Fresno Unified School District has officially unveiled their Technology Arena, where students will compete in esports and other technology-based events.

The arena, located at Tehipite Middle School, hosted its grand opening Thursday.

Fresno Unified staff and community leaders piled into the 7,000 square-foot facility alongside members of the middle school’s esports team. The team tested out the new computers, facing off in a game against Fresno State esports club members.

The makeshift competition brought as much excitement and cheering as a football or basketball game — reflecting the sport’s rising popularity.

“I feel happy, because now, you don’t have to be athletic to do something that’s meaningful to you,” eight grader and esports team member, Yonic Yanez. “You can just come play the game and spend time with friends and make new friends.”

The state-of-the-art facility is, as far as Fresno Unified knows, the first of its kind at a middle school, according to Superintendent Misty Her.

The district plans to hold local esports competitions at the center and hopes to host state level events in the future. The arena will hold its first esports tournament in mid-November.

Fresno Unified mounted a high definition 16-foot-by-9-foot screen on the back wall, behind a miniature stage for competitions, ready to display games for spectators.

The space includes multiple computer stations, spectator seating, a snack bar, and locker rooms for team members can prepare for competition.

The project was developed over five years and funded by $3.9 million provided through Measure M, a local bond passed in 2020.

Fresno Unified Focuses on Technological Education

The venue will provide students with a space to hone their technology and teamwork skills, expanding student opportunities and knowledge.

A growing number of colleges and universities offer esports opportunities, scholarships, and a viable career path.

Locally, the Fresno State esports club collective has a growing team that competes in an array of games. Fresno State’s club president, Maria Roceo Sy, a computer engineering student, said she wished she had a space like this growing up.

At Fresno Unified, thousands of students participate in the esports program, Fresno Unified Chief Technology Officer Tami Lundberg said.

But this arena expands beyond esports, Lundberg explains. The district will utilize for other technology-based use, expanding students’ digital knowledge.

“It teaches them skills around communication, problem solving, collaboration — those skills that we want them to come out of school with,” she said. “Participating in these programs really helps them build digital literacy, digital citizenship, all the things that are going to be really important to these students.”

This investment shows students they can be anything they want to be, Superintendent Her explained, expanding upon traditional professions.

“Now, we have a space where we can come and practice. It just feels perfect, like the best thing that could have happened.” Yanez said