Chicago Wolves hosting debut of esports night
Hundreds of gamers are expected for the Chicago Wolves' inaugural esports evening Saturday, Jan. 19, at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.
Although the hockey is expected to be intense between the Wolves and rival Rockford IceHogs when they begin at 7 p.m., there will be plenty of invigorating esports activity before the game.
Up first will be a Wolves esports night panel discussion at 5 p.m. in the arena's Skyline Room. Scheduled to participate are Robert Morris University esports program director Mike Wisnios, Robert Morris associate esports director Jose Espin, Intersport esports director Kurt Melcher and Todd McFarlin, co-founder and director of operations for the Illinois High School eSports Association.
Robert Morris is one of the country's leading colleges for esports.
"We are working with local high schools and colleges to grow esports across the Midwest and identify future talent for our university team," Wisnios said.
After the esports chatter, gamers will have a chance to play elite esports competitors in games such as Fortnite, Rocket League and NHL19.
Wolves President Mike Gordon said esports is experiencing a period of incredible growth and that the team wanted to offer hockey fans a chance to learn more about it. The Wolves are celebrating their 25th anniversary season.
Free parking at Allstate Arena will be available courtesy of local Kia dealers. For tickets, visit chicagowolves.com.