February 14, 2019 (Harrisburg, PA) -- Harrisburg University continues to make big moves in the Esports arena. The school made two big announcements this month, including the launch of a new Pennsylvania Esports tournament and pitching the winning bid to host the National Association of Esports annual convention.  

PA Cup

Using the backdrop of the Pennsylvania State Capitol and the occasion of the first-ever Esports Advocacy Day Rally, Harrisburg University announced an online 16-team tournament to crown Pennsylvania's best teams in Overwatch, Hearthstone, and League of Legends. The PA Cup will be played March 30-31. Because HU is dedicated to bolstering Esports as a spectator sport, a live watch party will be held at Whitaker Center for the finals on March 31. 

NACE Convention

The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) is bringing its 2nd annual convention to Harrisburg this summer. NACE Executive Director Michael Brooks made the announcement at the training facility for the Harrisburg University Storm, a state-of-the-art-facility that Brooks says will be looked at by NACE members as a "showcase facility." According to Brooks, Esports is one of the fasting growing industries in the world, a notion supported by the fact that NACE gets at least seven new inquiries from potential member institutions every day. 

NACE2

Photo Left to Right: City of Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse, Whitaker Center President and CEO Ted Black, (Speaking) Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste, NACE Executive Director Michael Brooks, Harrisburg University President Eric Darr.


More than 100 cities in the United States and Canada submitted bids to host the convention, which will attract about 400 administrators and coaches representing universities who have started or are exploring Esports programs. 

Fun Fact: When the Whitaker Center in Downtown Harrisburg "flips the switch" to gaming mode, its 130-thousand-square-feet make it the largest Esports facility in North America.