Today@Sam Article

SHSU Unveils Cutting-Edge Esports Lab in Recreation Center

Oct. 23, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Sam Houston State University continues to level up its commitment to creating innovative student experiences with the launch of a state-of-the-art esports laboratory in the Campus Recreation Center. The cutting-edge facility serves as a central hub for new and existing competitive esports on campus as well as a space for social interaction.

“Across the country, universities are finding that esports are about more than just play, but a proven way to build community, increase engagement and strengthen overall student success,” said SHSU President Alisa White during the September ribbon cutting ceremony. “It’s the result of our students’ passion and the dedication of faculty and staff who saw the potential for something transformative.” 

According to a study conducted by Voice of Intercollegiate Esports (VOICE), 94.8% of surveyed varsity esports players plan to stay at their university until graduation. 53.5% peg the esports program as their primary reason for staying.

“Gaming is a lifestyle for many students,” said Connor Rice, assistant director of Intramural and Esports at the recreation center. “Due to its location on campus, it’s very accessible for students. Most of them do not typically have access to all of the different types of technology we have in the lab. The space is open to all students to experiment and see what it’s like to get some high-level gaming experience.”

In 2016, a group of Bearkats on campus started an esports club as a standard student organization, laying the foundation for the future of the program at Sam Houston State. When Rice was hired in 2023, he initiated the thought of expanding the program to illuminate the students’ work.

“While the university has funded and supported the idea, it really comes from our students’ vision,” Rice said. “Students were involved in every step of the planning process from designing the lab to choosing what types of computers we would carry. They have left something behind for the next generation of Bearkats to enjoy.”

SHSU students were also heavily involved in a 2024 task force aimed at developing guidelines for the program, led by Director of Campus Recreation Chris Mahlen and Director of the Lowman Student Center Joe Campo.

“Students are able to reach out to us and let us know what games they are interested in,” Rice said. “We host open tryouts every semester for our competitive teams. We also host multiple in-person and online events throughout the academic year, so that students can get engaged with a community built around the games they already know and love.”

There are currently competitive teams for eight different video game titles, all of which compete in leagues and tournaments against other universities. SHSU holds membership in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) as well as the PlayVS College League (PCL).

The university is working to host its first esports camp for high school and junior high students in summer 2026. The fun but educational initiative develops benefits such as teamwork, communication and leadership, all while playing games.

“It really is the perfect opportunity for students that are already here and potential incoming students to leave a legacy and be recognized,” Rice said. “Longterm, we are looking to bring other universities to campus to compete in large-scale tournaments.”

Students’ initial response has been overwhelmingly positive with a vibrant and active crowd consistently attending the new facility. It is currently open to all Bearkats from 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 4 p.m. until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

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