NFL stars Jerry Rice and Steve Young open Miami esports center

NFL Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Steve Young are thrilled to open up a new Miami esports center. The Forever Young Foundation, along with other partners, is putting Miami’s best foot forward in technology and gaming. As they opened their doors on Feb. 1, children everywhere are more than excited to be a part of something great.

The @YWCAMiami #8to80Zone Esports Center is officially open! It took a community of partners and organizations to make this center a reality, and it will serve the community for years to come. #CommunityDrivenEsports #PoweredbySkillshot pic.twitter.com/uESNgEjJbe

— Skillshot Media (@SkillshotMedia) February 1, 2020

The established esports arena, the 8 to 80 Zone, is part of a long list of collaborations by the Forever Young Foundation. Working alongside them are the NFL Foundation, the YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade, Inc., Skillshot Media, and SUP Creative Group. The main purpose of the newly opened arena is to provide children with access to free STEM services. Most importantly, this will help the Miami youth in preparing for various media and technology careers.

Opening the Miami esports center

The morning of the Miami esports arena grand opening, everyone involved in the project had taken part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Both Rice and Young took questions and gave photo opportunities to a large crowd of reporters and media organizations. They also held up a large $100,000 check from SUP Creative Group for “future tech leaders.” The two collaborators took the chance to thank their partners by posing in front of a colorful mural.

Provided services

In an official press release, Young said, “Gaming and the competitive esports world provides a stepping stone into coding, publishing, and mass media arts. We as parents should embrace this.” The facility will provide classes dedicated to broadcast production, streaming, audio and video production, and game development. Along with providing a designated media center, students will have access to top-notch technology among an encouraging community. Additionally, children will have the chance to be mentored by industry professionals.

The Forever Young Foundation partnership

The 8 to 80 Zones are a collaboration between Steve Young and Jerry Rice. The non-profit foundation’s founder, Young, has created the 8 to 80 Zone project to provide development and education skills to children in underserved communities. The Multi-Media Zone also gives kids access to high-quality devices and technology needed for success in the fast-growing media industry. 

Partnering with the Forever Young Foundation is the NFL Foundation. They are also a nonprofit organization, contributing to the wellness of student-athletes and youth in various communities. These two foundations and the YWCA will work together to bring the arena to life.

Congrats to @JerryRice and @4everYoungFndtn on opening another 8-80 zone at the @YWCAMIAMI this morning. These two HOF players and people bring so much good to communities around the country. Looking forward to the reno of the OG 8-80 at @49ersAcademy very soon. pic.twitter.com/NBMNeSdO6m

— Jesse Lovejoy (@JesseLovejoy1) February 1, 2020

Part of a bigger opportunity in the industry

Furthermore, The 8 to 80 Zone is one of many new centers opening up all over North America. At the beginning of this year Skillshot, along with partners, will develop an esports center in Atlanta, Georgia. Other organizations, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA 2K team, recently unveiled an esports facility in Cleveland, Ohio.

The best part of this all is the industry is appealing to a wider, more diverse audience. This will help speed up the growth of the gaming community while making it possible for newer generations of youth to be a part of esports. As we look forward to these new arenas and centers, we’ll keep you updated on what’s coming up.