Rowdy’s Esports Arena Takes Gaming to Another Level

Descending the staircase from the River Hawk Shop to the lower level of University Crossing, Jeannine Al Attal could hardly believe her eyes.

“This isn’t like any basement I’ve ever seen,” Al Attal, a junior computer science major from Lynnfield, said as she took in the glowing lights and rows of high-powered hardware inside Rowdy’s Esports Arena, the new subterranean hub for video game players of all skill levels at UMass Lowell.

University leaders, students and staff gathered recently to cut the ribbon on the $4.5 million, 2,500-square-foot facility, which once housed part of the campus bookstore.

“This is a place for students to engage and build community,” said Chancellor Julie Chen, who noted how student input was central to shaping the project. “I hope when students spend time here, it is everything they hoped for as a place that brings people together.”

Esports, or electronic sports, refers to organized competitive video gaming in which players or teams compete in structured leagues and tournaments. It is one of the fastest-growing activities on college campuses, with more than 300 varsity-level programs across North America sanctioned by the National Association of Collegiate Esports, whose varsity teams meet defined standards for competition, structure and institutional support. Globally, the esports industry is projected to top $5 billion this year through advertising, sponsorships and merchandise sales.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Rowdy’s Esports Arena features 50 personal computer (PC) stations, including 38 for recreational play and 12 varsity-level systems equipped with the latest NVIDIA graphics cards. There are also console gaming stations with Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 machines, a community lounge, a live-broadcast room and a dedicated team room for video-on-demand review.

Student Government Association President Gavin Robillard, who grew up playing games like Call of Duty and Marvel Rivals, said the arena reflects how student recreation is evolving.

“Esports is becoming more and more popular, and it’s a good thing that the university is taking a step in that direction, not just focusing on traditional sports,” Robillard, a senior business major from Leominster, said while checking out the arena for the first time.

Director of Student Center and Gaming Operations Adam Dunbar oversaw the three-year project, which was developed in partnership with JCJ Architecture and Vantage Builders and in collaboration with several UML offices, including Facilities Management, Information Technology, University Crossing Operations and Administrative Services. 

CDW-G, a leading IT solutions company, provided sponsorship to help offset the cost of the PCs.

“The goal of the Student Center is to be an embodiment of the students we serve — a place where you can learn, grow, relax and be yourself,” said Dunbar, who thanked students for providing input on everything from PC specifications and layouts to furniture and finishes. “This space would not be what it is today without you.”

Derek Sola, design principal at JCJ Architecture, said the arena’s design process was “quite unique in that UMass Lowell invited students to our design sessions. The students were instrumental in providing clarity on intent and scope.”

The arena is staffed by student employees and accessible to all UML students via ID scan. PC and console peripherals, along with console games, are available to borrow at no charge, and students may bring their own equipment if they prefer.

“The arena has dedicated bandwidth, top-tier machines and everything you need to jump in and play — even if you’ve never played before,” said Alysa Beaulieu, a sophomore psychology major who works in the arena. 

Steve Athanas, associate vice chancellor of information technology and chief information officer, noted that the university planned for the arena’s long-term sustainability by including annual funding to refresh equipment.

“You can come back in five years, and this will still be cutting-edge,” he said.

While the university is still in the early stages of developing a varsity esports program, students can connect through a growing Discord server on which players organize games, share information and form clubs.

After attending the ribbon cutting and playing Fortnite on the recreational PCs with Al Attal and another friend, computer science major Salma Boukdad was impressed.

“This is such an incredible space,” said Boukdad, a junior from Revere. “You can really tell how much time, thought and consideration went into making it an enjoyable place for students to unwind and spend time with their friends.”

For Miles Foster '25, a graduate student assistant who supports arena operations, that sense of connection is at the heart of gaming itself.

“Video games are one of the most powerful storytelling and social mediums that exist today,” Foster said. “They bring people together around shared challenges and shared worlds, and this arena gives students the tools to experience that at whatever level of play they choose.”