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Brookdale Community College is excited to announce that on September 7, 2023, it will be opening a cutting-edge Esports Program and Arena. What began as a casual pastime in arcades and basements has evolved into a thriving industry known as esports, and has experienced unprecedented growth over the past five years.

According to the Esports Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report in 2020, the global esports market size was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 24.4% from 2020 to 2027. This surge is driven by factors such as increasing audience reach and engagement, significant investments, rising live streaming of games, and improved infrastructure for league tournaments.

At the core of this growth are video games and their publishers, such as Riot Games, Valve Corporation, Activision-Blizzard, and Epic Games, which have fostered competitive environments akin to traditional sports. Esports events now boast high production values and structured competitions, attracting viewership numbers that rival traditional sports. Major corporations and celebrities have recognized the potential of esports and invested heavily in the industry. As a result, universities and colleges nationwide have introduced dedicated esports curricula to develop skilled professionals.

“Our state-of-the-art Esports Arena marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation and embracing emerging technologies,” said President David M. Stout. “This cutting-edge facility will provide our students with a platform to explore their passion for gaming and teamwork, and we look forward to cultivating a vibrant Esports community within our college.”

The Brookdale Esports Arena will be on the lower level of the Student Life Center (SLC). This state-of-the-art facility will house 26 high-end gaming PCs, with six on an ADA-compliant competition stage. A large display will allow spectators to view the gaming action, and an in-person audience seating area will be available. The Arena will also feature a broadcast booth for casters, a meeting and strategy room for teams, a front desk for guest check-ins, and a console lounge area with big-screen TVs for gaming enthusiasts to relax and watch professional events.

The Brookdale Esports Arena will offer hourly rentals of PCs and equipment for students and community members, rentals of the Arena for events, league fees for community leagues, viewing parties during major competitions, and sponsorship opportunities are available.Three gamers playing in front of a large screen.

“Our vision for Brookdale Esports is to strive for excellence and compete at the highest level in college esports,” said Director Chris Boehmer. “We will participate in the premier league for two-year colleges, National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) forming teams based on video game preference and popularity, akin to traditional sports teams, while upholding eligibility requirements on par with other collegiate athletic programs.”

The program will engage currently enrolled students who may not participate in extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

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.

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 Esports Arena will be open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 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 will be signs directing to the entrance.

Esports director holding the Varsity Jersey in front of logo just outside the Arena.Tryouts for the Brookdale Esports Varsity Teams will be held in person only at the Esports Arena at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates:

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

Diversity Statement: Brookdale Community College fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging. We promote a safe and open culture, encourage dialogue respecting diverse perspectives informed by credible sources, and uphold the virtues of civil discourse. We celebrate all identities with the understanding that ultimately, diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate belonging and make us a stronger Brookdale community.