Syracuse University Opens Third Esports Facility

New Marley Education Center facility aims to boost competitive esports program and fanbase

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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After Syracuse University officially opened its third esports facility at the Marley Education Center on Friday, many in the esports community said it marked a new beginning for building the university's esports program participation and fanbase. The new facility is designed to support SU's esports majors with higher-end equipment and features like a control room and auditorium, providing a more professional-level environment than the university's existing esports spaces in the Schine Student Center and Barnes Center.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion of esports facilities at SU comes after a direct order from the university chancellor to provide the resources and administrative backing to grow the esports program and make it a national leader. The new Marley facility is seen as a key step in that effort, with the goal of boosting recruitment of high school esports athletes and engaging more of the student body in the competitive side of gaming.

The details

The new Marley facility includes features like the first-ever esports control room on campus, an auditorium, and equipment like game replay and technical director's stations to assist with livestreaming. It's designed to provide a more professional-level environment for SU's esports majors compared to the existing recreational esports spaces. The facility will host varsity esports matches, while the Schine Student Center location remains the 'home ground' for many casual student gamers.

  • Syracuse University officially opened its third esports facility at the Marley Education Center on Friday, February 12, 2026.
  • The new facility hosted its first Super Smash Bros. competition following the grand opening on February 12, 2026.

The players

Travis Yang

Syracuse University's Director of Esports Competition, who said the new facility is designed to support the university's esports majors and provide a more professional-level environment than the existing esports spaces.

Rayshawn King

A sophomore esports communications and management major at Syracuse University, who called the new Marley facility 'one of a kind' nationally and said it will become the primary venue for varsity esports matches.

Praket Ehimay

A Syracuse University law student and member of the Gaming and Esports Club, who said the esports centers sometimes feel quiet and need more regularly coordinated events to build a consistent on-campus presence.

Kent Syverud

The chancellor of Syracuse University, who provided the resources and administrative backing to grow the university's esports program and facilities.

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What they’re saying

“We are so early in esports. If you think back to any traditional sport that's been around for dozens of years, fandom takes a while to build and establish.”

— Travis Yang, Director of Esports Competition (dailyorange.com)

“Eventually it will become an actual classroom for students to go and learn the production side of esports.”

— Rayshawn King, Sophomore esports communications and management major (dailyorange.com)

“(Marley) feels 10 times better than it is inside Schine. Once people find that place out and take a step inside and experience it, they're going to be stuck on it.”

— Rayshawn King, Sophomore esports communications and management major (dailyorange.com)

What’s next

The new Marley esports facility is expected to become the primary venue for Syracuse University's varsity esports matches going forward, as the university continues its efforts to build a stronger fanbase and competitive program in the growing field of collegiate esports.

The takeaway

Syracuse University's significant investment in expanding its esports facilities, including the new state-of-the-art Marley Education Center location, demonstrates the university's commitment to establishing itself as a national leader in the rapidly growing world of collegiate esports competition and academics.