As Harrisburg University prepares to host the biggest collegiate Esports tournament to date Sept. 21-22, 2018, the Dauphin County Commissioners on Wednesday announced $25,000 in grant funding for HU’s new, 16-member varsity esports team and the first-ever HUE Festival. The county’s $25,000 tourism grant, funded by local hotel tax dollars, will help HU develop its esports team and become a destination for competitive gaming tournaments and events – an industry that, in 2017, generated $655 million.
From left to right, Dauphin County Commissioners George Hartwick III, Jeff Haste, and Mike Pries are pictured holding HU Storm jerseys the University gave them in thanks of their support of the Esports program.
HU’s esports team, the Storm, will compete with 32 teams from across the country for a grand prize of $50,000 at the HUE Festival. This two-day event will combine collegiate esports with live entertainment featuring national bands, food trucks, and vendors.
Hundreds of people are expected to participate in the tournament and the University anticipates thousands of guests at the free concert event, featuring food trucks, a beer garden, and music from national recording artists, Lit, Alien Ant Farm, Atlas Genius, and more in downtown Harrisburg Sept. 22.
HU President Dr. Eric Darr introduced HU’s esports staff and several players to the county commissioners and thanked them for their support as a founding partner during the commissioner’s weekly public meeting.
