University of Texas at Austin: Alienware Longhorn Esports Lounge Launches in UT-Dell Partnership
The University of Texas at Austin and Dell Technologies have established the university’s first dedicated esports space for students — the Alienware Longhorn Esports Lounge — building upon Dell’s iconic gaming brand, Alienware. The investment also includes technology support for the larger Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena planned to open next school year.
The new Alienware Longhorn Esports Lounge will create an elite gaming environment for students to train and compete at the highest level in esports competitions, locally and globally. The lounge is now open on the main level of the Texas Union and features Alienware Aurora R13 desktops, Alienware X and M Series laptops and a multiplayer console area.
The planned 3,300-square-foot arena currently under construction will open in the soon-to-be renovated Texas Union Underground. The large-scale gaming space will be equipped with nearly 50 Alienware Aurora R13 and R14 battle stations, varsity room, production center, console game space, and a viewing area.
“Dell Technologies empowers our students with the resources to be part of the Longhorn winning tradition, and to better position them for careers in the booming esports and gaming industries,” said President Jay Hartzell. “The new facility not only promotes greater visibility for esports at UT, it marks the beginning of an exciting new era of competition and community.”
Esports is a form of competition using video games, with the players competing individually or in teams. This facility will provide a hands-on esports experience for the Longhorn gaming community and host team competitions.
“Our partnership with The University of Texas at Austin is focused on making a significant impact in Austin by improving access to education, powering life-changing research, and supporting our community’s unique culture,” said Kristen Nolte, senior vice president of Global Consumer and Small Business Marketing at Dell Technologies. “The Alienware Longhorn Esports Lounge is an extension of that commitment and signals the growth and opportunities we see for students in esports — from becoming professional esports athletes to game design or development professionals.”
Founded in 2010, Longhorn Gaming is the largest esports student-sponsored organization on campus. The group provided input on the creation of the facility as it will offer an inclusive space for its members to compete on top-of-the-line equipment.
As the gaming industry has grown, Austin has become a hub for content creators. UT offers a rich curriculum — focused on computer science, emergent media and design — for students interested in gaming industry careers through the University of Texas Game Development and Design Program.