Purdue Northwest to launch Esports squad
WESTVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Purdue University Northwest is adding electronic sports to its list of varsity athletic offerings, launching the program in the fall of 2020. Esports is among the fastest-growing competitions at the collegiate level.
“I am excited to launch Esports at PNW,” said Director of Athletics Rick Costello. “The growth of Esports is amazing and this sport provides competitive, social engagement and educational opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and the northwest Indiana community.”
As a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA Division II, the PNW Pride will compete against fellow GLIAC members Ashland University, Davenport University and Michigan Technological University.
The school says arenas will be developed in the student union buildings on both the Hammond and Westville campuses.
More than just an extracurricular event, PNW says esports can lead to a career path.
“Esports is a billion-dollar business and can enhance many career opportunities for our students – including management, marketing, game design and production, broadcasting and event management and health care,” said PNW Chancellor Thomas L. Keon.
The PNW Esports team will be developed as a co-ed sport. PNW says the teams will compete using games, such as Fortnite, Hearthstone, League of Legends and Overwatch.