esports arena guide
Esports is changing how students connect, learn and compete. Schools across the country are creating esports arenas that bring students together, boost engagement and build skills that will help them succeed in future careers. Whether you’re updating a space or starting from scratch, this guide covers what matters most – from lighting and layout to coaching and comfort – so your space performs as well as it looks. Designing Spaces Where Students Level Up
why esports matter
Skills that transfer to careers : Students develop problem-solving abilities, computational thinking, teamwork, communication, leadership and strategic thinking under pressure. These skills are exactly what employers are looking for, no matter the career path. Accessibility and inclusion: Esports opens the door for everyone. Students with disabilities, those who aren’t into traditional sports and students of all genders can compete on equal ground. Because most matches happen online, even rural schools can participate without the burden of travel.
Higher engagement: Esports creates community and belonging for students who might otherwise remain disconnected from school activities.
Tangible opportunities: Esports helps students develop technical know-how that can lead to careers in IT, design or media. Competitive players can earn scholarships, and those interested in broadcasting or production can gain hands-on experience behind the scenes.
shaping the experience
FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
Purpose Audience Room Size/Layout
Colors Furniture Decor
Sound/Noise Game Options Budget
Scalability Lighting Ergonomics
When planning your esports lab, start by defining its purpose. Decide whether the space will host tournaments, casual gaming sessions or serve as a multipurpose area that supports other programs beyond esports. The intended use will guide decisions about layout, equipment and the overall experience you want to create. Next, think about your audience. A middle school environment might benefit from a bright, playful look that feels energetic and inviting, while high school or college spaces often favor a darker, more refined aesthetic that mirrors professional gaming arenas. Tailoring the environment to the age and personality of its users helps make it feel authentic and engaging. Finally, focus on the visual and functional details that define the atmosphere. Lighting plays a key role; LED strips and color-changing fixtures can instantly turn the space into a true gaming hub while maintaining practicality. Darker base tones with bold color accents are a common choice, though incorporating school or team colors adds a personal touch. Furniture and decor should enhance the overall theme – industrial pieces fit the high-tech vibe, while gaming posters, figurines and collectibles can infuse personality and school spirit.
supporting stronger coaching
Great coaching in esports is similar to great management – it’s about helping a team work well together, communicate effectively and develop strategies for improvement. Coaches can rely on tools like aim labs, in-game challenge modes or even classic strategy games like chess to help players strengthen their problem-solving and teamwork skills. Encouraging student mentorship, where more experienced players help guide others, can also go a long way in building confidence and collaboration within the team. That’s why it’s a smart idea to bring the esports coach into the design process early. Every coach has their own approach, so their input can make a big difference. Coaches often have preferences for where they sit, how close they are to players and what setup helps them communicate most effectively. Working together on the layout and furniture placement ensures the space actually supports how the team practices and competes.
popular games
Knowing which esports your students want to play is key to designing an effective space. Each game comes with unique equipment, team sizes and space requirements that directly influence layout and design. Some games rely on consoles, while others need high-performance PCs and specialized peripherals. Planning for these details early helps you prevent costly changes later. Understanding player preferences also helps create a more engaging and personalized environment that fosters excitement, teamwork and long-term participation.
Rocket League 3 v 3 - CROSS PLATFORM
Super Smash Bros 1 v 1 - nINTENDO SWITCH
Overwatch 2
5 v 5 - PC
League of Legends
Valorant
hearthstone
5 v 5 - PC
5 v 5 - PC
1 v 1 - pc/mac/android
Marvel Rivals
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 1 v 11 - NINTENDO SWITCH
Fortnite
6 v 6 - PC
1 v 1 or 4 v 4 - CROSS PLATFORM
Games listed are commonly selected by schools and esports leagues. Inclusion on this page does not represent an endorsement by our company. We encourage parents, teachers and program leaders to review each game’s content and ratings to determine what is appropriate for their students.
Furnish for the Win
storage
desks
chairs
Look for desks built for performance; durable, spacious and customizable to handle the intense gear and energy of competitive gaming.
Choose chairs that keep players locked in and comfortable through every match: ergonomic, durable and designed to outlast the grind.
Plan for storage that keeps gear organized, secure and ready for action – like lockers, shelving and mobile units.
OUR PICKS
elo™ SLINGER DESK
SCONNIE 5-STAR chair
rhapsody ® compartments
don’t forget the details
1. Air Ventilation – Gaming PCs generate significant heat, especially when running at high performance. Proper airflow is essential to maintain both comfort and equipment quality. Towers should be kept off the floor to prevent dust buildup and away from desk edges to avoid accidental falls. Instead, dedicated shelving or enclosed systems with ventilation help prevent overheating and extend the life of the equipment.
2. Noise – When students compete in an esports arena, the energy and excitement can quickly turn into a lot of noise, even with headsets on. While the enthusiasm is
part of the fun, it can also become distracting. To help players stay focused, designers should use acoustic panels, fabric seating and adequate spacing between stations to absorb sound and reduce echo. This keeps the environment energized but manageable during intense gameplay.
3. Screen Placement – Monitor placement greatly affects comfort and ergonomics. Whether screens are mounted or placed on desks, the setup should allow players enough space for proper posture and movement. Poorly placed monitors can push keyboards too far forward, leading to discomfort and reduced performance. Planning layout and furniture dimensions early prevents these issues.
4. Peripheral Storage – Esports spaces are filled with gear like headsets, controllers and gaming mice. To keep everything organized and secure, schools should plan for lockers, cubbies or charging stations. Clear labeling or custom vinyl skins help distinguish school-owned equipment from personal items, keeping the space neat and efficient.
5. Cord Management – With so many electronics in one space, managing cords is crucial. Without proper planning, cables can create clutter, limit mobility and pose tripping hazards. Using cable trays, clips and designated connection points keeps the setup organized and functional, allowing players to focus on performance instead of tangles.
Not sure what you need?
When you’re not sure where to start, our design, drafting and customer service teams are here to guide you through the process. Our design and drafting specialists can help translate your ideas into practical layouts that balance function, style and technology. They’ll work with your school’s specific needs to recommend the right furniture, setup and configuration for your space. Our customer service team ensures every detail, from product selection to delivery, runs smoothly. Whether you need help visualizing your arena or simply want advice on what works best for your program, we’ll help you create a space that’s both efficient and inspiring.
Where To Find Support Look for guidance from state education associations, school athletic leagues and esports organizations that specialize in student programs. Many offer starter kits, curriculum resources and training for coaches and IT staff. Funding & Equipment Explore district technology budgets, STEM or CTE grants, and local business partnerships for funding opportunities. Tech retailers and educational vendors often have esports- specific pricing and support packages. Training & Growth Connect with community colleges and nearby universities; many have esports teams, arenas or mentorship programs that can help your students see the pathway from high school to higher education. This also helps students find colleges that align with their interests. HELPFUL RESOURCES
Partner with WB Manufacturing
Our team understands what it takes to create an esports space that performs as good as it looks. From durable desks and ergonomic chairs to smart storage and layout planning, we know how to match the right furniture to your goals, space and budget. Think of us as your partners in building a setup that supports focus, comfort and competition.
ready to design an incredible space? contact us!
info@wbmfg.com wbmfg.com 800.242.2303
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