Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, announced May 13, 2021, that eSports would be the institutions 26th varsity team sport. Over 250 accredited Colleges and Universities in the United States compete in varsity eSports. There are currently fourteen eSports teams in the Mid-South Conference competing in a variety of games, including League of Legends, Rocket League, Smash Bros. Ultimate, and others. The University has made a commitment to eSports by creating a venue, purchasing new equipment and providing scholarships to entering freshman or transfers. Bethel will provide fifteen scholarships for the upcoming school year. Bethel’s new gaming arena will be housed in the Vera Low Center. The new arena will provide student athletes with some of the top brands in the gaming industry.