Manchester University Esports Team Expanding

The varsity-level esports program at Manchester University has nearly doubled in size, prompting a move to a  new arena with new personnel this fall. The team has 28 incoming first-year students signed to play esports, bringing the total to 58, which meant the team outgrew its former space inside a residence hall.

The university says crews worked over the summer to transform a new space on an entire floor of Calvin Ulrey Hall. The new arena features 30 PC’s, seven Nintendo Switch consoles, a casting booth and built-in living room, and with the expansion, the program hired a full-time director and full-time assistant coach.

“The Spartans were approved to start Overwatch and Valorant teams this fall. This brings our total number of teams to six,” said Garrett Schieferstein, director of esports at Manchester. 

The university also offers League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bro. Ultimate and Fortnite.

“I am beyond excited to dive even further into the world of collegiate esports. Getting to coach, recruit, and compete over the last year and a half has been a blessing and I’m looking forward to doing the things I love full time,” Schieferstein said.