Middle Tennessee State University celebrated the expansion of its Esports Level Up Arena Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and announced a new partnership connecting the university’s esports program with youth competitors in the region.
The university signed a partnership with XP League of Franklin during a ceremony in the Student Union Building. The agreement follows more than a year of discussions and collaboration between the organizations.
Through the partnership, XP League of Franklin will provide professional coaching to MTSU student gamers who compete through the MTSU Esports club. In return, MTSU will provide weekend space for XP League’s middle and high school teams to train and compete.
XP League of Franklin is part of the largest youth esports league in North America, which has more than 11,000 participating children.
“Together we are creating a bridge between youth and collegiate esports and expanding opportunities available to students and families throughout our region,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said.
The newly expanded Level Up Arena is located on the first floor of the Student Union Building next to the North Commons and Phillip’s Bookstore. The space is open to all MTSU students and includes casual gaming, console gaming and competitive gaming areas.
The larger, permanent facility represents a $258,000 investment by the university. It replaced the arena’s original space on the second floor, which was moved as interest among students continued to grow.
The arena’s development began in 2023 after students approached university administrators about creating a dedicated esports space on campus.
Justin Reed, executive director of administration and strategic initiatives for the Student Affairs Division, said the original space began as an old computer lab before student participation and events continued to grow.
MTSU launched two undergraduate esports concentrations last year. The Esports and Gaming Content Creation concentration is housed in the College of Media and Entertainment, while the Esports Coaching concentration is offered through Leisure and Sport Management in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.
The programs are designed to provide students with education and skills connected to the esports industry.
Esports careers can extend beyond professional gaming, including content creation, broadcasting, social media, talent management, public relations, coaching, event management, game analysis and other roles.
MTSU Esports Vice President Kyle Greaney, a video and film production student from Memphis, joined the esports club as a freshman in 2023. He said the organization has provided opportunities to build friendships, travel and compete against colleges across the country while exposing him to potential careers.
Greaney said MTSU has a large pool of esports talent and that the university’s investment can provide additional opportunities for student competitors.
Reed said the program also gives students opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, strategic thinking, resilience, technology, content creation and event management skills.
The university said the arena and partnership represent its continued investment in esports as both an academic and professional field.
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