MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its expanded Esports Level Up Arena on Tuesday (September 22nd). University leaders also signed an official partnership with XP League of Franklin, boosting investment into collegiate competitive gaming and workforce training for Rutherford County students.
The partnership connects MTSU with North America's largest youth esports league, which serves more than 11,000 young players. Under the agreement, XP League will provide professional coaching to students in the MTSU Esports club. In return, MTSU will provide weekend space in the Student Union Building atrium for middle and high school teams to train and compete.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said the deal creates a direct bridge between youth and collegiate esports, combining community strengths to expand opportunities for local families.
Located on the first floor of the Student Union Building near Phillip’s Bookstore, the upgraded Level Up Arena represents a $258,000 investment. The facility relocated from its previous second-floor space to accommodate growing student demand. It features dedicated areas for casual gaming, console play, and competitive match space equipped with high-end technology.
The facility supports two undergraduate academic pathways launched last year, including Esports and Gaming Content Creation in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, as well as Esports Coaching in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. College of Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel noted the expanded space opens doors to new student recruitment and emerging media careers.
Student leaders originally pitched the idea for an arena in 2023, prompting administrators to convert a former computer lab into the original gaming space. Student Affairs Executive Director Justin Reed emphasized that the facility gives students a place to build leadership, communication, and event management skills while establishing meaningful campus connections.
According to data from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a position in the U.S. esports industry reaches $156,348. Graduates can pursue roles ranging from professional players and content creators to event managers, broadcast directors, and team publicists.
MTSU Esports Vice President Kyle Greaney said the university sits on a gold mine of talent, adding that the drive to compete in esports mirrors traditional athletics.
For more details on the facility and operating hours, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/mtunions/levelup/.
