When many people think of campus recreation centers, they often envision cardio machines, locker rooms, pools, and space for weight training. While these are indeed important elements of a collegiate rec center for many students, recreation facilities are continuously evolving to keep up with trends and meet the needs of today’s students.
The Old Dominion University recreation program demonstrated this type of evolution during the creation of the Monarch Esports Arena, which opened in April 2021. The $1.24 million, 2,400 square foot facility provides a setting for competitive and recreational esports enthusiasts to participate in a variety of gaming activities.
The innovation and attention to detail demonstrated in the design, construction, and use of this space resulted in the Monarch Esports Arena being recognized as a NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award recipient in early 2023.
About the Monarch Esports Arena
The Monarch Esports Arena is housed in the Webb University Center on Old Dominion University’s campus in Norfolk, Virginia. The arena consists of three distinct areas:
- An area for PC game play, which contains 46 PCs, a 9” elevated stage for competitive players which is accessed by an ADA-compliant ramp, and additional playing space for non-competitive players
- An area for console game play with a variety of consoles spanning the history of gaming
- An area for broadcasting team competitions, which contains A/V technology such as graphic design software, remote-controlled cameras, broadcast desks, and an audio mixer.
The arena’s customized lighting system provides the appropriate ambience, enhances the visual quality of competition broadcasts, and reduces screen glare for participants.
Impact on student body
The Monarch Esports Arena was designed to be a gathering place where all students could utilize the facility and equipment regardless of their competitive level. The idea as to unite students who were previously playing alone in their residences.
Prior to the facility’s construction, the university’s esports program consisted of about 35 students. Today, the university’s varsity esports program is comprised of 120 students competing in 14 different games. Additionally, the arena is available for drop-in use for eight hours per day, allowing access for those who don’t participate at the competitive level but who still enjoy utilizing the equipment. During the 2021–2022 academic year, the facility received approximately 18,700 hours of use for competitive esports and about 9,000 hours of drop-in use.
The facility’s construction has also provided jobs for student workers. Twelve students are currently employed as esports specialists who check in users and monitor technology needs and facility use.
The arena also supports academic pursuits, with 20 students currently using the facility’s broadcast area to gain practical experience in communications fields like broadcast production and onscreen communication.
About the Architect
The Monarch Esports Arena was designed by Moseley Architects, with Taylor Construction serving as the general contracting company. Established in 1969 in Richmond, Virginia, the firm now has 11 offices in four states.
Moseley Architects brings together a staff with diverse skills and perspectives to provide architectural, engineering, and interior design solutions. Their projects are diverse and include senior living complexes, recreation facilities, multifamily housing, civic buildings, and educational facilities serving both K-12 and higher education. Moseley Architects also designed the Webb University Center, which houses the Monarch Esports Arena.
About NIRSA’s Outstanding Facilities Awards
The annual NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Awards recognize the innovative designs of new, renovated, or expanded collegiate recreational facilities of NIRSA member institutions. Facilities receiving this award are considered to be a standard by which other campus recreation facilities should be measured, and from which others can benefit.
Applications for the 2024 NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award recipients will open in Fall 2023. Eligibility guidelines, selection criteria, and entry fee details can be found on the NIRSA website.
- For more information, please contact NIRSA Member Engagement Manager Natasha Fischer.
Natasha Fischer is currently the Member Engagement Manager at NIRSA.
