Gabriel Slate, a philosophy graduate student, came to the Esports lab for the first time for the social climate. 

“I love the atmosphere.. It’s a combination of a social environment, and all different types of people that see the complexity [of the lab],” Slate said. 

He was eager to get involved. 

“I was hearing about this cool new lab that was being built, so I was definitely very interested to see what was going to turn out in the fall,” Slate said. 

USF’s new Esports lab is a competitive gaming center with clubs, tournaments and competitions. The lab welcomed 220 students during its debut on Aug. 26 at the Recreation and Wellness Center (the Rec). 

Located on the ground floor of the Rec, the lab is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. 

The building closes at 10:30 p.m., but because of the lab‘s demographic, it stays open later to better serve students. No reservations are required, as services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Related: New esports lab set to open at Tampa campus soon 

USF Esports coordinator Andrew Ross said the lab offers a sense of community – and students seem to agree.

Tina Thai, a senior cyber security major, said she has found her voice since the opening of the Esports lab.

Since she started working there, Thai has a newfound confidence while talking with fellow students. Welcoming students with similar interests while working at the front desk has allowed her to develop new friendships, she said. 

Thai has been involved in Esports since her freshman year. She said she will mention Valorant or other clubs to students as they walk past the front desk. 

“I say ‘Oh, have you heard of the Valorant club? I made a lot of new friends,’” Thai said. “People here like that.” 

The lab, which was originally a dance studio, features 40 computers, 12 clubs, a private gaming room, a competition room and a production studio for live streaming and broadcasting. 

The lab has also paved the way for Esports to find a home in academic curriculums.

This fall, USF introduced its first digital content for Esports class. In spring 2025, it will offer two three-credit Esports business courses. 

The courses are offered through a partnership with the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management program, part of the USF Muma College of Business. 

Ross said he likes every aspect of the lab, 

“Everything here is equally important,” Ross said. “The open gaming room is really important”. 

Related: Esports Living Lab project nearly doubles in cost, indefinitely delayed

About 115 to 130 students compete against colleges in Esports for USF. 

There are 12 competing clubs for different games, including popular ones like League of Legends, Valorant, and Smash Brothers, with more added each year.

The lab hosts weekly tournaments every Tuesday evening. 

Though students can compete, others come simply to hang out.

Jackson Ray Stoe, a junior musical theater major and part of the SMASH club, said he enjoys playing for entertainment.  

“Super SMASH Bros for the Nintendo 64 has a special place [in my heart], but Ultimate is the main one… it’s got the most hype,” Stoe said.   

Stoe said the lab is a great environment for students to watch streamers or commentators. 

“Commentators do their job silently, and intensely,” Stoe said. “There is a really cool energy and vibe in the lab.”

The lab is already a new hot spot, with over 1,000 check-ins in just the first week. 

However, Ross said it’s common for students to pass by without knowing what the room is. 

“Students pop their heads in and are like ‘Wait I had no idea,’ and that is the most common response we have had,” he said.

Ross said the Esports lab isn’t limited to just registered competitive games. 

“People just play on their phones or their switches, and play Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, or Zelda,” he said.  

Slate continues to return for the environment and features. 

“It’s a really cool social atmosphere combined with having amazing setups for different games,” Slate said.