Roadrunner Gaming is partnering with Six Flags Fiesta Texas for a new esports program at the theme park.
MAY 19, 2023 — Roadrunner Gaming, a sponsored student organization at UTSA, is partnering with Six Flags Fiesta Texas to pioneer a new esports experience arena for the theme park.
Known as ESIX (E6), the project is also a collaboration between UTSA University Technology Solutions (UTS), Student Affairs and Athletics—all working with Six Flags to bring this new esports gaming arena to life. The project is creating new experiential learning opportunities for the gamers who helped develop the gaming arena.
"We are excited to be included in the new esports development process," said Zach Beesley, president of Roadrunner Gaming. “Working here at E6 has truly been a gamer’s dream. It allows me to work with the hardware, the software and even the chance to teach my peers and guests about esports to the best of my abilities—something I will never take for granted.”
Students from the UTS Bold Careers experiential learning program had the opportunity to work with Six Flags, Roadrunner Gaming and other corporate executives on the project management side. They helped plan, participated in and documented meetings and visits to the ESIX arena and the UTSA campus. They created documents, reviewed job descriptions, wrote news releases, and planned and hosted meetings for student, staff and community gatherings for the Six Flags collaboration and future eSports expansion at UTSA as a part of this ongoing venture.
"This project has given our interns and student ambassadors an amazing experiential learning opportunity, working hands-on in a real-life community collaboration project within a fun and exciting environment," stated Vanessa Kenon, UTSA associate vice president of technology compliance and community engagement.
Six Flags ESIX arena's grand opening will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 19.
"This cutting-edge gaming arena is a first for the amusement industry, representing our dedication to offering a premium experience in every aspect of our guests' visit," added Six Flags Park President Jeffrey Siebert.
The esports arena contains game lounges, retail space, a beverage bar, event stage to host competitions, 50 gaming stations, gaming consoles, a live streaming station and theater.
UTSA students working at ESIX will play a crucial role in the opening and continuing operation of the arena.
"I expect this project with Six Flags to increase the number of students participating in Roadrunner Gaming, both on and off-campus, serve a great role for inclusiveness, and provide a space for students who want careers and to become involved in the quickly growing, billion-dollar industry of digital gaming and esports," Kenon said.
“Working at E6 has been an amazing opportunity for me,” stated UTSA Student and Roadrunner Gaming member Riley Villanueva. “I can’t wait to work and create more events for this community.”
UTSA is committed to providing experiential learning opportunities that transform students into competitive graduates who are prepared for successful careers. By 2028, the university aims to have 75% of its students participate in one or more experiential learning opportunities.
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