Lorain Boys and Girls Club unveils new eSports facility

LORAIN — Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio unveiled its new esports facility Wednesday evening at the Desich Family Campus in South Lorain. Director of Operations and Councilman-at-Large Tony Dimacchia hosted the event after two years of planning and work by the club, city and other partners. The project started in 2020, after the shooting death of 14-year-old Denzyl "Zell" Williams at nearby Oakwood Park. City officials and club leaders agreed that teens and young adults in Lorain needed another option. "Esports is a billion-dollar industry that has over 400 million viewers across the world," Dimacchia said. "It is taking the market by storm. Many colleges and universities are now taking it on as a particular program and even Ohio High School Athletic Association and many athletic associations across the country are looking to make it a varsity sport." Through conversations, donations and all-new electrical wiring in the facility to support the added load, the project finally came to fruition. The club's esports program is hybrid, with three Play Station 5s for more recreational gaming, and several gaming PCs for more competitive play. "Esports is competitive gaming, but there's so much more to it when you look at it in today's world — college scholarships, career pathways, this is a future for our young folks," Dimacchia said. "Not every kid can be blessed with unbelievable athletic ability to go play football and basketball or with an art skill — so having gaming at this level is so key for many of our young folks." Mayor Jack Bradley agreed. "This is not just playing games, it's creating a future for these young people," he said. The city's Public Property Department helped secure funds and equipment, with the city supporting the project through CARES act dollars. Meijer set aside the Play Station consoles especially for the Boys and Girls Club, and NOPEC donated $17,000 to rewire the facility to accommodate the additional power supply needed. Body Armor Energy also contributed $7,500. The club plans to expand its program to include a streaming room just off its esports room. Dimacchia said the facility is open to area youths during regular club hours, though there is the potential to see it available later in the evenings. Contact Carissa Woytach at cwoytach@chroniclet.com.