Dakota Wesleyan Esports Lab – Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, SD, USA
A varsity-level esports facility offering scholarships and intercollegiate competition. Nestled within the Smith Hall—a central academic and administrative building—the Dakota Wesleyan Esports Lab is a defining anchor for the university’s rapidly growing esports program. Though the university does not specify the exact setup in public materials, the presence of an esports lab in that location underscores DWU’s commitment to incorporating competitive gaming into its core campus infrastructure.
Serving as the operational home for Dakota Wesleyan’s varsity esports teams, the program offers competitive play in titles such as Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Fortnite, Halo, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, Super Smash Bros., Apex Legends, and more, often supported by scholarship opportunities and structured practice schedules.
Beyond varsity competition, the university extends esports outreach into the community by hosting events like its first-ever high school esports tournament, held at the DWU/Avera Sports and Wellness Complex. This event featured League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Rocket League competitions, and even offered high school participants automatic scholarship eligibility upon enrolling at DWU.
The esports program aligns with DWU’s broader goal of nurturing talent, discipline, and community among students—melding academics, competition, and visibility in one integrated experience. As part of campus life, esports serves as both an athletic opportunity and a platform for student involvement in a close-knit environment.
Gaming at a glance:
📍 1200 W. University Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301
🕒 Open for practice, competition; schedules per academic term
💻 10-station lab for games like LoL, Rocket League, Smash, Apex, Halo, Valorant, etc.
🏆 Varsity competition since 2019; scholarships available
💲 Free for DWU students; public-only during invitationals
🎯 Great for varsity competitors and aspiring student athletes
📞+1 (605) 995-2600
📧 Not publicly listed
🌐 https://www.dwu.edu/dwu-esports