For Immediate Release

February 19^th, 2025

Mayor Mantello, County Executive McLaughlin, RPI President Schmidt, ECAC Commissioner Coonan announce the ECAC E-Sports Spring Showdown to Troy!

Troy, NY (Feb 19) – Today, the ECAC E-Sports Spring Showdown to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) was announced, bringing top collegiate esports competition back to the Collar City. This highly anticipated event, set to take place on April 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th, will once again showcase the best and brightest in collegiate gaming, attracting teams from across the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) to compete in a variety of popular esports titles.

“The ECAC Esports Spring Showdown is a major event for Troy, highlighting our city’s role as a hub for innovation and technology while bringing an exciting, fast-growing competition to our community,” said Mayor Carmella Mantello. “We are thrilled to welcome student-athletes, families, fans, and esports enthusiasts to RPI, and the City of Troy and we look forward to an amazing, and competitive tournament.”

"There are so many things happening in Rensselaer County and Troy, and the ECAC E-Sports Spring Showdown will be another exciting and fun event you will not want to miss. Our IDA was proud to help sponsor the Spring Showdown at RPI and bring this national level event right here to our county, a place of emerging technology, outstanding quality of life and expanding opportunities and attractions," said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.

"We are thrilled to welcome the ECAC E-Sports Championships back to Troy and Rensselaer County this April. This event uniquely blends cutting-edge technology, competitive spirit, and community engagement, embodying the innovation and collaboration that define RPI. Hosting this championship highlights the growing cultural and economic impact of e-sports while showcasing Troy and Rensselaer County as dynamic hubs for technology and creativity," said Martin A. Schmidt, President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner, Dan Coonan expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament saying, "The ECAC Esports Spring Showdown at RPI is a testament to the incredible growth of collegiate esports and the passion of our student-athletes. This event not only showcases top-tier competition but also highlights the power of esports in bringing together teams, schools, and communities. We are grateful to the City of Troy and Rensselaer County for their warm welcome and continued support in making this event possible. Their commitment to fostering innovation and competition helps make Troy a premier destination for esports and collegiate athletics."

Hosted at RPI’s Curtis R. Priem Experimental and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC), the competition will feature teams battling in games such as Rocket League and Overwatch. The event is expected to draw thousands of participants and spectators, boosting local businesses, and reinforcing Troy’s position as a leader in tech-driven entertainment.

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Press Contact:

Alex Horton

Communications Director; City of Troy

845-750-4092

Alex.Horton@troyny.gov

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