GRAND OPENING: Alabama State University unveils new gaming and e-sports center

Alabama State University (ASU) recently held the grand opening of its inaugural cutting-edge Gaming and E-Sports Laboratory and Recreational Center last week, which features more than $90K in state-of-the-art gaming and recreational equipment. Read on for all the details.

Game on

ASU students now have access to an incredible new gaming facility. Located on the first-floor of the John Garrick Hardy Student Center, this new e-sports center was designed for the enjoyment of ASU students and faculty.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on March 8, and was attended by several important figures, including:

• ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.
• Dr. Malinda Swoope, Vice President of Student Affairs
• Bennie Cooks, Director of External Operations and E-Sports Advisor
• Dalu Jackson, ADT Executive Vice President
• Trint Martinez, with ASU Student Government Association
• Keisha Walker, Founder of The Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA)

“This new facility is here to enhance student life and engagement in a cutting-edge sport and strive for success with our students now being able to compete in E-Sports, which is being considered as a new category in the upcoming Paris Olympics.”

Dr. Malinda Swoope, Vice President of Student Affairs, ASU

State-of-the-art facility

The new center boasts more than $90,000 in state-of-the-art gaming and recreational equipment, donated to the University by the Black Collegiate Gaming Association. The organization specializes in e-sports and gaming education, producing professional gaming summits and conferences, connecting student talent with top companies for internship and career opportunities and more.

The BCGA donations were made possible thanks to generous gifts from several companies, including ADT, Sony PlayStation, Lenovo, Intel, HyperX, GameStop, Home Depot and 2K.

“ADT is proud to help secure ASU’s Gaming and Esports Lab and empower Black college students with a place to feel safe, innovate, and advance in gaming and technology.”

Dalu Jackson, ADT Executive Vice President

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