Leveling Up: Inside Syracuse University's Cutting-Edge Esports Venue

When you walk into the heart of the Syracuse University campus, you’ll find more than a typical student union. You’ll find excitement. You’ll find energy. You’ll find one of the most innovative collegiate esports venues in the country—complete with LED displays, top-tier gaming setups and a clear vision for the future.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down inside this stunning space with Joey Gawrysiak, Executive Director of Esports, and Sean Kelly, Director of Production Outreach, to talk about what makes this space so special and how it's setting the standard for collegiate gaming.

Joey’s journey into esports began at Shenandoah University, where he helped launch one of the first esports majors in the country. As the program gained traction, so did Joey’s vision. That passion—and some key members of his team, including Sean—followed him to Syracuse University, where the Chancellor wanted to make a big investment in esports. And he meant big.

This new facility, located centrally in the campus student center, clocks in at over 5,800 square feet. But it’s not just about square footage—it’s about intention.

“We want to embrace what gaming and esports can be on a college campus,” Joey shared. “That means professional development, academic curriculum, competition and a place where students can just belong.”

And what better way to create community than with immersive visuals and dynamic content on direct-view LED displays?

Syracuse’s esports space features a prominent 1.2mm high-resolution LED display mounted above the main stage for a crystal-clear view of in-game action and broadcast content. The back wall sports a massive 6.5-foot-high by 45-foot-wide 1.8mm display for ambient content, team branding and immersive environments. A third display—a 3.5-foot-high by 41-foot-wide ribbon board—wraps around the exterior of the venue, drawing in foot traffic and sharing key messages and match updates.

“That ribbon board is one of a kind. It grabs attention and brings people in. I don’t know if I’ve seen anything like it at another school,” said Joey.

These displays use Daktronics chip-on-board (COB) technology—an ideal fit for high-use, close-range environments like esports, with extra durability and clarity baked in.

From tabletop games to console setups to VR, Syracuse’s space emphasizes “gaming first,” not just the competitive side of esports. But for those who want to pursue it seriously—whether it’s competing or creating—there’s opportunity everywhere.

Sean gave us a look behind the scenes of the production side, where students take on real-world roles in a fully outfitted control room: technical director, replay operator, audio technician, graphics coordinator and more. Their broadcasts go live on YouTube and Twitch, and the environment mimics professional sports and news broadcasting workflows.

“This whole experience is excitingly daunting,” Sean laughed. “We’re training students, using high-end gear and building real skills. It’s everything I love.”

The Chancellor’s support didn’t stop at concept, he insisted on the back LED wall staying in the budget. Since opening, the space has seen strong student engagement, with one in every six students swiping in to use it during the first month alone.

From the immersive environment to career-building opportunities, this esports center is doing more than providing a place to play—it’s shaping the future of gaming and digital media in higher education.

“If we can help students find their place, connect to the university and prepare for careers—why wouldn’t we do that through gaming?” Joey asked. “It’s where students already are.”

Want to see more?
Watch the full episode of The Daktronics Experience podcast featuring Joey and Sean at Syracuse Esports and take a behind-the-scenes look at how Daktronics helped make this space come to life.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode https://podcast.daktronics.com/e/245-%e2%80%93-illuminating-esports-at-syracuse-university-with-joey-and-sean/
📺 Watch the episode on [YouTube]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8L8wWh7HpA&t=55s