What does community engagement look like? For NIU Esports, it looks like a unique partnership with NASCAR to invite people of all ages into the world of esports.
NASCAR pacecar outside of Altgeld Hall.
On Feb. 3, NIU Esports partnered with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race team to welcome visitors of all ages to campus for the Rocket League Rev Up. The event included a free Rocket League tournament, drop-in game play and the chance to play the NASCAR Chicago Street Race simulator.
“This was an awesome opportunity to mesh two worlds together: a traditional, in-person racing league and a collegiate esports program,” said Conner Vagle, NIU Esports director. “We welcomed people whose primary interest was in NASCAR or Rocket League (or both) and people who were newcomers to NASCAR and esports alike. Visitors got to experience something new and expand their horizons.”
The event also meshed different age groups: college students and local families with children and teens.
Student tests out NASCAR simulator at the NIU Esports Arena.
There was something for everyone. The NASCAR Chicago Street Race representatives drove a NASCAR Chicago pace car to the event. Matt Bussa, eNASCAR Driver for Kevin Harvick Inc, was also on site to help participants navigate the road in the NASCAR Chicago Street Race simulator.
“We’re grateful to everyone who came out to support this event, including NIU Esports varsity and junior varsity players and coaches, NIU staff and alumni, members of the College of DuPage Rocket League team, as well as all the community members who joined us from as far away as Indiana,” said Vagle. “Most of all, we’re grateful to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race team for their support. It was a pleasure to work with them to create a truly one-of-a-kind event.”
Learn more about this truly one-of-a-kind event in this NIU Today article!
