For Immediate Release
The Esports Arena opens Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting
TAMPA, Fla. (Nov. 10, 2026) — Thaddeus M. Bullard aka WWE Legend Titus O’Neil, his Bullard Family Foundation, and Hillsborough County Public Schools are proud to unveil a state-of-the-art Esports Arena that will house an Esports and Broadcast Program at Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy at Sligh Middle Magnet School, marking a significant step forward in educational innovation for Florida.
The new facility is the first of its kind in the state to integrate competitive esports, broadcast production, Unreal Engine technology, and career-pathways curriculum into one cohesive, career-aligned learning environment.
The Esports Arena, located at 2011 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33610, will open Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Through a partnership with CDW-G, the Foundation and HCPS have created a professional-grade esports and broadcast facility designed to expand students’ horizons by sharpening their critical thinking, teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving skills. By building career pathways and promoting STEM education, the program prepares students for future careers in game design, digital media, broadcast, live production, and interactive technology.
Why esports? The program will help students develop soft skills such as communication, leadership, and collaboration, while equipping them for the future through integrated curriculum, advanced technology, and hands-on learning. Cutting-edge gaming computers and equipment will ensure students are working with the latest tools and technology, while giving them opportunities to create digital content and compete in tournaments. Esports encourages inclusivity as it provides a platform for students of all backgrounds and abilities to participate, build community, and thrive.
“This new Esports Arena is about opening doors for our students and giving them opportunities to discover new learning pathways,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Students will be able to build skills in technology, broadcasting, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while exploring career pathways they may have never considered before. We want every student to see that what they learn in the classroom can connect to real opportunities for their future.”
The opportunities to compete will encourage students to strive for excellence while learning how to handle both success and challenges. Meanwhile, the integrated curriculum anchors the program in academics and career readiness.
The arena features a 22-foot by 8-foot Direct View LED (DVLED) volume wall connected to a fully equipped, industry-grade broadcast control room. Students will gain hands-on experience in live broadcast workflows, Unreal Engine-driven virtual production, and professional esports competition, using the same technologies employed across major entertainment and broadcast networks.
“Our goal has always been to expose our students to opportunities that will expand their futures,” said Bullard Family Foundation founder and president Thaddeus Bullard. “By bringing together the best partners in the industry, we are not only providing them with a program few students have access to, but one that will be a shining star, bringing in others to compete from all around the United States.”
A Partnership Driving Educational Innovation
Hillsborough County Public Schools partnered with CDW-G to coordinate this project, leveraging a team of industry leaders to ensure both technological and educational excellence. CDW-G then engaged with Horizon AVL and Esports Integration—national leaders in audiovisual integration and esports curriculum development—to design, build, and deliver a complete, turnkey solution that merges professional technology with classroom learning.
From audiovisual and broadcast control system design to educational content integration through Platform1 Learning Management System, CDW-G, Horizon AVL, and Esports Integration will ensure that the facility functions as a true esports and broadcast industry-standard learning environment. The following provided key components:
Acer provided the professional gaming PCs and production hardware powering the experience.
Spectrum Furniture supplied ergonomic, purpose-built furniture for the esports space.
Newline Interactive delivered the striking DVLED volume wall, serving as both a visual centerpiece and a practical training tool for broadcast learning.
The Thaddeus M. Bullard Esports and Broadcast Arena serves as a model for Career and Technical Education (CTE)—demonstrating how technology-based programs can create direct connections between classroom learning and future industry opportunities.
“We at CDW are proud to introduce a state-of-the-art esports arena to Sligh Middle School, Hillsborough County Public Schools, and the broader Tampa community. In collaboration with several of CDW’s leading technology partners, we are delivering not only a premier competitive gaming environment for students, but also a meaningful pathway to higher education through an integrated, forward-thinking curriculum,” said Rick Allain, client executive at CDW.
“We are excited to partner with CDW-G and Hillsborough County Public Schools to bring a world-class esports and broadcast facility to the students at Sligh Middle School,” said Ty Hall, chief revenue officer of Newline Interactive. “The esports arena at Sligh Middle School represents more than new technology; it’s an investment in the future. It gives the students a place to grow, collaborate, and discover their strengths, while bringing the community together through innovation, teamwork, and opportunity.”
About CDW-G
CDW-G helps K–12 school districts modernize and secure their technology, offering hardware, software, cloud services, and expert support. They provide end-to-end solutions, from assessments to ongoing support, easing the burden on IT teams and ensuring safe, reliable access to tools. Their deep sector knowledge and partnerships improve learning outcomes and help build sustainable, future-ready IT ecosystems.
About Horizon AVL and Esports Integration
Horizon AVL and its educational division, Esports Integration, are nationally recognized for their leadership in audiovisual system design, esports facility integration, and curriculum development. They have designed and delivered award-winning esports and broadcast environments for K-12 schools, colleges, and universities nationwide.
Together, Horizon AVL and Esports Integration serve as the bridge between education and industry, ensuring students not only learn with professional tools but also understand how to apply those skills in real-world settings. (esportsintegration.com, info@horizonavl.com)
About Hillsborough County Public Schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is the seventh-largest school district in the United States, serving more than 200,000 students across the Tampa Bay region. HCPS is committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and career readiness through forward-thinking educational programs that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. The new Sligh Middle School Esports and Broadcast Program underscores the district’s mission to empower every learner through technology and opportunity.
About the Bullard Family Foundation
The Bullard Family Foundation was started in 2018 by Thaddeus Bullard aka WWE Legend Titus O’Neil. Its mission is to provide families and children everywhere with moments, programs and resources to help build character and improve outcomes in communities.
About Newline
Newline Interactive is a leading supplier of audio-visual technology and innovative software that increases productivity and enables collaboration. As an industry leader, Newline’s innovative approach to large-format display environments helps educational institutions enhance classroom instruction, increase campus communication, and improve the visibility within the rapidly growing world of esports.
About Spectrum
Spectrum Industries, based in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, specializes in high-quality, tech-enabled furniture that enhances teaching, learning, and collaboration. With over 50 years of experience, they create durable, safe, and reliable products. Spectrum is also a leader in esports, designing innovative, inclusive environments that support student engagement, teamwork, and skill development.
About Acer
Acer is a leading brand in K–12 esports, offering powerful gaming PCs, monitors, and accessories designed to enhance the competitive gaming experience in schools. Their equipment supports both casual play and high-level esports competitions, helping students build skills in teamwork, strategy, and digital literacy. Acer is committed to advancing esports in education, partnering with schools to create inclusive and future-ready gaming environments for student development.
About Samsung
Samsung is a key player in the K–12 esports space, providing cutting-edge technology and solutions that support competitive gaming and digital learning environments. Their high-performance monitors, devices, and displays are designed to enhance the esports experience in schools, helping students develop critical skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. Samsung also partners with educational institutions to promote the benefits of esports as a tool for student engagement and growth.
About Eaton
Eaton supports K–12 education by providing innovative solutions for power management, ensuring that schools have reliable, efficient, and sustainable electrical systems. Their products help schools optimize energy usage, improve safety, and maintain a conducive learning environment. Eaton's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency enables educational institutions to create smarter, more resilient infrastructures for both teaching and learning.
Contact:
Phuong Nguyen
Bullard Family Foundation
813-391-7524