The Eastern Michigan University Esports program has come a long way, starting from a cramped janitor’s closet at the REC/IM to now thriving in a state-of-the-art facility in the Student Center.
This new environment significantly enhances growth and engagement for competitive teams and the broader student community, positioning the program for tremendous success with expanded resources and new opportunities.
The relocation has brought substantial benefits to the team and its community.
“With the new space, we have over 20 computers, allowing us to support every competitive team. When they’re not in use, the community can come in to play and hang out, something we couldn’t offer before,” Kayla Moxley, the marketing manager for EMU Esports, said.
To promote the program and its events, EMU Esports has established a presence in the Student Center, connecting with students weekly and utilizing social media platforms like Instagram and Discord to inform the community about match days and upcoming tournaments.
“We have a table in the student center every Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:30 to connect with students, hand out flyers, and promote our events,” Moxley said.
One of the standout features of the new facility is its capacity to host more significant events. Esports Coordinator Zach Lewis noted that the move has transformed EMU Esports by facilitating in-person practices, competitions, and academic integrations.
“The move into the Student Center has been a game changer for EMU Esports. By every measure, we've been able to expand our operations to better serve our community,” Lewis said.
Upcoming events include a scholastic invitational tournament for Valorant and Rocket League on November 9 and 10, which will draw local high school and community college teams. Spectators are encouraged to attend the final show at 5 p.m. on both days, promising an entertaining experience.
In addition to improving competitive dynamics, the new facility enhances community connections. EMU Esports encourages all students to get involved through its Community Teams, which offer better access to the Esports facilities and team merchandise, fostering a sense of belonging.
“Building relationships between EMU Esports and the broader EMU community isn’t an easy task,” Lewis said.
Many campus programs have faced this challenge, and while they don't expect rapid changes, they have created opportunities for any EMU student to participate in EMU Esports. Students who enjoy specific games can team up with friends for casual play or even enter non-varsity collegiate competitions.
Regardless of the level of involvement, participants benefit from enhanced access to the Esports facilities and receive team merchandise to help them feel more at home.
The transition to the new space has notably improved team performance, with players appreciating the upgraded equipment and the ability to practice without feeling cramped.
Alexander Sandberg, a team manager and player, shared insights into his dual role and emphasized the importance of balancing his responsibilities as a manager and a player.
“It just comes down to time management and prioritizing this over other activities, just like with other sports," Sandberg said.
The team is optimistic about its performance in upcoming tournaments, having recently achieved significant victories against competitive teams.
“We started our year playing against some of the best teams in our conference. Although we lost to most of them, we ended up beating Northeastern, the team that won last year," Sandberg said.
The program's ambitions are clear; there is a strong desire to elevate EMU Esports into a nationally recognized entity in the field.
“I want people to hear Eastern Michigan and think about Esports. I truly think it is an achievable goal for us and something to watch out for," Sandberg said.
With the state-of-the-art facility, increased community involvement, and a dedicated roster of players and staff, EMU Esports promises to become a prominent name in collegiate esports.
EMU Esports can be found on Instagram and Twitch to stay updated on all their events and tournaments.
