CSMG Launches ACE Program
CSMG Launches ACE Program to Build Sustainable College Esports Programs and Facilities on Campuses
Accelerating College Esports™️: Empowering Institutions, Students, and Leaders for Thriving in the Gaming Era with Flexible Financing
STAMFORD, CT (June 28, 2023) – A groundbreaking initiative has been unleashed to meet the surging demand for gaming and esports on college campuses. Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) and ESPORTSU, in collaboration with Esports Foundry, proudly present the ACE (Accelerating College Esports) Program. This comprehensive endeavor focuses on three vital areas – Program 365 Build, Esports Development, and Scholastic Esports Commercialization – providing a holistic approach that caters to every aspect of gaming and esports programs for facilities in colleges nationwide. From basic computer labs to cutting-edge innovation centers and dedicated esports arenas with state-of-the-art broadcast control rooms, ACE accommodates diverse initiatives and paves the way for a vibrant future.
Angela Bernhard Thomas, Chief Esports Officer for CSMG/ESPORTSU, underscores the escalating significance of esports and gaming in the student’s college selection process. “With the ACE Program, colleges, and universities can captivate, engage, and retain students by meeting the rising demand for gaming and esports on campus. The true power of ACE lies in its ability to expand enrollment strategies within STEAM-related subjects, creating new pathways for students pursuing careers in these fields. Moreover, it invigorates student engagement and fosters active participation in campus life, shaping a compelling educational experience.”
Neal Tilley, the Education Advisor at Cisco, emphasizes that aiding universities in broadening access to esports not only helps attract and retain students but also equips them with the knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and fervor required to unlock new career opportunities across multiple industries. “As a leader in digital technology, Cisco offers solutions that minimize latency on servers and networks, ensuring an exceptional gaming experience for gamers, fans, students, and faculty. Collaborating with the ACE program, Cisco aims to create more inclusive gaming experiences using their advanced technology.”
The ACE Program 365 Build encompasses the entire process, from facility design and equipment procurement to construction, financing options, marketing, and launch. Esports Development delves into crucial aspects like staffing, operational playbook, financial planning, event and content programming, and curriculum development. Commercialization Strategies provide invaluable assistance by introducing brands, sponsors, and partnerships while offering long-term planning with budgeting and guidance for three, five, and ten years. This meticulous approach guarantees that enrollment milestones are met through data-driven decision-making. By nurturing the growth and development of esports programs and facilities, the ACE Program plays an indispensable role in ensuring that colleges and universities stay competitive and appealing to prospective students interested in tech, gaming, and esports-related fields.
CSMG represents 21 esteemed traditional sports conferences and manages esports intellectual property rights for over 500 colleges. In addition to the ACE Program, CSMG’s ESPORTSU spearheads the Collegiate Esports Commissioner’s Cup (CECC), a momentous multi-conference event where 64 teams battle it out in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, Overwatch 2®, Rocket League, and VALORANT during the exhilarating “May Madness” of collegiate esports. Recognized as the “Best Collegiate/Amateur/Semi-Pro Event” at the 2022 Tempest Awards during the Esports Business Summit, CECC stands as a testament to ESPORTSU’s commitment to excellence. Furthermore, ESPORTSU presents College Esports Now, a compelling weekly show that showcases top collegiate esports conferences and teams, featuring player profiles, matches of the week, and intense rivalries. With its vast reach, College Esports Now captivates over 100 million viewers on esteemed platforms like ESTV, ESTV+, and twitch.tv/ESPORTSU.
