Irvine, Calif., Mar. 28, 2016 – The University of California, Irvine today announced the plans for the UCI eSports Arena powered by iBUYPOWER to support the new eSports program. This arena will help the program achieve success in its four pillars: Competition, Academics, Community and Entertainment.
The arena is envisioned to be an epicenter of gaming in Orange County by creating a dedicated gaming space for our students, casual and competitive gamers, and community members,” said Mark Deppe, UCI’s Acting Director of eSports. The new arena will take over the space occupied by the Zot Zone, a recreational space in the Student Center currently filled with pool tables and gaming consoles. The 3,500 square foot space will be renovated over the summer with an anticipated grand opening in fall 2016.
As the title sponsor, iBUYPOWER – a premier gaming computer company based in City of Industry, will provide 80 high-end gaming PCs as well as some additional support for scholarship and program costs. “UCI has one of the top competitive gaming clubs in the nation and deserves top-of-the-line equipment,” said Darren Su, vice president of iBuyPower. “Through this partnership, we can not only ensure that players have the tools necessary to play their best, but also allow students to be their best through scholarship and research opportunities. Our dream is that one day e-sports will be a tool for students across the country to achieve their professional, academic and personal success. Partnering with UCI is a huge step toward making that dream a reality.”
Riot Games, publisher of League of Legends – one of the most popular video games in the world, is also supporting the creation of the arena. They will provide expertise and to create a premium League of Legends experience within the arena.
