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University of Suffolk bets on booming esports industry with £1.65m facility

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

As the global esports market continues to expand, the University of Suffolk is staking its claim with a £1.65 million purpose-built gaming facility to support its new degree programme.

Why it matters: The £1.65 million renovation of a vacant Long Street building demonstrates a significant commitment to the growing esports industry, preparing students with industry-standard facilities ahead of the new BA (Hons) Esports course launching this September.

The details: The state-of-the-art facility will feature:

  • More than 40 gaming-spec PCs

  • A professional-grade broadcast gallery

  • A purpose-built live studio for broadcasting and livestreaming

  • Combined teaching and recreational spaces

What they're saying: "We've already had lots of interest in our brand new Esports course launching this September, and the £1.65 million facility will be a real draw for students to join our programme," said Charlie Smith, Course Leader for BA (Hons) Esports.

Beyond gaming: The new course aims to equip students with broader business and technical skills, including:

  • Managing live-streamed events

  • Live and online broadcasting experience

  • Digital marketing skills

  • Creative digital media attributes

  • Leadership and team dynamic capabilities

"These skills are really important for thriving in such a fast-paced and evolving industry, and by equipping our students with as broad a range of strengths as possible, our course will give students the best experience possible of thriving in the industry," Smith added.

This premises on Long Street will become an eSports facility
This premises on Long Street will become an eSports facilityUniversity of Suffolk

Coming soon: Work on the facility is being carried out by Concertus and is scheduled for completion in September, coinciding with the arrival of the first cohort of students.

The bigger picture: Students will have opportunities to:

  • Compete in national and global tournaments

  • Participate in online showpiece matches and charity events

  • Manage their own esports team, which will be unveiled later this year

The bottom line: As the esports industry continues to grow globally, the University of Suffolk is making a substantial investment to establish Ipswich as a training ground for future gaming professionals.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
Mentioned in this article:
University of Suffolk
Concertus
Posted in:
Higher Education
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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Oliver Rouane-Williams

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Portrait photo of Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams
Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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