Coming Soon - A New Student Gaming & Community Lounge at Havener

You spoke, and we listened.

Students have been asking for a dedicated gaming and community space on campus somewhere to relax, collaborate, connect, and compete. That vision is becoming reality with a new technology and gaming lounge coming to Havener Fall of 26. Designed with student input, this 8,630-square-foot space will bring together gaming, creativity, and community in one dynamic environment.

Whether you're looking to unwind with friends, study between classes, gather for a big game watch party, or compete in esports, the new lounge will be a place where students can feel at home. The space is built to support both casual play and competitive gaming, while also offering flexible areas for collaboration, socializing, and relaxation.

With a target completion date of October 16, just in time for Homecoming Weekend, the lounge will serve as a new heart for student life on campus.

What You’ll Find in the New Lounge

Flexible Game & Study Space

• Board games and tabletop gaming areas
• Booth seating designed for studying, gaming, and gathering with friends
• Soft lounge seating for relaxing and decompressing
• Moveable furniture to support group work and collaboration

Mobile Gaming

• 6 mobile gaming carts that can be moved anywhere within the lounge for plug-and-play gaming
• The options are as follows:
  • 2 Xbox consoles
  • 2 PlayStation 5 consoles
  • 2 Nintendo Switch systems

Recreational Gaming

• 36 Gaming PC’s available for general student use

Competitive Gaming

• 15 Gaming PC’s designed for competitive play and organized events

Community Viewing Areas

• Spaces designed for watch parties and shared experiences
• Perfect for streaming university sports, esports competitions, or major events like the Super Bowl

Food & Convenience

• Einstein’s and the C-Store will remain in their current locations and stay fully accessible from the lounge

Content Creation & Broadcasting

• Livestream capabilities controlled by students through the production studio
• Dedicated podcasting and broadcasting spaces

Summary

The new Havener gaming lounge is more than just a place to play; it’s a space designed for community and connection. Whether you’re simply taking a break, studying, streaming, or competing, this space was designed with you in mind.

 Construction will begin at the end of March. During phase one, students may notice some construction activity in the Havener Center, though disruptions to the building and the C-Store will be limited. Additional construction phases will take place throughout the summer and into the early part of the fall semester, with the goal of celebrating the grand opening during Homecoming weekend, Oct. 16-17.

“This space will provide a place for students and friends to get out of the residential halls, hang out, have a good time and connect in the heart of campus,” says Josh Perkins, former eSports Club president. “It will be an amenity space for all students, regardless of their interests.”

Please note, renderings included with this announcement are early concept drafts to help visualize the space. Final design details may change as the project progresses.

The university looks forward to welcoming students to the game lounge and eSports arena during Homecoming weekend this fall.