Bow Valley College has officially opened its doors to a brand-new, 70-seat esports arena, solidifying its position as a leading force in the burgeoning digital entertainment landscape of Calgary. This first-of-its-kind arena, boasting a wealth of cutting-edge technology, marks a pivotal moment for the city’s esports and gaming industries.
The arena, equipped with an impressive 40 competition-ready gaming stations and two fully motion-rigged racing simulators, provides students with a world-class environment for honing their skills and participating in competitive gaming. A dedicated training room caters specifically to the college’s varsity esports team, ensuring they receive the support and resources needed to excel on the virtual battlefield.
“We’re proud of the facility we’ve created here, but even more proud of the contribution it will make to the future of Calgary’s esports and digital entertainment industry,” says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, President and CEO of Bow Valley College. “We exist to give students the skills they need to take their talents and dreams and apply them to careers that grow our province.”
The arena is part of a broader initiative by Bow Valley College, known as the Digital Entertainment Nexus, which received a substantial $5.5 million grant from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) in 2023. The Nexus aims to train 675 individuals and support the growth of 125 companies by 2028, contributing to Canada’s $5.5 billion gaming industry.
“Calgary’s game development community has been building mass for years,” says Mike Lohaus, Manager of Bow Valley College’s Digital Entertainment Nexus. “It’s inevitable that before long, some team of creators will hit it big. This space means students don’t have to leave the province to succeed in esports.”
The esports arena, financed by the college, is a crucial part of the Alberta Esports Strategy, a testament to the region’s dedication to nurturing the growing esports industry. The arena’s grand opening has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Calgary, sparking a surge in investment and growth within the city’s digital media and entertainment arts sector.
“The opening of this arena is a game-changing moment, igniting a wave of growth and investment in Calgary’s digital media and entertainment arts sector,” says Luke Azevedo, Vice-President – Creative Industries, Operations and Film Commissioner with Calgary Economic Development.
OCIF’s substantial investment will power the development of advanced programs in various digital creative fields, including 3D animation, game development, esports, virtual reality, podcasting, and more. This funding will serve as a catalyst for innovation, opening up new career paths and fostering entrepreneurship within the creative sector. Ultimately, these initiatives are poised to drive economic growth and diversification within the region.
“We’re driving disruptive growth by thinking beyond traditional industries. The opening of BVC’s esports arena is a prime example of how we’re fostering innovation and capturing investment in sectors that are reshaping the future of our economy,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, OCIF.
Bow Valley College’s esports arena is a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering innovation and embracing the future of entertainment. This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide students with a competitive edge but will also play a key role in establishing Calgary as a leading center for esports and game development in Canada and beyond.
