State-of-the-art eSports arena opens at Sly Middle Magnet School in Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. — Students at Thaddeus M. Bullard Academy now have a state-of-the-art eSports arena to prepare for their future. On Thursday, Hillsborough County Public Schools officially opened the area at Sly Middle Magnet School. WATCH REPORT BELOW: State-of-the-art eSports arena opens at Sly Middle Magnet School The facility is professional-grade with broadcast capabilities, and it's all designed to help students sharpen up their skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving. "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." According to the school district, 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." HOA said yes, but the CDD says no: Sun City Center homeowners ordered to remove backyard fences For years, homeowners in one Hillsborough County neighborhood had fences around their backyards — fences that were approved by their homeowners' association. But now, another organization with government powers says some of those fences are blocking drainage easements and have to go, at the owners' expense. Sun City Fences Latest Hillsborough County News from Tampa Bay 28 Morgan Wallen to kick off 2027 stadium tour with 2 nights in Tampa Tampa Bay Burger Week is back and benefiting a good cause Denis Phillips Junior League of Tampa gives back to the community through Holiday Gift Market Denis Phillips HCSO Gang Unit arrests man after finding 9 guns, drugs inside Valrico home Anthony Romano