The College of North Florida (UNF) introduced that it’ll open an esports enviornment someday subsequent 12 months after receiving a $3 million grant from the town council.
Based on UNF, the sector, known as The Flight Deck, is meant to encourage college students to pursue STEM careers and doubtlessly host nationwide competitions of the most well-liked esports video games of 2025.
UNF President Moez Limayem mentioned: “We’re so appreciative of the help from Mayor Deegan and the Metropolis Council as UNF Esports is poised to remodel Jacksonville right into a premier centre for digital innovation and gaming.
“This can be a vital milestone for our College and the complete neighborhood. We couldn’t be extra excited in regards to the alternative to improve modern know-how in our area.”
Based on the college weblog put up launched on April ninth, 2025, the sector is anticipated to be severely kitted out. UNF states it can embody 42 high-performance PC’s alongside a built-in stage for reside tournaments.
It is going to additionally function a broadcast studio for reside streaming and content material manufacturing, alongside a console space for informal play. Lastly, it can embody a ‘seamless connection to the adjoining auditorium’ for audiences attending esports-related occasions.
Collegiate Esports Continues to Develop in 2025
The world serves because the college’s first main step into the esports business, hoping to foster new expertise and alternatives for Jacksonville’s workforce.
Within the weblog put up, UNF mentioned: “The esports business, projected to develop to over $6.3 billion by 2030, goes far past gaming and may have a direct affect on the way forward for Jacksonville’s workforce.
“The Flight Deck aligns with UNF’s technique to develop enrolment quickly to serve the workforce wants of Jacksonville. UNF graduates have a direct affect on the state financial system, with 80% of UNF grads staying in Florida and 70% staying in Northeast Florida.”
Metropolis councillors voted 16-0 (three abstained) in favour of 2025-265 on April eighth, 2025. A part of the laws proposed to grant $3 million to UNF for the event of an esports facility and was pushed by introducer/co-sponsor Will Lahnen.
UNF is just not the one college this 12 months to take the esports plunge. College of Suffolk additionally unveiled a brand new $2.17 million (£1.65million) esports facility, proving esports progress on faculty campuses.
