Battle, Rock Bridge receive grants for esports gaming rooms, equipment

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In a press release, the Columbia Public Schools Foundation announced a $37,956 grant for esports gaming rooms at Battle and Rock Bridge high schools.

The Foundation board of directors announced the grant where the Rock Bridge and Battle E-Sports teams came together for a 3 vs. 3 scrimmage competition playing Rocket League.

Hickman High School was able to receive an esports room in 2019. A CPS student earned an esports scholarship for the first time in 2022.

Battle and Rock Bridge each received $18,478 for gaming computers, chairs and electrical upgrades.

The Mizzou Esports program spoke about the several career opportunities in the sport. MU Esports Coordinator Colin Graham discussed students getting into broadcasting such as play-by-play, color commentary, producing and more.

"Every video game needs an original score. (There are) opportunities in music. There's opportunities in art, game design, management," he said. "So a lot of esports organizations need people to be managers, accountants, everything. Like if there is a traditional job, there is an EA sports version of that career."