Aurora to Capitalize on Rise of Gaming With Youth Esports Program

Kids playing too many video games may be a top concern for a lot of parents these days, but the City of Aurora sees things differently.

Recognizing the industry as a legitimate future form of competitive sports, Aurora has launched its very own esports program that it hopes to one day expand with the help of nearby high schools. The eight-month-old program is housed in a small space at the back of the Expo Recreation Center at Exposition Park, across from Highline Community Elementary School, near South Havana Street and East Mississippi Avenue. 

“It’s a big vision by Aurora,” says Adam Hamm, a recreation specialist for the city who is leading the program’s growth. “I just brought up the idea of esports and how it’s surging, and I think the idea really took hold once I started…