An audience watches a presentation at the UNF Flight Deck. A large screen displays student photos under headings for "JOURNALISM," "DATA ARCHITECTURE," and "BROADCAST MEDIA." A speaker stands at a podium next to stage monitors and desks branded with the UNF logo.

UNF Flight Deck

By: Will Raffier

In April of 2025, Mayor Donna Deagan officially signed off on a funding bill, approving the University of North Florida’s 3 million grant. With this grant, the university wants to create the UNF Flight Deck: a new sports facility to help increase student enrollment and STEM careers.  

The UNF Flight Deck has 42, state-of-the-art computers each at their own station giving individuals their own personal space. It is open to any active UNF student and allows for a community to be formed around the esports space. 

Esports are much more than just video games, for UNF it is an opportunity to have students take their academics a step further and get into experiential learning that could benefit their future careers. Tom Screech, the UNF Esports Manager, says that esports offer similar experiences to sports management. The new programs give students the ability to learn marketing,broadcasting and sports management skills in an unconventional way.  

Claire Campo, one of the two Esports Program Student-Assistants, says that the program made her realize how much she enjoys the logistics behind larger events.  

“Working in the esports program has helped me realize that I want to pursue a masters in higher education management and work in the university system,” Campo said.  

Outside of career skills, the program has helped reinvigorate players to get back into games and has even released a competitive flame inside of Justin Tuazon, who is now competing in the Overwatch World Cup. He represents team Philippines in an international competition. 

 “I thought that, since I was coaching, I would get some play time too… I saw the tryouts and decided to try and got on the team,” said Justin. 

Esports are evolving from video games into careers, community building, and a way for people to get in touch with themselves. What is typically seen as an isolating hobby has been turned into a community and career building activity.