New Esports Game Room: A Gamers Dream

Southern University Law Center is opening a state-of-the-art esports facility in the Southern University student union. The esports game room is on schedule to open before the spring semester ends. The initiative initiated by Southern University Law Center for Mixed Reality Virtual Innovation and Esports Institute. The esports institute seeks to develop pathways to the entertainment, gaming, and esports arenas.
The facility will have 34 gaming PC stations, two gaming console stations, a single main stage with spectator seats, and a VR station.
The esports institute was started in 2021 by Christopher Turner. Turner is the coordinator and head coach for the Southern University Law Center and Southern University Esports Institute. Turner explained how esports is an effective way to promote student engagement across the curriculum.
The facility was fully funded by the Southern University Law Center Chancellor John Pierre. “Saw the vision and has been in full support,” stated Turner. The renovation process started over the summer and is now going into fruition. The ribbon-cutting is planned for this spring semester, and come fall, some summer camps and summer programming will begin.
Turner is the head esports coach at the University Lab School and was asked to develop and launch their esports team. Later, Chancellor John Pierre had started a mixed reality institute and recruited Turner to be the coordinator at the Southern University Law Center.
“Without the Southern University Law Center forming the institute, students would have nowhere to play to cultivate their talents, truly supports the gamers on campus,” stated Turner.
The main objective was to create an innovation hub to serve underrepresented communities, not only Southern law students but Southern University students and the community as well. The facility will be loaded full of programs, for middle schools and high schools, as well as to host professional development for educators and people who want to learn about esports.
“The program has benefited me with a network with other gamers and companies to where I was able to secure an ambassador role with Level Next. Along with adding roles to my resume making this a better overall college experience,” stated Mahcoe Edwards Jr., a senior, Mechanical engineering major from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The ecosystem of gaming includes cyber security and artificial intelligence and it builds partnerships with professional development. Turner plans to create gaming camps and even free play for students at certain times. Hence, everyone will be able to benefit from the new esports room.
For students interested in joining, Turner suggests doing their research. Follow their Twitter @subr_esports and discord https://discord.gg/kb7QtxX to become part of the community. Turner explained how they are constantly posting scholarships, sponsorships, and internship opportunities. Even resume building sessions and the chance to talk with people already in the gaming industry.
“Brought me around people with the same hobbies as me…it’s fun because it’s something I want to do. The facility is going to allow the students with no gaming system to play, that’s great; I love what there doing,” said Gerald Broussard III is, a junior mass communication major from Liberia, Louisiana.
The Southern Law Center facility can provide production and streaming services for students to learn and get help. Even a broadcast element for media students. There are many things students can do inside the esports space.
Many students aren’t aware of this opportunity coming on campus. “We’re going to have a hub in the middle of union, so there’s really no excuse. Just stop by and get information,” stated Turner. He advises students and the community to get involved because there are endless opportunities in the esports arena.