eSports is organized competitive video gaming. Although eSports made its first debut in 1972, it began gaining momentum in the late 2000s and continues to grow among High Schools and Colleges.

eSports provides much more than gaming. Teams are decided via tryouts, just as a traditional sports team is chosen. It may vary by coach, but, it's more about interpersonal skills, drive and the players ability to learn and be a team player. The team does indeed have a team bench with subs at the ready and subbing will vary based upon which game is being played and each individuals skill set for that game.

Other important takeaways to remember with an eSports program is that there are real-world roles and skills to be learned that will transcend to any career. From broadcasting to video and social media management, the eSports program provides more learning opportunities than just the competition.

The spectator area can mimic that of a traditional sports stadium accompanied by cafe height tables and a variation in seating height.  It allows the audience a really flexible space so that they can rotate about the room to see different athlete's points of view.  It also encourages more of a close community feel with the other people watching

The Team Meeting room functions as a strategy room, allowing discussion of what went right and what went wrong in a collaborative and open environment complete with Coach's area and space for film review.

Players are positioned in a way that separates them from the crowd and they have a sense of ownership of their station. Each station should have table-top power for any devices on the work surface and all wiring hidden.  A broadcast station for students and a separate office for the coach is also something to consider in the space.

Game on!

The Growing popularity of eSports is becoming much more like a traditional sport. A few takeaways if your school is interested in starting an eSports program.  eSports is not an expensive program to run every year and can support itself. You can have built in advertisements for generating income or the sales of apparel and sponsorship deals.

Students can be involved in picking a team name and they’ll brand it and market it as well through social platforms or school stores.  eSports vendors and leagues will help and are eager. Everybody is eager to grow as a community.

We suggest conducting an interest survey first and maybe start with as an after school activity or club first. Although a dedicated space can increase the professionalism of the sport, it doesn't have to be over the top elaborate.