University of Akron joins Mid-American Conference esports venture

The University of Akron’s (UA) varsity esports program, Akron Esports, today joined a historic esports venture started by the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The newly created independent esports conference – Esports Collegiate Conference – will facilitate and foster high-quality gaming competition among collegiate esports teams, as announced today by the MAC.

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The Esports Collegiate Conference (Esports Collegiate) will provide structure, scheduling and championship opportunities for its membership, with competition beginning in the 2020-21 academic year. Esports Collegiate is an independent entity and will operate separately from the Mid-American Conference.  

Esports Collegiate’s 12 founding members are: The University of Akron, Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, University at Buffalo, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Kent State University, Miami University, Northern Illinois University, Ohio University, University of Toledo and Western Michigan University. 

“The University of Akron led our region in the establishment of varsity esports,” says UA President Gary L. Miller. “Our efforts resulted in Akron Esports student-gamers and their coaches bringing home to Akron multiple national esports championships. The University is proud to continue its leadership role in this new and evolving form of collegiate competition by becoming an initial member of the newly formed Esports Collegiate Conference. We also are delighted that the National Collegiate Athletic Association Mid-American Conference encourages all 12 of its member institutions to participate in the Esports Collegiate venture.” 

“The Esports Collegiate Conference has taken a huge step in the recognition and support of esports programs across MAC schools,” says Nate Meeker, director of UA’s esports program. “Not only will this allow Akron’s program to compete against other regional colleges directly, but it will also allow us build rivalries and develop a spectator culture for our different varsity teams. I’m very excited for the official start this fall and look forward to seeing our teams compete.”

Esports Collegiate will feature Fall and Spring seasons, competing in game titles such as Overwatch and League of Legends. An Esports Collegiate Champion will be crowned in each game title, with the champion earning an automatic bid to the national postseason tournament. 

Spring season competition will be in Overwatch and League of Legends. Titles being considered for the Fall are Rocket League, Fortnite, Super Smash Brothers, Madden or FIFA. 

“The creation of Esports Collegiate represents the foresight of our presidents to establish a stand-alone competitive framework for collegiate esports competitors and enthusiasts,” says Mid-American Conference Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher. “I look forward to this organization maturing and growing, facilitating excellent competitive opportunities, fostering teamwork, and providing even more reasons to attend an Esports Collegiate member institution.”

Miami University President Greg Crawford will serve as the president of the Esports Collegiate Board of Directors.

“I, along with my presidential colleagues are thrilled by the creation of the Esports Collegiate Conference,” says Crawford. “Esports has a growing presence on all of our campuses. Esports Collegiate will provide a framework for competition among peers, and afford another opportunity for student engagement.”

A seven-member Competition Committee has been established to oversee scheduling, game title selection/recommendations, championship format, and any other infrastructure issues that may arise.

For more information visit the Esports Collegiate website and follow ESC via twitter (@ESC_Conference), Instagram (esportscollegiate_) and Facebook (@ESportCollegiate).

Media contact: Alex Knisely, 330-972-6477 or aknisely@uakron.edu.