making the Brookdale Esports Arena a place where students can thrive while doing something they love, where no one is excluded or feels isolated.”

As part of this exciting venture, Brookdale Community College will field varsity esports teams to represent the institution in intercollegiate competitions within the NJCAAE (New Jersey Collegiate Athletic Association Esports). Tryouts for these teams concluded last week, attracting over 60 participants who were narrowed down to 19 exceptional players across three game titles. These students must meet specific credit requirements and maintain a minimum GPA to maintain their eligibility status.

Esports provides an inclusive and team-oriented environment for students, including those with disabilities or who may not be as interested in traditional sports. It offers a competitive platform where everyone can participate and excel, regardless of physical abilities or preferences.

Moreover, the arena provides opportunities for students interested in the production side of esports. They can gain hands-on experience mixing game footage, managing cameras, and handling audio for professional-quality broadcasts. These live broadcasts will be streamed on popular platforms like Twitch.tv and YouTube, ensuring a wide audience for the college’s esports endeavors.

Brookdale aims to collaborate with existing academic programs that can benefit from Esports Arena’s high-end computing and broadcast technology. Departments like Graphic Design, Game Design, Communications Media, and Computer Science will have opportunities to enrich their curricula through esports.

The Brookdale Esports Arena is located on the lower level of the Student Life Center (SLC) and will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. A photo ID will be required to use the equipment in the Arena. Parking for the Arena is in Lot #7, close to the SLC. There are signs directing to the entrance.

For rates, games info, and features about the Brookdale Esports Program and Arena, visit the Esports Website or contact Chris Boehmer, director of Esports, 732-224-1832 cboehmer@brookdalecc.edu.