A building that sat vacant on the Fayette Square for more than three years will soon have new life, and Central Methodist University will have one of the largest collegiate Esports facilities in the country.
The 6,000 square foot space held Fayette’s Dollar General store three years ago. Central plans to rehab the space and open its new Esports facility in the fall.
“This is an enormous commitment to Esports,” said Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president for enrollment management. “Esports produces such quality students. We’re excited about the future. We project having more than 100 Esports competitors in over the next year or two.”
Central is “reimaging” the space, and will commit square footage to each of the games the teams compete in —Fortnight, Rocket League, Rainbow 6, Madden, Hearthstone, and League of Legends — providing a “modern and sought after” gaming facility. Not only will it be the home of CMU’s teams, there will be tournaments and high school nights in the facility, Parisi said.
“This gives us a chance to host events and engage with Howard County high school students who have been looking for a place to compete,” Parisi said.
Mike Dimond, executive director for Fayette Main Street, was encouraged by the news and said the change was positive for Fayette, filling an empty building and bringing more activity to the square.