News
Carolina Games Summit has partnered with Wilson Downtown Development Corporation to bring 14 different esports tournaments to 5 different venues in Historic Downtown Wilson Friday, February 17th, 5 pm to 11 pm; and Saturday, February 18th, 10 am to 11 pm, 2023. The event will mark the Carolina Games Summit’s 17th year combining educational opportunities with professionally run esports events. Exhibitor booths, local artists, cosplay, tabletop gaming, and unlimited freeplay on the latest consoles and PC hardware will be returning and expanded for the 2023 event.
“We are excited to announce our first live 2023 esports event will debut in Historic Downtown Wilson North Carolina, a city known for its art, culture, and status as a technological hub of Eastern North Carolina” states Michael Everett, Creative Director for Carolina Games Summit. “Being the home of Greenlight Community Broadband, Gig East, and incredible new destinations like the Foundation YMCA gives us access to the advanced high-speed connectivity making it possible to host the Carolina Games Summit across five disjoint locations simultaneously.”
The Wilson North Carolina debut will give attendees the opportunity to explore over 30 unique local businesses within walking distance of the five chosen venues. Casita Brewing Company, Imagination Station Science & History Museum, Wilson Arts Center, Gig East Exchange, and Foundation YMCA will all play host to indoor and outdoor video game tournaments and freeplay attractions for the entire family while exposing attendees to select regularly scheduled business activities as well. Food and gaming trucks will be positioned outside select venues giving attendees an opportunity to explore the downtown area and create their own experience during the event.
“Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) marketing and events staff, in conjunction with the WDDC Promotions Committee, strives to identify and launch activities and events that will bring new and diverse visitors to Historic Downtown Wilson. Such activities and events reinforce our brand identity of art and innovation and drive traffic into our downtown shops, dining and drinking establishments, and non-profits” says Susan Kellum, Downtown Marketing & Communications Coordinator for City of Wilson. “The conversation regarding hosting esports games and tournaments, in conjunction with Barton College’s esports program, began about four years ago thanks to the input of then-WDDC Promotions Committee chair, and Wilson Tourism Events, Marketing, and Sports Coordinator, Drew Barker. Covid restrictions put it on the back burner for quite a while, but we are ecstatic to move forward with ITSS as our partner and make Wilson the new home for the Carolina Games Summit.”
Since 2006 Carolina Games Summit has been committed to hosting professionally run esports tournaments across all competitive genres including fighting games, first-person shooters, racing, sports games, and more. Next-gen consoles and high-end gaming PCs will augment venue attractions to create an experience like never before.
Carolina Games Summit tickets are available to the public and may be purchased online or at the door. Stay tuned for the latest information on tournaments, exhibitors, and event attractions. Contact the event organizers at info@carolinagamessummit.com for more information on attending, exhibiting, or speaking at the Carolina Games Summit.
About Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC)
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation (WDDC) is a non-profit organization created for the purpose of promoting historic preservation and combatting community deterioration. WDDC’s mission is to lead community investment and drive the social, cultural, and economic engine of an authentic Wilson by creating and promoting a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable downtown. Additional information can be found on the official website: www.HistoricDowntownWilson.com.
About Greenlight Community Broadband:
Greenlight Community Broadband is the City of Wilson’s community-owned, fiber-to-the-home network. Since 2008, Greenlight has strived to provide comprehensive broadband connection to Wilson residents. Today, Greenlight provides gigabit level internet, television, and phone service to residents and its members. Greenlight aims to be an organization that supports the community’s economic health, enhances citizen’s lives, and improves the delivery of City services. For more information, visit www.greenlightnc.com.
About Gig East:
Gig East is Wilson’s home for technology and innovation networking, bringing the Research Triangle and Eastern North Carolina together to encourage entrepreneurial and community success and explore next generation technology. Through events, education, and partner connections, Gig East exists to support Wilson’s thinkers, creators, and dreamers. The Gig East Exchange is the physical location for Gig East, and is a hub for everyday entrepreneurs, tech startups, remote workers, and anyone who values innovation in action. The Gig East Exchange offers coworking memberships, dedicated desks, private office space, and Greenlight Community Broadband’s gigabit internet to entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.gigeast.com.
