Jacksonville, Florida, Mayor Donna Deegan (D) has signed a bill this week that will give $3 million USD to fund the esports center at the University of North Florida. The bill, which was put forth in March, was already approved by the Jacksonville City Council. The main selling point appears to be to raise enrollment in the university, with the goal of 25,000 students by 2028.
The city and the university hope that having an esports center will not only attract more students interested in studying STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and math) educational avenues, but also draw regional and international attention, tourism, and serve as a host destination for major competitions. Ultimately, lawmakers hope for a local economic impact from having an esports center in the city, while university officials see it as a way to attract new students and explore future funding for an esports program of some kind.
The current plan for the esports center is to provide 42 gaming computers, a built in stages for in-person competitions, a broadcast studio for streaming, a gaming zone for console gaming, and more traditional activities for students such as ping pong and board games, as well as a lounge.
Construction on these spaces within the John A. Delaney Student Union begins this week.
The Esports Advocate first reported on the city’s plans for an esports center in March. At that time, the city council was still examining the mayor’s proposal.