Let the games begin: Waukesha County Technical College hosts grand opening for 1,800-sq. ft. esports center

 

PEWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Waukesha County Technical College is the latest institution to press play on the esports game, joining hundreds of schools across the country and the billion-dollar competitive video gaming industry.

On Tuesday morning, school officials held a grand opening to unveil their 1,800-sq. ft. esports lab, complete with dark blue lighting, 18 fully equipped gaming stations and high-end equipment like monitors and keyboards. 

"It's awesome that we have esports opportunities in my home state," said Ian Sheeley, the esports coordinator and head coach. "I wanted to be a part of it."

Sheeley said building the lab was "a long process with all hands on deck."

Student gamers of all abilities will have the opportunity to play popular games like Fortnite, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Super Smash Bros. And those who are a bit more classic? The lab even offers chess.

"I want them to come in here first day and have it feel like home," Sheeley said. "I like to say if one player chooses esports as a reason to come to school today, then I would've done my job."

Officials said there are already 80 members that have joined the team's Discord page, and that number continues to grow.

"I think this is really interesting to see how this is going to play out for all of the students, just to see how far we can all go," said student Marcelino Promotor. "I think this could be a lot of good team building or even making more friends with a lot of people who pretty much share the same interests as you."

In the spring, the team is planning on joining the National Association of Collegiate Esports, or NACE, where they will then compete nationwide in NCAA-style tournaments.

Players who win are eligible for scholarship monies.

"There's a place in esports for everyone, and I would like to include that older generation in my work here," Sheeley said. "I am so grateful to every different department of the college that has come together to make this thing a reality."