UNF Esports to Become a Varsity Program in 2026, Supported by IT Department

The University of North Florida (UNF) has transformed its student esports club, which started in 2018, into a varsity program set to kick off this fall. This new initiative is now part of the university’s information technology division, rather than being categorized under athletics, sports management, or student life.

Central to the program is the UNF Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena, which opened on February 27 in the John A. Delaney Student Union. This impressive 2,800-square-foot facility can accommodate up to 170 guests and features 42 gaming PCs, a 10-seat competition stage, four console areas, a broadcast studio, and a shoutcasting booth. The arena was announced in April 2025 and constructed with a $3 million grant from the Jacksonville City Council.

Tom Screech, who previously taught at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, where he focused on esports sponsorships, live event management, marketing, and branding, took on the role of UNF’s first esports program manager in December 2025 and arrived on campus in early February. He has experience in transitioning clubs to junior-varsity status and co-founded the Collegiate Fighting Game Conference (CFGC).

The funding for this initiative emphasizes workforce development rather than traditional athletics. UNF has positioned the arena as a resource for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Interim President Angela Garcia Falconetti highlighted at the arena’s opening that it aims to bolster the regional workforce and stimulate economic growth. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan, whose city provided the $3 million funding, noted that this investment is intended to create jobs and diversify the local economy in the burgeoning esports sector.

This workforce-focused approach is reflected in the program’s organizational structure. By placing the esports program within the IT department, UNF addresses a common challenge in collegiate esports: the maintenance of the hardware and network that teams rely on. UNF Vice President and Chief Information Officer Brian Verkamp hosted the grand opening of the arena.

David Higdon, former global head of communications for esports at Riot Games, shared Screech’s thoughts on this setup in a LinkedIn post. “I love it,” Screech remarked, “because we never have to wait to get our computers, wifi, or any other tech situation fixed!”

UNF is fielding varsity teams in Overwatch 2, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and various fighting games, competing in the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and CFGC events. The Overwatch roster is leading the fall launch, with team member and head coach Justin Tuazon selected to represent the Philippines at the Overwatch World Cup this month.

Student staff manage event operations, broadcasting, marketing, and team management, with the program’s Discord server boasting nearly 400 active members.

The arena is also being promoted as a venue for regional events. UNF recently hosted the NACE national convention from July 29 to 31, expecting over 200 attendees. Additionally, Elite Warfare Gaming will bring its EWG LAN 3 Call of Duty tournament to the Flight Deck in September, expanding from 16 to 24 teams after discussions with UNF staff, and a CFGC event is planned for October.

UNF has yet to reveal the esports program’s operating budget, the total cost of the arena beyond the city’s $3 million grant, or whether varsity players will receive scholarships.