When NTC’s inaugural year of collegiate esports kicked off, no one could have imagined that it would be cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, NTC’s Esports Arena was filled with energy as the varsity team practiced and competed.

Things look a little different as the team prepares for the upcoming 2020-2021 season. As COVID-19 affects everyday life, NTC Esports varsity teams are adapting to the situation. Nearly half of the computers have been removed and remaining gaming stations are maneuvered into appropriate social distancing spaces. All varsity student-athletes are required to wear masks at all times, including everywhere on campus to ensure everyone’s safety. You might catch a glimpse of our varsity players sporting exclusive NTC Esports face masks. To accommodate practice and competition space for NTC’s three teams, a temporary practice room has been set up on the second floor of the A Building for overflow. Strict cleaning protocols have also been implemented and varsity players are required to ‘clean in and out’ before and after every activity. In order to adhere to these strict cleaning protocols, the arena will be permanently locked and only be accessed by varsity players.

NTC students who identify themselves as casual gamers are no longer able to use the arena this fall semester. However, our top priority is keeping all NTC students and employees as safe as possible during this pandemic.