Southern Laboratory School unveils first dedicated esports lab in Louisiana

Courtesy of Southern University

Southern University Laboratory School on Jan. 28 held its ribbon-cutting for its state-of-the-art Esports and Media Lab. This particular lab is the first of its kind in Louisiana.

“We are providing inclusive competition, where skill is the great equalizer,” said Christopher Turner, founder of Southern University Baton Rouge and Southern Lab esports programs. “This lab is not just for our competitive esports teams. The new space will offer all students the best in science, technology, entertainment, math, and esports education.”

The Esports and Media Lab consists of RIG gaming headsets, Bloody Hands Light Strike keyboards, Vertagear gaming chairs, Playstation 4’s, 65” smart TV’S, and more. Southern Lab has been a leader in the state in regard to esports education with student Troy Murphy winning the High School Esports League’s Spring Majors National Championship in 2020, along with a $1,000 scholarship.

The Esports Club is open to gamers on campus, both in competitive and non-competitive natures. Addice Inc., Bloody Hands, RIG, and Vertagear sponsored the lab.