YMCA, Metro Esports Add Gaming Lounge In Fairless Hills

January 17, 2024

Kids at a YMCA esports lounge.
Credit: Submitted

The YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties, in collaboration with Metro Esports, is set to launch a new esports gaming lounge at its South Oxford Valley Road location in the Fairless Hills section of Bristol Township.

The addition is designed to provide locals of all ages and abilities with opportunities to engage in gaming, participate in camps, and develop technology skills, YMCA officials said.

Following successful collaborations at YMCA branches in Doylestown Township and Warminster Township, the new state-of-the-art gaming lounge in Fairless Hills is scheduled to start programs this spring.

Both YMCA members and non-members are invited to enjoy casual gaming, tournaments, and league play featuring major esports titles. The facility will be equipped with high-powered gaming PCs, the latest gaming consoles, and a variety of popular gaming and esports titles.

Ari Evans, vice president of operations for Metro Esports, said he was excited about the new center and saw it as a symbol of growth.

“This venture continues our commitment to inspire, educate and connect individuals through the vibrant world of esports and technology. I look forward to building upon our foundation and deepening our impact with new innovative technology, exciting experiences, and educational opportunities at YMCA Fairless Hills,” Evans said.

The Metro Esports lineup at the local YMCA branch includes a range of activities such as after-school programs, day-off school camps, community events, esports leagues, weekly events, and STEM education opportunities.

Registration is now open for the YMCA’s Metro Esports 2024 half-day Summer Camp at the Fairless Hills branch. The camp, led by Metro Esports professionals, will blend esports, gaming, and STEAM-focused activities, catering to students from first through seventh grade across various skill levels. Each session will focus on a different game.

“The new Metro Esports gaming lounge, camps and programs embody our vision of community and collaboration,” said Andrew Yannarella, vice president of operations for YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. “We invite our community to join us in this exciting journey as we continue to provide exceptionally safe and inclusive experiences for our members and participants.”

The new center also features the Adobe Creative Suite, which offers tools and resources for homework assistance, creative projects, and technological exploration. YMCA officials said.

The Metro Esports gaming lounge in Doylestown opened in June 2022 and hosted an average of 300 guests per week and more than 608 session enrollments in summer gaming camps.

Access to the Metro Esports gaming lounges in Fairless Hills, Warminster, and Doylestown is included with YMCA membership. Programs are available for a discounted fee, and community members can access the lounge for a per-visit guest fee and participate in programs by paying the registration fee.