Michigan Ushers in a New Era of College Esports with the Launch of D-III Esports League

The esports landscape in Michigan is about to undergo a seismic shift. Six of Michigan’s Division III schools have come together to unveil the Michigan College BEL, a significant initiative in the world of esports. Starting this Friday, September 22 at 5 pm, fans can dive into matches featuring games like Smash Ultimate, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, and Rocket League.

The partnership between the Michigan schools and Block House has given rise to the Michigan College BEL (Block House Esports League). The league’s goal is to ignite local rivalries and amplify the passion and camaraderie that Division III Michigan schools celebrate. 

The esports action extends throughout October, culminating in intense in-person playoffs this November. These face-offs will take place in Block House’s home in the beautifully restored Wright Opera House in downtown Alma. Looking ahead, Block House’s brand-new location in Olivet is gearing up to host the spring playoffs.

Adrian College’s head esports coach, Ethan Hill, captured the collective sentiment. “Everyone is extremely excited and fired up to have the ability to travel for regular season matches, as well as have an in-person playoff,” Hill said. “For me personally, I’m excited to go head-to-head against my former director and program at Trine University.”

Block House’s role in the college esports world isn’t just as an organizer but as a dedicated media producer, ensuring every match is a memorable event, in-house and on-stream. All the live action will be broadcast on www.twitch.tv/blockhouselive, and select partner colleges will also stream the games on their own platforms.

 

The founding colleges – Adrian, Albion, Alma, Calvin, Trine, and the University of Olivet – have closely collaborated with Block House. Together, they’ve shaped the league’s structure, dedicating time and resources to perfecting game formats and schedules.

Travis Isbell, who is entering his third year as Trine University’s Director of Esports, is looking forward to the focus on underserved titles. “We are specifically excited for Call of Duty and Apex Legends to have the shine they deserve in the collegiate scene,” he said. “Besides the games, we are always excited to travel to different venues and meet other players. I think that’s the beauty of esports.”

The in-person nature of the league brings more reliability and consistency to the scheduling, often lacking in other leagues. “During the first two years we relied solely on online competition, but with leagues such as BEL arriving, we have an opportunity to give students a chance to see their counterparts in-person,” explained Karlo Delos Angeles, Director of the Albion Esports program.

Block House has been forming partnerships to build a more rewarding experience for fans and the players. With major sponsors such as Pepsi and Milk Means More supporting the initiative, spectators can expect enhanced production values both online and offline. Meanwhile, students are provided a plethora of opportunities, from acquiring soft and technical skills to internships at Block House and the professional esports team, 26 Rising.

For Delos Angeles, the opportunities for his players sets the league apart. “A point of praise for BEL is the post-collegiate opportunities,” he explained. “Production students who work with me during their collegiate career have a chance to build a resume with relatable skills which may even lead to working under BEL.”

The league’s growth is symbiotic with Michigan’s vision for esports. From being spotlighted by PBS as a local destination to supporting over 20 local schools in establishing their esports programs, Block House is instrumental in the state’s esports narrative. Their involvement has also had economic implications, with Michigan’s Governor Whitmer acknowledging Block House‘s role in small-town economic development during a visit to the downtown Alma location.

The University of Olivet’s new Director of Esports, Elizabeth Layton, is set to benefit from Block House’s construction of a new venue. “Block House’s facilities are a literal game changer for esports on a high school and collegiate level,” she declared. “The opportunities the new Olivet location will bring are limitless, both to the esports ecosystem as well as to the community.”

In alignment with the league’s broader vision, High School BEL is expanding its horizons. Following the success of their local in-person seasons, Block House is launching a statewide online league for high school students. With dynamic links to its collegiate division, Michigan College BEL will provide new recruiting and scholarship opportunities to students throughout the state.