Join us for the ultimate gaming experience at the YMCA! New to the Maplewood and Schottland Family YMCAs! Get ready to game like you never have before with Metro Esports and the Y with a variety of programs like Esports Camps, Tech Camps, Metro Monthly, Member Events, and Esports Parties. Play your favorite games including Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, Rocket League, Madden, NBA 2K24, and so much more!
MAPLEWOOD OPEN HOURS
Join us at Maplewood for the ultimate gaming experience! Our open hours include Minecraft Mondays, Sports Showdown, Smash Saturday, and much more.
SCHOTTLAND OPEN HOURS
Join us at Schottland for the ultimate gaming experience! Our open hours include Minecraft Mondays and Midweek Mayhem: Fortnite Weekly.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Get ready for the birthday experience of a lifetime! Join us at the YMCA for a Metro Esports birthday filled with video games and competition!
REGISTERED PROGRAMS
Join the YMCA and Metro for a mix of competitive esports tournaments, engaging community events, enriching tech education classes, and much more!
CAMPS
Are you ready for a fun-filled learning experience? Join us at the YMCA for Metro Esports Camp and Metro Esports Tech Camp!
METRO ESPORTS FAQS
What is the minimum age requirement for participating in Metro Esports?
The minimum age requirement for participating in esports is eight years old, anyone younger will not be allowed in the Metro Esports area. Games are age-restricted based on the participant’s date of birth and the game’s rating.
Can I leave my child there alone?
Yes, any child age 13 or older may play in the gaming lounge/YMCA without an adult. Kids must be at least 8 years old to enter. Kids 8-12 must have a guardian in the building. Kids 13+ may use the space without a guardian present. There will be Metro staff supervision at all times.
What times will programs and camps be offered?
What is Metro Esports?
Metro Esports is a digital sports and entertainment media company, with several esports and tech-education facilities in partnership with various YMCAs. By providing engaging esports events, youth leagues, camps, courses, and other S.T.E.A.M. programming, Metro aims to inspire and educate a broad and diverse community through a communal passion for games. Two goals drive Metro Esports: create access and build bridges.
Do you offer birthday parties?
Yes! A unique way to celebrate any big day, our party rental availability turns dreams into reality with a gaming party experience tailored to your interests. Host a birthday bash or any celebratory event in our specialized gaming facility where participants enjoy curated challenges and free play in all their favorite games. Make it even more special with Minecraft or Fortnite-themed parties with specialized decor and activities. You’re welcome to bring your favorite party snacks and drinks and have an exciting party that will be remembered for years to come. Please see your branch for pricing.
What safety and security measures are in place to protect my child?
- Software and Hardware Safety: We utilize a combination of software and hardware for 24/7 in-game voice and text monitoring, daily activity reports, and threat notifications for issues like online predators, bullying, hate speech, sexual content, and scams. Our software will immediately remedy detected concerns by muting, kicking, or banning individuals or voice chats.
- Staff Supervision: Constant staff supervision and coaching ensure a safe environment for everyone, free of toxic language, bullying, predatory action, etc.
What should my child bring to the esports lounge?
- Gaming Consoles and PCs: We provide the latest state-of-the-art gaming consoles and PCs, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. Participants may log into their own personal accounts or use a Metro “house account” available for all gaming titles on PC. All consoles utilize Metro accounts, and players may not use their own personal PSN, Xbox, or Nintendo accounts.
- Equipment: All PCs are equipped with industry-leading peripherals, including a headset, keyboard, mouse, mousepad, headset stand, microphone, and webcam.
- Personal Items: Visitors may bring their own controllers or peripherals if preferred. Note that Metro or the YMCA are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.
Can participating in Esports lead to future career opportunities?
- Career Opportunities: The global esports market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025, offering many career paths in various fields. Engaging with esports introduces children to numerous career opportunities and learning pathways.
- College and Scholarships: Over 200 U.S. colleges offer esports scholarships, totaling more than $15 million annually. In 2021, over 5,000 esports scholarships were awarded, opening doors to higher education for talented students.
Why should my child participate in esports?
- S.T.E.A.M Learning: Esports fosters the development of technical skills, critical thinking, and creativity, inspiring interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Metro Esports offers a variety of exciting and educational S.T.E.A.M programs, courses, classes, and workshops, including coding, game design, game development, computer building, animation, graphic design, broadcast engineering, content creation, and more.
- Social Development: Esports promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, bridging social gaps and creating strong bonds among diverse groups. It offers an outlet for team-based competition beyond traditional sports, promoting sportsmanship and a competitive spirit.
- Development: Participation in esports enhances hand-eye coordination, attention, visual acuity, problem-solving and strategy skills, self-confidence, and socialization.
Have Questions?