With New Sponsorship, Esports Center Becomes Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress

Central Florida's $6 million esports arena has a new name.

Nonprofit health system Orlando Health finalized an agreement with Winter Park-based Full Sail University to rename Full Sail's The Fortress to Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress. The deal puts Orlando Health's mark on the 11,200-square-foot facility, the nation's biggest college esports arena and the host venue for an assortment of tournaments and events in the growing esports industry.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, the partnership also reflects the growing interest in sponsorships, common in most professional sports leagues, in esports. A 2020 report from consulting giant McKinsey & Co. called esports the "next frontier of brand sponsorships."

Also, Orlando Health and Full Sail will use revenue generated by The Fortress to give $50,000 in scholarship money each year to Full Sail students.

“The technical prowess of the facility and the innovative ability of our students, staff and faculty, partnered with the medical expertise of Orlando Health will help to propel both of our institutions into the future, while further solidifying our regions impact across the esports, research and the healthcare industries," Full Sail President Garry Jones said in a prepared statement.