GORHAM, Maine–Town & Country FCU has made a $750,000 gift to the University of Southern Maine Foundation to build an esports arena on the university’s Gorham campus. Town & Country will be the founding sponsor of the popular esports program, which is now the largest club sport at USM and the largest collegiate esports program in Maine, according to the credit union.
An esports arena is a large, open, gaming-ready space where students can gather in person to play, watch, and livestream together. The Town & Country gift will support the technology, equipment and infrastructure buildout required for esports, which typically includes computers, gaming consoles, and furniture for gaming stations, as well as internet and networking capabilities and HVAC system upgrades, the credit union said.
10-Year Agreement
The $577-million Town & Country said students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Brooks Student Center on the USM Gorham campus, site of the new esports arena, which will open in the fall 2024. The new arena is also expected to be a recruitment driver for USM.
As part of the 10-year agreement, the new facility will be named the Collab: Esports Arena by Town & Country. Collab is a soon-to-be announced endeavor from Town & Country focused on facilitating collaboration and bringing people and organizations together to “build stronger communities, both socially and economically,” according to the credit union.
Esports involves teams competing in conference tournaments, such as the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) competitions.
‘Unique Opportunity’
David Libby, president and CEO of Town & Country Federal Credit Union, said such a significant investment in USM’s esports program “provides a unique opportunity for our organization to collaborate with the University of Southern Maine. This partnership aligns with our goals that include supporting higher education by facilitating new and innovative hands-on learning and engagement for current and future students. With the incredible success of the esports team and program at the University of Southern Maine last semester, the timing of this announcement builds upon that momentum and represents an investment into the program that will further position it as a leader in esports in the state and beyond.”
The Collab: Esports Arena by Town & Country will also include a broadcast area for student commentators during livestreamed competitions.
Will Host Events
“Overseen by USM’s Office of Student Affairs, the new facility will enable USM to host state and regional competitions and attract potential students from around the region to campus––a distinct recruitment advantage,” Town & Country FCU stated. “Other opportunities include collaboration with USM’s new academic Minor in Esports Management at the School of Business. The first academic course with esports content will be offered this spring with a focus on the legal aspects and implications for esports managers.
“The activity took off at USM with the formation of the University’s first Esports Club in January 2023,” the credit union continued. “Despite the lack of an esports arena on campus, participation in the club nearly doubled in less than a year. Today, more than 170 students are active program members, including 70 who take part in ECAC competitions in 15 different games.”
Finishing High
In the autumn of 2023 the USM esports team captured second place in the ECAC League of Legends championship match and established the nascent program as a force to be reckoned with. In spring 2023, two teams made the quarter finals, but neither advanced beyond that round. This past season, three teams made the playoffs in three different games, and two competed in the finals.
Additionally, 26 members of the team were named ECAC Academic Honorees.
“Town & Country has a long history of innovation and developing collaborative partnerships that are impactful and sustainable,” added Libby. “We are proud to play a critical role in helping USM develop the preeminent esports facility and program in Maine. The new esports arena will help level the playing field by giving all students access to the latest equipment and a positive gaming environment, which will help this popular club sport grow in an equitable way. This is the beginning of a new chapter in the connection between Town & Country and the University of Southern Maine.”
Special Advisor
As the Founding Sponsor of the USM Esports Program, Town & Country said it will serve as a special innovation advisor to USM’s student-led Esports Advisory Committee. The credit union will also receive recognition on team uniforms, at regional and state competitions, and in future esports podcasts.
Town & Country said it is already consulting with SMRT Architects and Engineers, which are helping with the schematic design phase of the project.
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