Grand View Esports Arena – Grand View University, Des Moines, IA, USA
One of Iowa’s earliest varsity esports facilities, located in a dorm basement. The Grand View Esports Arena sits in the basement of Nielsen Hall, radiating a high-energy yet focused atmosphere. Bold red and black décor, accent lighting, and ergonomic chairs create a modern, intense environment that’s perfectly suited for high-octane collegiate competition.
The arena houses 26 dedicated gaming stations equipped with high-performance PCs, quality peripherals, and adjustable desks and chairs, supporting both practice and competitive play. Just steps away, a video-on-demand review space with couches, chairs, and personal lockers provides a comfortable spot for team debriefs, strategy discussions, and casual hangouts.
Grand View’s program fields varsity teams in League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with junior varsity and club rosters giving players of all levels a place to compete. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $28,000 per year, available to varsity and JV players as well as support roles like analysts, content creators, and event staff. The program encourages involvement beyond competition, offering opportunities in production, social media, and shoutcasting.
Grand View University holds the distinction of being the first in Iowa to launch a varsity esports program and award esports scholarships, starting in 2017. In 2018, it made history again by appointing Dana Hustedt as the first female director of a collegiate esports program in the United States. With its forward-thinking leadership, dedicated facility, and comprehensive development opportunities, the Grand View Esports Arena remains a standout destination for competitive gaming and community building.
Gaming at a glance:
📍 1200 Grandview Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50316
🕒 Accessible during academic-year hours via student access
💻 26 gaming stations with chairs, desks, and VOD review lounge
🏆 Hosts varsity-level teams in LoL, Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch, and Smash
💲 Free for students; scholarships available
📞 GVU Esports director via university channel
📞 via website
📧 via website
🌐 https://gvvikings.com/sports/esports