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Point Park University Partnering with Pro Teams on Esports Tournament Monday, April 29, 2019

This is the official logo for the Steel City Showdown.

“The University is heavily invested in esports, through both this event and our Business of esports course that will help develop professionals in the industry with event management and business skills."

Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business and chair of SportsPITTSBURGH's esports task force

The Pittsburgh Penguins, CAVS Legion GC, Pittsburgh Knights and AbleGamers Charity, are teaming up with Point Park University to host a multi-game esports tournament May 11-12, 2019, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. The tournament is presented by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, iHeart Media and Walmart.

The Steel City Showdown will feature competitions in three games — Super Smash Bros., NBA 2K and NHL 2K — with prizes of $700 for first place, $300 for second, $200 for third, $100 for fourth, $75 each for fifth and sixth and $25 each for seventh and eighth places.

Pictured are esports students. Photo by Hannah Johnston

“It’s long overdue for Pittsburgh to really get behind one of these tournaments, and our Playhouse is the perfect venue for it,” said Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business and chair of SportsPITTSBURGH’s esports task force.

“The University is heavily invested in esports, through both this event and our Business of esports course that will help develop professionals in the industry with event management and business skills," Tanzilli added.

Pittsburgh does have an established esports presence through the Knights, the city’s first professional team.

“We’re excited that Point Park University is venturing into esports, and are happy to be supporting this event,” said Rodney Lee, project manager for the Knights. “We think this will be really fun for the community and a great introduction to the growing esports scene.”

Len Komoroski, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena, said esports is rapidly growing in popularity from Cleveland to Pittsburgh and beyond.

“This may be the first esports tournament for many gamers in the Pittsburgh area, so we are excited to help bring this to life and provide a fun and educational experience for all those who attend,” Komoroski said.

“It’s unique to have three professional teams from two cities representing different sports supporting Point Park University in this exciting eSports venture,” said James Santilli, senior vice president of marketing for the Penguins. “The Penguins are honored to be part of it and look forward to a great event.”

Tickets for both spectators and competitors are available online via the Pittsburgh Playhouse website. Spectator tickets are $5. Competitor fees are $10 for Super Smash Bros., and $20 each for NBA 2K and NHL 2K.    

Photo by Hannah Johnston, junior English major

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More About: Rowland School of Business, Pittsburgh Playhouse, esports, Pittsburgh Penguins