January 5, 2021 – The Decatur Park District has partnered with the Champaign Park District and Normal Parks and Recreation Department to begin the Central Illinois Esports League. The league will have two divisions based on age – Silver Division will be comprised of ages 10-14 and Gold Division will be ages 14-18.
Jamie Gower, Director of Recreation and Facilities, said the Park District is excited to work with two additional park districts on this project. “The goal of our league is to be an open and welcoming environment where all parties involved feel safe, have fun, and develop their skills,” he said.
The format will be for a six week season with round-robin play. Currently, the two games that will be played are Fortnite and Rocket League. Rocket League will be played on Tuesdays, from January 19-February 23 and Fortnite will be on Thursdays from January 21-February 25. The cost will be $15 per player for the season.
When asked what the long-term plan for the league is, Gower said, “Currently, players will be at their homes playing with their own consoles/systems/equipment/internet connections/etc. We are wanting to see how a few seasons go and expand participation by marketing, word of mouth, and by adding more game/league options as well as tournaments.”
Registration is available at Decatur-parks.org, and more information is available here.
Click to listen for an interview with Jamie Gower below:
