RSP Designs First Esports Training Facility in the State of Minnesota
The training facility is the headquarters for professional Call-of-Duty League players.
MINNEAPOLIS (14 Jan 2020) – The Minnesota Rokkr headquarters, the first professional esports training facility in the state of Minnesota, opened January 24th in Eagan. Designed by RSP, the innovative training facility includes industry leading amenities like sleeping pods, a full kitchen and comfortable community spaces for the professional Call of Duty players.
“Esports teams are starting to build facilities as a place to play, practice and socialize,” said Bob Lucius, Principal, AIA. “Many of these players are accustomed to playing in their own homes. We needed to design a professional space interesting enough to make the players and staff feel at home. We had to be conscious of what the professional gamer needs in order to help attract the best players in the world.”
“Rokkr” is a Norse word with a rough translation as “twilight of the Gods.” The team’s branding alludes to Viking warriors and the paths they forged. RSP used the architecture, furniture and finishes throughout the headquarters to reinforce this unique brand. The training facility provides a cutting-edge place for the Minnesota ROKKR team to train, as well as space to relax and recharge. The 24-hour-facility includes multiple practice rooms that allow the team to “scrim” against other professional teams. A broadcasting booth accommodates a range of media including live streaming, broadcaster commentary, player interviews and more. The open-format kitchen, ample lounge areas and a large video wall provide the versatility to host watch parties and other community-centered events. Other aspects of the design include an open-format IT room, war rooms for strategic coordination and an en suite shower.
As a video game enthusiast himself, RSP designer Jake Weyrauch brought a unique understanding to the project. “We strategically included both the comforts of home and specialized details that a professional player will expect from their workplace,” he said. “The space, like the organization, celebrates technology and content. We put both the IT room and content creation studios on full display. The architecture responds to all the needs of players, including post-training rest and relaxation. It is a wonderfully functional and attractive space for gamers.”
The Minnesota ROKKR are hosting the inaugural Call of Duty League Launch Weekend January 24-26. The facility opening coincides with their first game.
Read the full design story here.
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Press Contact:
Jackie Peacha
jackie.peacha@rsparch.com
612.508.4649
