Game On! A New Arena for USM: SMRT Designs a High-Performance Hub for Esports and Community
The University of Southern Maine (USM) officially opened its state-of-the-art Collab: Esports Arena on its Gorham campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 22. What began as an idea from USM’s Esports Team is now a dynamic hub for student life and competitive gaming, thoughtfully designed by SMRT. Town & County Federal Credit Union made this project possible with a generous $750,000 donation, as part of their larger Collab Initiative.
Esports is a form of organized, multiplayer video game competition, and one of the fastest-growing sports on college campuses across the nation. With its rising popularity, esports facilities have become powerful tools for student recruitment and retention in higher education. With 75 active students and growing, USM’s Esports Team is the university’s largest club and the largest collegiate esports team in Maine. The team is designed to cultivate highly sought-after gaming, strategy, and communication skills and strengthen the sense of belonging and community on campus. With a new Esports Management minor offered at USM, students can blend their passion for esports with a career in business. Members of USM’s Esports Team are already pursuing opportunities and careers in the esports industry.
The Collab: Esports Arena is an alternative to gaming setups in dorm rooms and offers a cutting-edge, exciting environment for students to play together. Gamers come from all walks of life, and the esports arena and lounge serve as a vibrant hub where diverse communities connect, collaborate, and compete. “Students were gaming in their dorms; now they have a space designed for elite performance,” said Nick Vaughn, SMRT’s Senior Principal & Director of Education & Athletics Practice. “The goal was to create a space that not only met the rigorous demands of competitive play but also felt like a fun, relaxing place to be.” This meant designing the Collab: Esports Arena into two distinct zones: a casual, welcoming lounge area and the high-performance competitive arena. This division helps foster a sense of community while respecting the intense focus required for serious play.
A major challenge for SMRT was transforming multiple spaces in a building originally constructed in the 1960s into a modern, high-tech gaming environment. This required meticulous planning for the mechanical systems to balance the heat generated by the computers and equipment. This was crucial for maintaining thermal comfort for players, so they can remain in control and comfortable during competition. Similarly, acoustics were a top priority. The design team incorporated sound-dampening materials to control noise and ensure that communication remains clear without disturbing the broader environment.
Every detail in the competitive arena was chosen to optimize performance, from the high-end PCs to the carefully selected furniture. SMRT recognized that the right ergonomic chair and desk are as critical as the computer itself. The furniture was chosen to support players through long matches, ensuring comfort and promoting proper posture, while also providing the stability and space required for the precise, rapid movements common in esports. Accessibility and equity were important design considerations, from games for all levels to accessible gaming controllers; the arena is truly a welcoming environment for all. The adjacent lounge offers a more informal atmosphere with comfortable seating arranged in various formations, where students can game on large-screen televisions and socialize.
Collab: Esports Arena is a testament to USM’s commitment to providing a dynamic student experience. It speaks to the Esports Team’s dedication to their sport and drive to bring ideas to life. This new space is set to become a destination for students of all types and a powerful symbol of the university’s innovative spirit.
