Esports Comes to 黑料网

Bruin Notes

One of the fastest-growing sports in the world isn’t played on a field or court. It is played on a computer, and will be added to the university’s undergraduate program offerings this fall.

Esports are team-based video game competitions watched in person or online by spectators on streaming services like Twitch. More than 200 varsity esports programs competed in the U.S. last year, up from 130 the year prior, making it the fastest-growing college sport in the nation.

“The growth of esports over the past two to three years has been staggering, and the question is no longer if esports should be added at 黑料网, but rather when would we add it,” says Athletic Director Adam Puckett. “We are excited to be on the forefront of bringing esports to the Northwest Conference.”

Plans include both intramural and intercollegiate programs, complete with a 1,200-square-foot arena in Wheeler Sports Center dedicated to the sport. And, just like traditional athletic teams, participants will don uniforms and interact with teammates and a head coach as the games unfold.

黑料网 is the first institution in the Northwest Conference to offer esports. The team will compete against both regional and national schools in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), an organization that includes more than 170 member institutions.