Seibert Hall underwent renovations that were completed in the Fall of 2024 and the building was completely transformed. There are four floors full of gym equipment, dance studios, workout rooms for classes, courts and even an Esports center that is located on the second floor.
This center includes many features that make it a valuable addition to competitive gamers and groups of friends alike. These features include three flat screen TVs with different gaming systems (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PS4, etc.), two rows of PCs, two smaller gaming rooms/offices and an isolated competition room.
One of the perks of having this extra space is that competitive teams can compete in a closed off environment that frees them from outside distractions, while also allowing everyone else to continue to enjoy gaming.
Michael French, Esports Facility Manager and Gaming Coach, mentions that it is one of his favorite features because of these perks, but it is also a way for him to interact with both experienced and unexperienced gamers simultaneously.
Not only does French get to meet different people, but so do other students.
“We’ve also seen a good deal of people who don’t have like a friend group to play with. They come in and they meet someone that they start playing games with and I’ve seen a couple friendships grow because of that, which I personally love to see,” said French.
French also talked about how not only are friendships formed, but stress is relieved with large influxes of students around finals who are looking to let off some steam.
“I love the atmosphere. Staff and managers are all super cool and chill, always happy to talk about their favorite games/pop culture views,” said Nathaniel Spates, a sophomore who enjoys using the center.
Both Spates and French talked about what a great job the Esports Center does for bringing students of different personalities and groups together through the atmosphere that is created.
The center has also begun putting the competition room to good use with their tournaments that they are hosting or competing in and the formation of teams for games like Super Smash Bros.
French is working with both experienced and unexperienced gamers to build these teams as well as develop skills in the games, but also in strategy.
The Esports Center is proving to be a place for any and all who want to come to have a relaxing break from academics or compete in good fun with friends and strangers alike.
“The Esports room is the heart of Samford,” said Spates.
