Charley Edamala, associate vice president and chief information officer of Illinois State’s Office of Technology Solutions, did not set out to champion Redbird Esports.
Redbird Esports player Chaz “GiG” Salazar has played Overwatch at the highest level, competing for the Overwatch League’s Los Angeles Valiant in 2020.
Illinois State’s nationally ranked Redbird Esports program continues to bring great excitement to campus. Under the direction of Campus Recreation, Redbird Esports officially launched in fall 2020 with three competitive varsity teams, supporting 21 students with scholarships.
In fall 2021, Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees approved the development of a larger, enhanced gaming complex in the Bowling and Billiards Center to become the future home of Redbird Esports. Renderings of the gaming complex are now available, as well as naming opportunities throughout the space.
Redbird Esports is set to move into a new home next fall.
The Bowling and Billiards Center will close for construction of the new Redbird Esports project beginning Saturday, November 20. The facility is projected to reopen in the fall of 2022.
Illinois State University welcomed some of the top collegiate League of Legends talent to Redbird Arena October 9–10 for the Sixty Six Games Expo.
The Division of Student Affairs invites students, staff, alumni, and friends to attend a number of events to help celebrate 100 years of Homecoming.
Redbird Arena will be the setting for the Sixty Six Games Expo. Those attending the University Open House on October 11 will have free expo admission for the weekend.
Since July, Redbird Esports has been on a tear, winning major tournaments against not just the top collegiate teams, but some of the best talent on the continent.
