ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University’s esports program will begin leasing space this summer in the historic Lowenstein Building in University Center in the Knowledge Park corridor. The five-year lease with the Tuttle Company will extend from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2028.
Winthrop added the esports program in April 2019, and it has taken off to become a national contender in what is a growing sport across the globe. The three Eagle teams—League of Legends, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros.—currently practice on campus in Owens Hall, but an expansion into club sports requires additional space for student gamers.
Winthrop President Edward Serna noted that while many colleges and universities are creating similar practice and tournament spaces, the location is what will set Winthrop’s facility apart. “Other schools simply do not have what we will have. This distinctive space is in a walkable, multi-faceted district of Rock Hill that is contributing to a modern economy and reinventing the original heart of Rock Hill.”
Serna said the university currently has an exercise science classroom in the Lowenstein Building, and parts of the building have been used for fine arts and other exhibits in the past. “The new space, however, at nearly 6,500 square feet, will be a game changer.”
Athletic Director Chuck Rey has pushed club sports as a way to engage more students in competitive play. “The winning tradition of the Winthrop Eagles is a perfect complement to our nationally competitive esports program,” Rey said. “And the expansion to a club-level play, which many high schools are now actively promoting, is a logical next step in recruitment and retention of students with this interest and skill set.”
Esports Coach Josh Sides, who has built the Winthrop program, agreed. “Leasing this space will allow the Eagle program to move from just competing competitively to now focusing on building the program in the community,” he said.
He plans to hold events for high school teams and others in the area once the site is ready.
The Lowenstein space will contain five varsity team game room spaces, a large open game room with seating for 56, a conference/team meeting room and four offices. University officials expect it to be ready for use in August.
Rey said the university is asking outside vendors to help sponsor furniture and computers for the site.
Also located in the Lowenstein Building are the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center, the American Cornhole League headquarters and other tenants. The esports progam will be located in Suite 223.
For more information, visit the esports website or contact Rey at reyc@winthrop.edu or Sides at sidesj@winthrop.edu.
