Bringing eSports and Gaming to Life
Syracuse University's esports program sought to establish a premier collegiate gaming and esports venue. The goal was not only to create a space for competitive teams but also to build a holistic program that offers students’ academic and professional development opportunities in the booming esports industry. This required a facility with a world-class atmosphere and the cutting-edge technology to match.
500+
Square Feet of LED
The Solution: A State-of-the-Art LED Experience
In collaboration with AV integrator Horizon AVL, Daktronics delivered a comprehensive LED display solution, featuring our latest COB (Chip-on-Board) technology, for the university's new 5,800-square-foot Gaming & Esports Center. The strategic placement and high-resolution quality of the displays were designed to create an immersive environment that elevates both gameplay and spectator experience.
The centerpiece of the installation is a massive video wall located behind the varsity players' seating area. Measuring 6.5 feet high by 45 feet wide with 1.8-millimeter pixel spacing, this display serves as the main backdrop for competitive matches. Above the seating, a second display, 3.5 feet high by 41 feet wide with 1.2-millimeter pixel spacing, adds to the dynamic visual landscape.
The installation also includes exterior ribbon-style displays that draw attention to the venue, which is intentionally located in the center of the student union to promote a sense of community and visibility.
The Daktronics boards, along with all of the other technology in this space, really separate it from any other esports venue on campuses across the country.
– Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director for eSports at Syracuse University
The Impact: Elevating the Student Experience
The Daktronics displays are more than just technology; they are a central component of the venue's purpose. They create a professional, broadcasting-level environment that gives students hands-on experience in live production. The space itself has seen immense success since its grand opening, with one in every six students visiting the center within its first month. The facility has become a powerful recruiting tool, attracting prospective students and hosting events for the wider community.
Watch the Podcast
Listen to Justin and Matt's conversation with Joey Gawrysiak, Syracuse University's Executive Director of eSports, as they discuss all aspects of the project and gaming space in Schine Student Center. During the discussion, they walk through the process of designing, installing and operating the gaming center on campus that has brought a unique and elevated college experience for students.
Get a Tour of Syracuse's eSports Center
Follow along on a virtual tour led by the Executive Director of eSports at Syracuse as he takes you through Syracuse's state-of-the-art gaming facility featuring direct-view LED technology and two Chip-on-Board displays.
The incredible team and technology from Daktronics have made this a great process at every step of the way. Being able to show off the skills of our players at the highest level and engage our fans through these displays means that we can create something special in esports here at Syracuse.
– Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director for eSports at Syracuse University
A Source of Competition, Community, and Development for Years to Come
The Syracuse University Gaming & Esports Center stands as a testament to the power of a collaborative vision. By combining the university's commitment to esports with Daktronics' display technology and Horizon AVL's integration expertise, the project has created a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for gaming, competition, and professional development for years to come.