The University of North Florida (UNF) announced that it will open an esports arena sometime next year after receiving a $3 million grant from the city council.
According to UNF, the arena, called The Flight Deck, is intended to encourage students to pursue STEM careers and potentially host national competitions of the most popular esports games of 2025.
UNF President Moez Limayem said: “We are so appreciative of the support from Mayor Deegan and the City Council as UNF Esports is poised to transform Jacksonville into a premier centre for digital innovation and gaming.
“This is a significant milestone for our University and the entire community. We couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to enhance innovative technology in our region.”
According to the university blog post released on April 9th, 2025, the arena is expected to be seriously kitted out. UNF states it will include 42 high-performance PC’s alongside a built-in stage for live tournaments.
It will also feature a broadcast studio for live streaming and content production, alongside a console area for casual play. Finally, it will include a ‘seamless connection to the adjacent auditorium’ for audiences attending esports-related events.
Collegiate Esports Continues to Grow in 2025
The arena serves as the university’s first major step into the esports industry, hoping to foster new skills and opportunities for Jacksonville’s workforce.
In the blog post, UNF said: “The esports industry, projected to grow to over $6.3 billion by 2030, goes far beyond gaming and will have a direct impact on the future of Jacksonville’s workforce.
“The Flight Deck aligns with UNF’s strategy to grow enrolment rapidly to serve the workforce needs of Jacksonville. UNF graduates have a direct impact on the state economy, with 80% of UNF grads staying in Florida and 70% staying in Northeast Florida.”
City councillors voted 16-0 (three abstained) in favour of 2025-265 on April 8th, 2025. Part of the legislation proposed to grant $3 million to UNF for the development of an esports facility and was pushed by introducer/co-sponsor Will Lahnen.
UNF is not the only university this year to take the esports plunge. University of Suffolk also unveiled a new $2.17 million (£1.65million) esports facility, proving esports growth on college campuses.
