����ԭ��

Sounds of cheering and clapping filled the Student Union Atrium at ����ԭ�� when president Jackie Carpenter cut a red ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new esports space at 029 Student Union on Jan. 24. in the former student organization office to students.

“We are so happy to be able to expand our community and be able to give places for students to be able to sit and play games or hang out,” said Carpenter.

After growing from 30 members to more than 300 in the last few years, the Esports Club has ballooned to 700 members, according to Carpenter.

“I think the space that we have now is pretty perfect,” said club member Ian Pabon, a junior majoring in physiology and neuroscience.

Rob Thompson, the university architect, said the growing need for a new gaming area was an important construction project for the university.

“The university is prioritizing the success of the Esports Club and recognizing how much online gaming is part of modern students’ lives,” he said.

Carpenter said the space offers students a great opportunity to play games between classes and compete against fellow students. The new space features several lounge areas and dozens of computers with a high-speed internet connection.

Non-club members are welcome and will be assigned a gaming computer after signing in. Depending on computer demand, time limits may be placed on patrons. The space will be open from noon to 6 p.m. daily.