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It's a good time for gamers in the Philly region.
State of play: Several local colleges — including Temple, Drexel, St. Joseph's and the University of Pennsylvania — joined the National Association of Collegiate Esports Starleague last fall.
And Philly teams are drawing fanfare and investment in physical spaces.
The big picture: Interest in esports is soaring across the country after many embraced the industry following professional sports cancellations during the pandemic.
The intrigue: Esports is expanding beyond college campuses in the Philly region.
What they're saying: "What we're seeing now is the cresting of the wave, and that was fueled by technology, opportunity, and the COVID-19 pandemic," said Daniel Funk, who chairs Temple's Department of Sport and Recreation Management.
Jeffrey Levine, who leads the undergraduate esports business program at Drexel, said the exploding interest has led colleges to host esports to entice potential students.
Nerd Street CEO John Fazio said over 500 schools have signed up for NACE Starleague across the country.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify that Jeffrey Levine leads Drexel University's undergraduate esports business program.
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