Murray State University holds ribbon cutting for DEVsource Technology Solutions Esports Arena
By MSU Public Relations | Sep 13, 2024
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 13 for the official opening of the DEVsource Technology Solutions Esports Arena inside the Curris Center.
Murray State’s new Esports Arena recently opened in the fall semester of 2023 as part of the major renovation of the Curris Center’s interior. Located on the first floor of the Curris Center, the University’s student center and hub of campus activities, the arena provides 30 gaming PCs, as well as console gaming, available to all Murray State students and the campus community. This new arena replaces the previous Esports arena located in the Collins Industry and Technology Center and open only to the University’s competitive teams and for special events.
The new Esports Arena, with DEVsource’s support, offers the entire campus community opportunities to engage in innovation, computer science, skill development, competition and teamwork, and connect with people around the world through this modern and popular sport. Esports is a form of competition using video games that often take the form of organized teams in multiplayer games, as well as single player competitions. Although Esports has been on Murray State’s campus for a decade, the University embraced the rapidly growing interest and elevated its student club into a premier organization on campus and through the collegiate Esports landscape. The arena bolsters Murray State’s Esports program, supports students, cultivates an interest in Esports and facilitates student recruitment for Murray State University.
“As a proud graduate of Murray State University and the owner of a company with many Murray State graduates we are proud to support the MSU Esports program,” DEVsource CEO Mike Hopkins said. “After touring the facility and talking with the staff it quickly became apparent that students from all majors and all walks of life will make use of the facility. Many of our employees are avid gamers and the opportunity hit close to home since one of our sons participated in Esports during his time at Murray State. We believe that this facility is a huge step for the Esports program as well as MSU. The facility is well-located in the Curris Center and will be seen by every prospective student that visits campus and will only help as a recruitment tool. DEVsource Technology Solutions is excited about the opportunity to work closely with the Esports program for the next several years!”
"We are very grateful for the generous gift from Mike and Effie Hopkins and their company, DEVsource Technology Solutions, for the naming and enhancement of our Esports Arena located in the Curris Center,” Murray State President Dr. Bob Jackson said. “This is an important new campus enhancement which will benefit our existing and prospective students along with developing this emerging field of student activities."