Illinois State University is one step closer to securing naming rights for the new Redbird Esports Complex. The University announced an agreement with PIVOT Agency to conduct naming rights valuation and sales.
The complex is equipped with state-of-the-art broadcast and production equipment to stream live competitions and events. The space currently serves the varsity esports program, club esports, and casual student gamers, with plans to expand to the community and the region.
“We were very intentional in the design of the new Redbird Esports Complex to provide a space for both competitive and casual players to come together and connect over their shared passion for gaming and esports,” said David Kirk, director of Redbird Esports, who noted PIVOT is the perfect partner with a track record of success in securing brand partnerships in esports. “Their support will help Illinois State maintain its status as one of the top collegiate esports programs in the country.”
The competitive varsity esports team competes on an international level. Under Coach Megan Lomonof, the Redbirds recently seized the national title for the Collegiate Overwatch Collegiate Homecoming National Tournament, and are the only collegiate team to claim a spot in the international Pro-Am West tournament.
“We could not be prouder of our Redbird Esports program,” said Interim President Aondover Tarhule. “The Redbird Esports Complex provides a space not only for students from across campus to engage and connect, but a space for some of our most innovative academic offerings.”
In addition to the competitive varsity program, the Redbird Gaming Club has quickly grown to more than 1,000 student members from across campus. The complex also offers space for the Game Design Sequence in Illinois State’s Creative Technologies program, which is one of the fastest-growing degree programs at the University.
“PIVOT is thrilled to partner with Illinois State University to introduce the corporate community to the innovative work the Redbird Esports team is doing,” said Founder/CEO of PIVOT Agency Ben Shapiro. “To not only be leaders in the competitive collegiate esports space, but to be at the forefront of the role gaming can play for student well-being is a very unique opportunity for a partner. We are excited for the opportunity to leverage our experience in both esports and naming rights to secure the right brand partnership for this state-of-the-art facility.”
In the future, Illinois State is looking to make memberships to the complex available to the Bloomington-Normal community, and host national and regional collegiate esports tournaments, summer camps, and regional and local high school events.
About PIVOT Agency
PIVOT Agency is a full-service sports marketing agency, built at the nexus of brands and culture, and forming alliances between consumer brands, athletes, sports, the arts, causes, business, and media. Today it has grown into four (4) unique and successful divisions, encompassing Property Representation, Brand Consulting, Travel and Hospitality. PIVOT’s property division consults with top organizations in the sports and entertainment world including GF Sports & Entertainment, Pro Pickleball Association, Athletes Unlimited, Cedar Fair, OpTic Gaming, NRG, Spacestation Gaming, Illinois State University, and a growing portfolio of professional and collegiate properties.
About Illinois State University
Located in Normal, Illinois, Illinois State University is a top-ranked public university offering over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree options. Founded in 1857, it is the oldest public university in Illinois.
