Winthrop University’s new home for esports is a way to attract more gamers in the region
Winthrop University’s esports program is set to move into a new building. And that move could allow space for university participants and others in the community.
Starting this July, the program will begin leasing space in the Lowenstein Building near downtown Rock Hill in Knowledge Park. The lease will run through 2028.
“With the approval of the Board of Trustees, we are investing in esports in a big way as we expand in the club sports for the future,” Winthrop President Edward Serna said during a press conference Friday. “This requires additional space for student gamers, and we are thrilled with the opportunity to move downtown but also be close to campus.”
The esports program currently shares classroom space in Owens Hall on the Winthrop University Campus. The new site will be approximately a mile from Owens Hall.
The space in the Lowenstein Building is about 6,500 square feet. The larger space will accommodate more students as the esports program looks to increase the number of participants.
Jacob “FrostForest” Chan, a 22-year-old senior from Salt Lake City, joined Winthrop’s program from Harrisburg University because he liked the direction in which Winthrop is moving.
Chan said he’s excited about the change of scenery and what that could add to his experience.
“It helps the team a lot more because we all have more space to do the things that we want to do,” Chan said. “We’re not really intruding on anyone else, so it really feels like it’s actually our own space now.”
Per a press release, Athletic Director Chuck Rey said Winthrop is looking for outside donors to help pay for furniture, computers and other gear at the new site.
“I think the thing the team is mainly excited for is the new equipment,” said Kenji Kaneko, a 23-year-old senior. “Since I’ve been here for three years now, we’ve had the same chairs, which are kind of getting old. Same with the PCs, they’re a little slower now because you’ve got to upgrade them as you do stuff.”
Esports coach Josh Sides said the space also will be open to events for high school teams and other local events.
“(We are) very excited to have a facility like this,” Sides said. “What it’s going to mean for us moving from Owens, a space where we are kind of secluded and cut off a little bit from campus life in general just due to space constraints, and moving into a space where we’ll have more room to host community events, to do more to bring in local high schools, rec leagues. Interfacing with the campus community and also the Rock Hill community at large.”
Winthrop’s esports program has three teams: one each for League of Legends, Valorant and Super Smash Brothers.
The League of Legends team is currently in the the second round of the College League of Legends College Championship.
This story was originally published April 28, 2023 at 4:10 PM.