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Vantage Builders Delivers 5,000 SF Rowdy’s Esports Arena at UMass Lowell

Vantage Builders and JCJ Architecture complete a 5,000-square-foot buildout of the new Rowdy’s Esports Arena at UMass Lowell.

By Colin Percy · May 22, 2026

Vantage Builders and JCJ Architecture have finalized construction on the 5,000-square-foot Rowdy’s Esports Arena at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Located on the lower level of the Martin T. Meehan Student Center, the facility replaces a former campus bookstore space to provide a gaming hub for students. The completed project features 50 custom-built computers, console gaming stations, a broadcast room, and an A/V center, all designed with specialized cove lighting and a raised access flooring system to accommodate future IT upgrades.

To support the intense electrical and cooling demands of the hardware, the construction team performed significant MEP installations, including a new air handler lowered into the building by crane and five rooftop units. The project, which took three years from planning to completion, also includes a viewing room and various lounge spaces to support student engagement and a forthcoming varsity esports program.

Companies mentioned

general contractor

Vantage Builders

HotelRestaurant
owner

UMass Lowell

architect

JCJ Architecture

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