BCTC Gaming Lounge Expands to Meet Growing Student Demand

Published on Sep 17, 2025

Lexington, KY – Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) is proud to celebrate the expansion of its popular Gaming Lounge, which opened in February 2025 and relocated to a larger space in August 2025 to meet increasing student demand.

Since its opening, the Gaming Lounge has welcomed over 270 unique students who have made more than 1,330 visits to the space. The lounge, managed by Jacob Hunt, Engagement & Esports Coordinator, offers students a place to play, compete, and build community through casual gaming and organized esports events.

“The BCTC Gaming Lounge has opened a whole new avenue for us to explore opportunities for student engagement,” said Nathan Smith. “We’ve already seen an excited and involved community develop out of this space, which has pushed us to expand into this new location to help us meet the needs of our students.”

“Creating spaces where students connect, engage, and thrive is central to BCTC’s mission,” said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC President/CEO. “The Gaming Lounge has become a hub of community and collaboration on our campus, and its expansion shows how much our students value this opportunity. Esports is more than just gaming,  it’s a gateway to teamwork, leadership, and cutting-edge career pathways. By launching our esports program, we’re creating new opportunities for students to connect, compete, and thrive in a rapidly growing industry.”

The Gaming Lounge is more than just a recreational space. It recently launched a partnership with BCTC’s Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) to create targeted programming and special events for veteran students. This collaboration is part of BCTC’s ongoing commitment to providing resources that foster connection, belonging, and success for all students.

The popularity of esports is growing rapidly on college campuses across Kentucky and nationwide, with schools investing in facilities, academic programs, and competitive teams. BCTC’s Gaming Lounge ensures students have access to these opportunities in a supportive and engaging environment.

For more information about the Gaming Lounge or upcoming esports events, contact Jacob Hunt, Engagement & Esports Coordinator, at jacob.hunt@kctcs.edu.

For more information about the Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success, visit BCTC’s CEVSS website or contact bl-cevss@kctcs.edu or 859-246-4641.