Brookdale Community College is proud to announce that its Esports Arena has been awarded the Best Esports Project award at the 2024 Commercial Integration Awards. The recognition was announced at the CEDIA Expo / Commercial Integrator Expo in Denver, celebrating the finest audiovisual integration projects across the nation.
Designed and developed by Horizon AVL in partnership with Esports Integration, Brookdale’s state-of-the-art esports facility was selected for its innovative design, immersive environment, and cutting-edge technology. The esports arena stands as a shining example of excellence in the growing world of collegiate esports, offering students an unparalleled platform to engage in competitive gaming and digital collaboration.
“We are beyond excited to receive this recognition,” said Dr. David M. Stout, president of Brookdale Community College. “Our Esports Arena is more than just a gaming facility; it’s a hub for collaboration, competition, and cutting-edge education in the fast-evolving esports landscape. This award is a testament to the hard work of our design team, partners, and the Brookdale community.”
From the custom design elements and aesthetics to the top-tier audio, video, lighting, control systems, and all the gaming equipment, the Brookdale Esports Arena offers a versatile space for various activities. The facility supports five varsity-level teams competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association Esports (NJCAAE) and two club-level teams. Students use the arena not only for national tournaments and producing live broadcasts but also to unwind and enjoy gaming with friends. The Jersey Blues Esports team recently reached the NJCAAE Valorant National Championship Finals, solidifying Brookdale’s position as a competitive powerhouse.
Chris Boehmer, director of the Esports Arena at Brookdale, shared his excitement about the facility’s impact on the campus community: “From the first time Horizon AVL unveiled the renderings of the Brookdale Esports Arena, I knew the space was going to be something truly special. It has been tailored to be a premier space for the Brookdale Community College gaming population and converts newcomers every day to see all the benefits esports can bring to a higher education environment.”
He added, “Our Varsity teams lock in at night to practice and compete against other colleges. Our Communications Media students are earning credits for producing live broadcasts on our Twitch channel. High schools from across the state come to compete for the championship in their respective leagues. Our Esports program here at Brookdale is multi-faceted, and without the versatility, layout, and technology designed, implemented, and installed by Horizon AVL, we wouldn’t be able to offer such an amazing facility.”
The Commercial Integration Awards recognize the most outstanding AV projects across multiple sectors, including education, corporate campuses, and entertainment venues. An unbiased panel of industry judges praised Brookdale’s Esports Arena for its ability to blend immersive experiences with functionality, making it a leader in the esports industry for educational institutions.
The new esports space provides a venue that encourages student engagement, teamwork, and technological advancement. This award marks a significant achievement in the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and student success.