Step into the Flight Deck
UNF Esports
UNF is launching a comprehensive Esports program that will engage current students, connect with local high schools, and create new opportunities in a fast-growing industry. Through mentorship, skills training, and annual tournaments, we’re introducing high school students in the Jacksonville area to Esports and career pathways in game development, broadcasting, and Esports management. For current Ospreys, the program will offer opportunities to compete on a collegiate Esports team, gain hands-on experience in event production and content creation, and explore new academic offerings tied to the business and technology of Esports. A new on-campus Esports arena is in development in the John A. Delaney Student Union, featuring high-performance gaming systems, professional broadcast capabilities, and space for spectators. UNF is also integrating Esports into the classroom, preparing students to lead in an innovative, global field.
What's Coming?
- The Flight Deck, a new, state-of-the-art Esports arena in the John A. Delaney Student Union
- A renovated auditorium for viewers to watch Esports competitions
- The current game room will be relocated into the new arena
- Establishment of a new Esports competitive team
- New scholarship funding opportunities for UNF students
- New course curriculum in Esports-related content areas
- Events and programming for the UNF and local community
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The city of Jacksonville has approved $3 million in funding for the UNF Flight Deck Esports & Innovation Arena in the John A. Delaney Student Union. This investment will allow UNF to:
- Attract more students into STEM careers in Jacksonville
- Expose area high school students to college opportunities and job pathways
- Host regional and national competitions, bringing visitors to Jacksonville
Benefits to the Jacksonville Community
Esports events draw large audiences, as shown at other public university venues and arenas. UNF's Flight Deck will:
- Support local businesses through increased economic activity
- Enhance local commerce and tourism
- Provide economic benefits through patronage and visibility
- Attract gaming industry and related businesses to Jacksonville
- Help UNF attract more students to meet enrollment expansion
- Boost engagement with the UNF campus and provides higher education awareness
CAREER PATHWAYS
Esports is a rapidly trending method for engaging young students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. By bringing local high school teams to UNF's campus to compete, students have an opportunity to see themselves on a college campus, many for the very first time, and explore new pathways to careers in high-demand fields:
- Computing
- Game Design
- Software Engineering
- Public Relations
- Network Engineering
- Marketing
- Data Analytics
- Graphic Design
- Broadcasting/Journalism
- Event Planning
- Content Creating
- Esports Management
COMING SPRING 2026
We are actively working on the Esports project and are excited about the progress being made. As the project continues to develop, we look forward to sharing more updates, images, and details with you. Stay tuned for more as we bring this exciting vision to life!