Esports

Esports lounges

Currently, we are home to two premier Esports Lounges unlike any others around. The first lounge opened with much excitement in 2021 in Northdale Park & Recreation Center in Tampa, and was followed in 2022 by a second lounge located in Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center in Progress Village. The After School and Summer Camp programs at both locations have access to the lounges during their program hours.

Each lounge features murals from local artists, Next-Gen gaming consoles, and thrilling experiences for gamers.

Esports specialists

Our Esports lounges are staffed with Esports specialist who inspire and encourage new social skills, help develop gaming fundamentals, and set a safe, inclusive and positive social environment. Our coaches are Esports competitors who have the skills and experience to help any player develop and grow their skills to perform better in competitions.

In addition to developing Esports skills, participants socialize with like-minded competitors and make new friends in a high-energy environment.

Esports Lounges include:

• Six 65-inch televisions
• Nextgen consoles (Xbox Series S, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
• Gaming chairs and furniture
• High speed internet

Games include (not a full list):

• Super Smash Bros.
• Fortnite
• Rocket League
• Paladins
• Pokémon Unite
• Mario Kart

The games' audio and chat functions are disabled to ensure a positive environment for players.

Open play schedule

Northdale Park

• Mondays and Wednesdays - 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Saturdays - 1:30 to 4:30 PM

Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center

• Tuesdays and Thursdays - 6:30 to 8:30 PM
• Saturdays - 1 to 4:30 PM

Scheduled events

Find upcoming Open Play activities, as well as Esports Tournaments below. All Open Play activities require registration but are free for all players. Esports Tournaments require registration and a $10 entry fee. All Esports Tournaments provide a prize pool for the top three winners.

Fun for all

Video game competitions are all about the mental challenge and having fun. While recreation centers tend to focus largely on physical activities, Parks & Recreation saw there was a need for something else.

We started the Esports Lounges to provide common ground and an equal playing field for those who may have physical barriers that can keep them from connecting with their peers in a competitive sports setting.

Contact

For more information about the Northdale Esports Lounge, email Ty Rodriguez

For more information about the Emanuel P. Johnson Esports Lounge, email Herbert Cuevas