Calling it a large investment into STEM education as well as Scholastic Esports, Phoenix Theatres Luxury 14 + PTX (Phoenix Theatre’s Extreme Cinema) in Bridgeville is putting in an Esports venue and hosting a tournament for high school students on Feb, 5.

Esports are multi-player video games played competitively for spectators. It has become a billion-dollar industry.

The upcoming tournament is limited to the first 16 high school teams that sign up. A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the winning team.

“This is really one of the first regional Esports events for high schools and there will be future events to be held at the theatre,” said Marc Kossman, executive vice president of Kossman Development Company which owns Phoenix 14 Theatres.

Kossman Development Company president Curtis Kossman said the impetus behind the event is that Esports athletes are more likely to pursue STEM fields, including computer science, engineering and game design.

“Esports competitions will increase enrollment and participation in STEM classes,” said Curtis Kossman, president of Kossman Development Company. “Students need a place to compete against each other. We hope Phoenix 14 Theatres will be that place.”

Phoenix 14 has purchased new gaming computers which will be assembled for use in the theatre’s auditoriums during competitions.

Meanwhile plans are in place for a new Esports Arena to be built on the theatre mezzanine.

The Kossmans expect that to be completed this summer. Plans include a family entertainment center and a bar/restaurant to be installed in the lobby area.

“We’re not taking out any of the auditoriums to do so. We actually had the additional space,” said Marc Kossman.

He said he’s excited to provide an opportunity for students who don’t participate in traditional sports to take part in a competitive activity like Esports.

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