Mane Event Esport tournament at UNA

FLORENCE – There will be a lot of gaming going on – and not just in dorm rooms – this weekend at the University of North Alabama.

Gamers from more than a dozen area high schools will descend on the campus for the Spring Mane Event Esport Tournament. The competition includes a Rocket League bracket and an open tournament to compete in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate.

“We are excited about hosting the Spring ’23 Mane Event for high school teams and individual gamers,” said Mark Linder, a lecturer in Sport and Recreation Management. “The UNA students are tremendously engaged in marketing and managing the tournament. With UNA launching an academic program in Esport, this tournament is a great experiential learning opportunity for our Sport and Recreation Management students.”

The Spring Mane Event is in the Guillot University Center from 4-10 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. There is no charge for admission.

Being on a university campus is a great opportunity for high school students to see that their passion for gaming can take root at UNA, according to Dr. Jean Ann Helm Allen, chair of the Department of Health and Physical Education.

“This Esport tournament is giving these high school students a chance to play on a large stage, in an exciting environment, and gives them a window into the opportunities they would have as students at UNA,” she said. “For our current students, managing events like this gives them practical experience in the world of eSport as many of them are interested in career opportunities in this growing field.”

In addition to the tournaments, UNA is home to the North Alabama Gaming Club, whose
members organize and manage the events. Classes for Esports are also offered through the Department of Health and Physical Education.

“If a student is interested in in gaming, UNA is the place for them,” said Julie Taylor, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. “Depending on a student’s competitiveness, we can plug them in to the right spot.

“UNA even provides a scholarship opportunity for a student’s participation in our Esports team.”