City Council signs bill supporting UNF Flight Deck esports arena

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan signed a bill today granting $3 million in support for the University of North Florida esports arena. The Flight Deck, UNF’s innovation arena where technology and learning converge, will be located on the second floor of the John A. Delaney Student Union.

The esports facility will help UNF attract more students to pursue STEM careers in science, computing and engineering; host national competitions that bring visitors and economic development to Jacksonville; and contribute to the City’s efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce prepared for industries of the future.

The Flight Deck aligns with UNF’s strategy to grow enrollment 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.

“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 center for digital innovation and gaming,” said UNF President Moez Limayem. “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.”

The space will include 42 high-performance PC gaming stations; a built-in competition stage for live tournaments and team play; a broadcast studio space for live streaming, shoutcasting and content production; a flexible console play zone for casual and console-based gaming; and will include event integration for seamless connection to the adjacent auditorium for spectator seating and large-scale events.

Desmond Robb, UNF former track star and Coggin College of Business alumni (‘17,’22) and senior IT compliance analyst at Fidelity National Financial, knows how esports can lead to STEM careers in business, computing and technology.

Robb came to UNF to study marketing and run track in 2013. After long days of practice and studying, he would unplug by esports gaming with friends.

“Through sports both on the track and virtually, I gained communication, competition and teamwork skills,” said Robb. “I also learned about optimal system performance in training and taking care of my body as well as building and maintaining hardware and software systems for computers.”

The computer system building experience, communication and teamwork skills assist Robb in his current role where he handles internal and external audit compliance and regulations.

Miguel Huertas, UNF senior studying civil engineering and member of the Esports Club student organization, utilized skills developed through esports in his internships with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and Hubbard Construction Company.

“Esports gaming helps you to develop so many helpful skills like assessing complex situations, creating strategic plans and decisively acting toward a goal,” said Huertas. “I used these skills in my internships when assisting with optimizing transportation routes and engineering project designs.