Fresno Unified set to unveil Technology Hub & Esports arena at Tehipite Middle School

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the heart of Central Fresno, Tehipite Middle School now has a new badge of honor.

The once old wood shop - stripped to its bare bones last year - has been completely transformed into a brand new Technology Hub and E-Sports Arena for the Fresno Unified School District.

"This is a district resource. It's going to be utilized for all our technology events," Executive Director of Information Technology Don Soyinthisane said.

Soyinthisane says this has been a project five years in the making.

The entire building is 7,000 square feet, and the center stage is a huge 16x9 video wall.

There are four dedicated gaming arenas for students to compete.

Each arena holds up to 12 computers.

They're all equipped with gaming chairs, keyboards and headphones ready for students to use.

"Middle school students play Rocket League, which is what's on the screen, and then our high school students this year are playing Marvel Rivals," Soyinthisane said.

The room fills with sound thanks to 24 speakers hanging above.

The snack bar is called the "Refuel Station," a nod to the district's "Fresno Unified E-Sports League" or "FUel."

Final touches are going in on a classroom where teams can meet and strategize.

The opportunities for students go far beyond gaming.

Soyinthisane says students in videography, photography, advertising and those who want to become commentators will be able to practice their skills here.

"There are so many different careers outside of being the actual gamer, and that's kind of what we want to showcase," Soyinthisane said.

The district thinks the space could soon become the prime location for state and national esports championships.

Soyinthisane hopes families see this as an important investment in students' futures.

"This isn't just a space that we wanted to have for our students, but for the whole Fresno community, Clovis community," Soyinthisane said. "This is going to be the jewel of the Valley."

The space isn't in use just yet, but the first district championship for middle school and high school is scheduled for mid-November.

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