Northdale Recreation Center Opens Dedicated Room For Gamers

NORTHDALE, FL — While it doesn't burn calories like a fast-paced game of soccer or build muscles like lifting weights, Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation said esports fulfill other parks department missions including providing opportunities for social engagement and friendly competition.

Multiplayer video gaming is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. With millions of participants, a growing pool of professional gamers and online tournaments that draw huge audiences, esports might not qualify as exercise, but it certainly encourages teamwork and socialization in youngsters.

With that in mind, the county has opened its first dedicated gaming room with six 65-inch televisions and a dozen gaming chairs at the Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa. Games and controllers are provided, including popular titles like Fortnite, Super Smash Bros., Rocket League and Mario Kart.

Games can be played for free with single players or teams and can include online participants from other locations and opportunities to participate in tournaments. However, to maintain a positive environment for players, the games’ audio and chat functions are disabled.

The county also plans to add an esports gaming room at Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center in Progress Village.

For information on esports activities at Northdale Recreation Center, click here.