By Evan Filandrianos, Currier Times Staff///

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held March 19th officially opening the new Esports Lounge at Curry College. The facility is right near the Sports Pub area in the Student Center, where the old game room was located.

The event attracted dozens of students, faculty and staff to see Curry College President, Jay Gonzalez, and Student Center Assistant Director for Intramurals, Club Sports and Fitness Center, Kevin Blackmur, cut the ceremonial ribbon with scissors.

Gonzalez was ecstatic with the large turnout and the opening of this modern facility.

“I love it!” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez added that Curry needed to create fun experiences outside of classes and he heard from many students that they loved the idea of gaming and Esports.

Gonzalez credited Kevin Blackmur for his efforts in making the Esports Lounge a reality, and said there were numerous colleges in the region that had already opened such lounge spaces.

Blackmur, who will oversee the Esports Lounge, said the school spent about $95,000 to ensure it was the best it could be, featuring the latest and best material. It is expected this state-of-the-art space will attract students out of their dorm rooms and serve as a catalyst to build out Esports teams, and evenutally varsity-level players.

Blackmur remained humbled by his own commitment to seeing this day happen.

“Just an honest idea,” Blackmur said.

Blackmur felt the space was underutilized, and said this room could become a huge attraction in the center of campus, a welcoming space for students to hang out.

He acknowledges that Esports are “blowing up” right now and wants to get ahead on it instead of doing it after everyone else.

Students are already showing interest.

“If there is a competitive team, I may participate,” said Andrew Rowell.

Others were excited just to have a good time in the facility.

“I’ll probably spend a lot of time in the lounge for fun and as a way to relax between a couple of classes,” said Nathan Sinclair, a Junior majoring in Computer Science.

Jeremy Cumming, a Junior majoring in Communication, added, “I am really excited that we have an Esports Lounge here at Curry College.”

The space allows you to block out the outside world and be completely present in the game. There are no windows, a dark atmosphere, and background colors from overhead lights. The lights are not too bright, and a purple theme is definitely on display, matching the Curry athletic colors.

“The space will be open seven days a week,” Blackmur said.

The space will open at 2:00 p.m. daily and close at 10:00 p.m., allowing students with diverse schedules to utilize it.