Florida Polytechnic University has officially opened a new esports arena, creating a centralized hub for competitive gaming, campus engagement and student development.
The purpose-built space features 20 high-performance gaming PCs designed for competitive play, along with dedicated console stations. A defining element of the facility is its 48-foot exterior display mounted to the Barnett Applied Research Center, allowing live tournament gameplay to be broadcast outdoors — turning matches into campus-wide spectator events.
Florida Poly fields 14 esports teams with more than 100 student competitors through the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). Students compete in leading titles such as Valorant, Overwatch, Marvel Rivals and Super Smash Bros.: Ultimate.
University leaders say the arena strengthens Florida Poly’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends while creating meaningful student opportunities. During the day, the space is open to the broader student body for gaming, studying and socializing. In the evenings, it transitions into a dedicated varsity competition venue.
Esports has been embedded in the university’s culture for years. The school’s Valorant team captured the NECC Challengers Division South Atlantic Conference title in 2023, and in 2019, a Florida Poly student won the EA Madden NFL 19 Challenge championship, earning national recognition and a $35,000 prize.
Beyond competition, students emphasize the professional value of esports participation — from teamwork and communication to strategic thinking and leadership. With the new arena now operational, Florida Poly is positioned to expand its esports footprint while fostering both competitive excellence and community engagement.