Get Your Game On:Pitt-Greensburg Opens New Esports Room in Cassell Hall

Over the last few months, the former computer lab in Cassell Hall has been undergoing a transformation and campus gamers are all in. 

The new esports room, the brainchild of  Dan O’Connor, Systems Analyst, features high-quality machines/peripherals (headsets, keyboard, mice, monitors, etc.), a good performing internet connection, additional monitors for console gaming, video review, or other functions, and plenty of space for multiple teams/players to practice separately. 

“Just the overall size of the space is an upgrade as well,” O’Connor said.

O’Connor said that despite Pitt-Greensburg’s small size, many students not only play video games, but are competitive gamers. There are already 35 students on the esports roster, with more expected to join.

“There was a definite need for it [the new space],” O’Connor said. “Our students need a place to practice, video review, scrimmage, and have matches, so we needed something that could hold a good number of people at one time without feeling cramped.”

O’Connor, who’s passionate about gaming, said that he’s thrilled about the opportunities the new space will open up. 

“Now we’ll have the space and functionality to have two teams playing at the same time,” O’Connor said. “We can have in-person matches versus other schools. That’s all very exciting for myself and the players too.”

The room is dedicated exclusively to the esports team, so other students who want to access computers and equipment can do so in other locations on campus, including the library and McKenna Hall. 

“The room is dedicated to the esports team because the machines are in there to allow them to practice small details of the games that they play,” O’Connor said. “The peripherals are in there to allow for a higher quality baseline so equipment won’t be an excuse as to a student being or not being able to play their best or improve. Along with that, we need to be able to monitor the space and keep the equipment in the best shape possible to increase the longevity of it.” 

O’Connor said the esports team this year is looking to host some fun events virtually and in person.

“We hope all students, faculty, and staff will come to those events, check out the space, and meet some of our players,” O’Connor said. “We’d like everyone to get to know more about esports.” 

For more information about Esports at Pitt-Greensburg, contact dao36@pitt.edu