Metro Esports Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it and how much does it cost? 

It pays to belong! This benefit of your YMCA membership unlocks access to a top-tier esports and gaming facility where anyone can explore hundreds of games across the latest and greatest consoles and industry-leading esports-grade PCs. It’s a safe, supervised space that promotes healthy gaming habits, encourages social interactions, and sparks new friendships. Players earn ‘Metro Coins’ through active participation, challenges, and weekly events, which can be exchanged for exclusive prizes ranging from educational courses and gaming gear to merchandise and gift cards. With seasonal updates to games, activities, and rewards the excitement never fades, keeping the gaming experience fresh and rewarding. You can sign up for a YMCA membership from the YMCA Rochester website.

Q: What are your hours? 

A: Spring/Fall/Winter Hours: 

• Mon/Tues/Thur/Fri 3pm-8pm
• Wed 3pm-6pm
• Sat 12pm-3pm
• Sun 12pm-2pm

Summer Hours:

• Mon-Fri: 4:30-8pm 
• Sat: 12pm-3pm            
• Sun 12pm-2pm

Q: What should my child bring to the esports lounge?

We provide the latest state-of-the-art gaming consoles and PCs, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

• Equipment: All Metro PCs are equipped with industry-leading peripherals, including a headset, keyboard, mouse, mousepad, headset stand, microphone, and webcam.
• Participants can sign in with their own game accounts on PCs or get automatically logged into one of our Metro “house accounts,” available for all gaming titles. Personal PSN, Xbox, or Nintendo accounts cannot be used on any consoles.
• Personal Items: Visitors may bring their own controllers or peripherals if preferred. Note that Metro or the YMCA are not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen items.

Q: What consoles and games do you offer?

A:
Consoles: Xbox Series X, Playstation 5 and Nintendo Switch
Games: Fortnite, Rocket League, Overwatch 2, Valorant, League of Legends, Minecraft, Roblox, Starcraft 2, Hearthstone, Brawlhala, Madden 24, FIFA 24, MLB The Show 24, NBA2K24, Plants vs Zombies, Among us, Mario Kart, Mario Party, Super Stars, Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Fall Guys, Overcooked 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Dragon Ball Fighter Z and Pokemon Unite.

NOTICE: Children 12 and under will have some game account restrictions

Q: What are your PC specs?

A: 

• Intel Core™ i7-14700KF 5.6 GHz 
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 TI SUPER 
• 32GB DOMINATOR TITANIUM DDR5 600MT/s
• 1TB Corsair MP600 NVMe
• 2790 ATX Motherboard
• Corsair iCUE LINK H100i  RGB AIO
• CORSAIR RM850x Shift Series

Q: Can I leave my child there alone?

Yes, any child age 13 or older may play in the gaming lounge/YMCA without an adult. Kids must be at least 8 years old to enter. Kids 8-12 must have a guardian in the building. Kids 13+ may use the space without a guardian present. There will be Metro staff supervision at all times.

Q: What safety and security measures are in place to protect my child?

• Monitoring: Constant staff supervision and coaching ensure a safe environment.
• Software and Hardware Safety: We utilize a combination of software and hardware for 24/7 in-game voice and text monitoring, weekly activity reports, and threat notifications for issues like online predators, bullying, hate speech, sexual content, and scams.
• Background Checks: All staff have undergone Federal background checks, state background checks, and Child Abuse Clearances.
• Health and Safety Protocols: Strict cleanliness standards and emergency procedures are in place.
• Age Restrictions: Games are age-restricted based on the participant’s date of birth and the game’s rating.

Q: Why should my child participate in esports?

• S.T.E.A.M Learning: Esports fosters the development of technical skills, critical thinking, and creativity, inspiring interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Metro Esports offers a variety of exciting and educational S.T.E.A.M programs, courses, classes, and workshops, including coding, game design, game development, computer building, animation, graphic design, broadcast engineering, content creation, and more.
• Social Development: Esports promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, bridging social gaps and creating strong bonds among diverse groups. It offers an outlet for team-based competition beyond traditional sports, promoting sportsmanship and a competitive spirit.
• Career Opportunities: The global esports market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025, offering many career paths in various fields. Engaging with esports introduces children to numerous career opportunities and learning pathways.
• College and Scholarships: Over 200 U.S. colleges offer esports scholarships, totaling more than $15 million annually. In 2021, over 5,000 esports scholarships were awarded, opening doors to higher education for talented students. Collegiate esports programs are offered locally at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Christian University, Nazareth University,  St. John Fisher University, Monroe Community College, Finger Lakes Community College and more. 
• Skill Development: Participation in esports enhances hand-eye coordination, attention, visual acuity, problem-solving and strategy skills, self-confidence, and socialization.

Q: Do you host casual gaming events?

A: Yes! Join us weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for special member events, all included in your YMCA membership. Challenge yourself and others in unique tournaments, take part in exciting challenges, and engage in family-friendly activities that offer the chance to ascent the Metro leaderboards. From cozy movie nights and retro gaming to action-packed tabletop nights and racing competitions, Metro also offers monthly events that are seamlessly integrated with our open-access hours, encouraging full participation without the need for prior registration. Just arrive, sign in, and immerse yourself in the joy of shared experiences, with the bonus of winning some awesome prizes!

Q: Do you offer coding classes? How does that program work?

A: Metro offers a variety of coding and game design workshops/classes through the YMCA. Our interactive courses and workshops offer a unique blend of education and social engagement. Each program is designed to guide students through various game design, development, and business principles. Certified by STEM.org, these sessions establish a foundation in tech, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Experienced instructors empower students with skills crucial in the digital age, leaving each session with gained knowledge and an official certificate of completion. 

Q: Do you offer birthday parties or facility rentals?

A: Yes! A unique way to celebrate any big day, our party rental availability turns dreams into reality with a gaming party experience tailored to your interests. Host a birthday bash or any celebratory event in our specialized gaming facility where participants enjoy curated challenges and free play in all their favorite games. Make it even more special with Minecraft or Fortnite-themed parties with specialized decor and activities. You’re welcome to bring your favorite party snacks and drinks and have an exciting party that will be remembered for years to come. We offer two-hour birthday party packages starting at $450 for 12 kids (and an additional $5 per extra kid).

Q: Do I need to book time in advance?

A: The esports facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis during open member hours, and there is no option to book time in advance. 

Q: What is Metro Esports?

A: Metro Sports & Entertainment Group is a digital sports and entertainment media company with a laser focus on leveraging the viral popularity of gaming and esports to attract, engage, and educate a broad and diverse community of gaming and technology enthusiasts; while also connecting the brands and organizations that are desperate to reach them. Metro Esports is partnered with some of the world’s most notable brands, such as Microsoft, Corsair, and T-Mobile. Metro has built several esports and STEM centers in partnership with the YMCA of Bucks & Hunterdon Counties, including YMCA Doylestown, YMCA Warminster, YMCA Fairless Hills, and the YMCA Morrisville Childcare Center. Also opening June 2024 in partnership with YMCA of Greater Rochester, YMCA Maplewood & YMCA Schottland. Two goals drive us: create access and build bridges. We create access by understanding how to engage all demographics within the gaming space, then leverage that knowledge to craft experiences that welcome them and cultivate their talents. We build bridges by harvesting those communities’ passions for esports to introduce them to the power of careers in STEM. We then help them gain the skills needed to enter those fields.

We offer:

• Weekly events and programs, included in YMCA membership
• Open-access hours, included in YMCA membership
• Community Events, included in YMCA membership
• Classes, courses, and workshops in Game Design, Game Development, and Game Business
• Esports tournaments, leagues, clubs, and teams
• Summer Camps, Day-Off School Camps, and seasonal camps