Florida Polytechnic University Unveils a Cutting-Edge Esports Arena for Student Competitors

Florida Polytechnic University Unveils New Esports Arena

On February 13, 2026, Florida Polytechnic University proudly revealed its new esports arena, a modern facility aimed at fostering competitive gaming for its 14 esports teams. This cutting-edge space provides a premier venue for practice, competitions, and gaming community events in some of the most popular esports titles today.

A Hub for Competitive Play

Boasting 20 high-performance gaming PCs, the arena is specifically designed for competitive gameplay. Additionally, students can enjoy two large televisions dedicated to console gaming. One of the standout features of the arena is a striking 48-foot exterior screen mounted on the wall of the Barnett Applied Research Center. This impressive display allows live tournament gameplay to be broadcasted, drawing crowds and heightening the excitement of esports events.

During the inauguration, Dr. Devin Stephenson, the university's president, expressed his enthusiasm for the facility, stating, "This arena exemplifies our very bold-thinking approach, creating a very modern university experience. To our students, your interests and success matter to us." He emphasized the university's commitment to providing environments where students can thrive, connect, and sharpen their competitive skills.

Cole Allen, Florida Poly's vice president and chief information officer, highlighted the importance of creating an elite-level esports space, aiming to uplift the gaming environment beyond just a classroom setup. “We wanted something where we could compete at the highest levels,” he remarked, explaining the initiative's goal to elevate Florida Poly’s esports capabilities.

Engaging the Student Body

Florida Polytechnic's esports program competes in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) and serves over 100 students across various teams, featuring games like Marvel Rivals, Overwatch, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Derek Lower, the director of athletics and recreation, anticipates the arena will serve as a daily venue for students, allowing them to practice and engage with teams from universities nationwide. “Esports is a huge industry, so it's really great to give our students the opportunity to get their feet wet and hop into it at an early, grassroots level,” he said.

The arena is also accessible to all students during the day, offering an inviting environment for gaming, studying, or simply socializing. However, in the evenings, it transforms into an exclusive space for the varsity esports teams to sharpen their skills and prepare for competitions.

Noah Vanscoyoc, a senior majoring in business analytics and leading figure in the esports program, shared his excitement about the new space. “I’m in love with the new space. I genuinely think it will help esports grow more as a whole because more students will see it and want to join,” he stated, eager to facilitate greater participation.

Strengthening Community and Skills

Florida Poly has recognized the value of esports long before this arena's establishment. The university's Valorant team previously clinched the NECC Challengers Division South Atlantic Conference title in 2023, and in a remarkable feat, student Christian Lomenzo took home the EA Madden NFL 19 Challenge national championship in 2019, winning a $35,000 prize.

According to Jannice Rivera, a junior studying computer science and an esports student leader, the new arena marks a transformative moment for the university’s esports community. She pointed out the broader benefits of participating in esports, explaining that it builds skills essential for future collaborative endeavors in the workforce. “In the field, we will have team-based projects, team-based coding, and you'll never be working alone. Esports gives you a chance to communicate with others and trust in them,” she added, illustrating how the sport fosters teamwork and communication.

With the launch of the arena, students are optimistic about further expanding the esports program and increasing opportunities for competition, training, and community involvement. “Anybody can join us. We want everyone to have an open mind and just have fun and play games with us. You don't have to do the competitive part,” Vanscoyoc encouraged, inviting peers to join in and enjoy the vibrant esports culture at Florida Polytechnic University.

This new arena not only enhances student engagement in esports but also enhances the overall atmosphere at Florida Poly, uniting a community around a shared passion for competitive gaming.