Formally opened in August 2024, the Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge is one of the largest dedicated collegiate gaming facilities in the country, developed in partnership between Purdue University and Alienware, the iconic gaming brand of Dell Technologies. Since then, the lounge has garnered interest from Purdue students and beyond.
In November 2024, Kids Wish Network, in partnership with Purdue and Alienware, fulfilled a special wish for a 13-year-old gamer who has been battling Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a progressive kidney disease. Hunter Breitenstein and his family flew from Leesburg, Florida, so Hunter could join Purdue’s varsity Rocket League Team for a scrimmage.
Upon their arrival to campus, Hunter and his family received the VIP treatment, cheering on Purdue Football from a VIP suite and taking a private tour of campus. Then it was off to the Purdue Gaming Lounge where Hunter received his official varsity game jersey customized with his gaming handle before joining his teammates for the 3-on-3 scrimmage. Hunter also received a high-end Alienware gaming laptop, which he uses to continue multiplayer gaming with his Purdue Rocket League teammates back home.
On April 12, Purdue will host the final round of the Alienware Collegiate Clash 2025. Competitors will battle in a winner takes all competition, through six intense Apex Legends matches, all vying for a custom-designed trophy and medals by Volpin Props and an Alienware gaming kit—ensuring the winners dominate their campus scene. This championship event features the top 10 teams from a thirty-team qualifying round. Purdue is the only school to have two teams qualify for the ACC Finals.
The gaming lounge is equipped with 22 Alienware gaming desktops and three gaming laptops, as well as a Nintendo Switch and a PlayStation 5.
The Alienware-powered system, in the varsity and training rooms, includes:
Purdue’s gaming lounge has become the inspiration for other lounges across the country. Later this month, representatives from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will be on-site as they consider installing a similar space for their patients.
“In addition to being one of the largest collegiate esports lounges, the Purdue Gaming Lounge is unique due to its location at the Co-Rec rather than within the student union,” said Deanna Shafer-Rater, Director of Endpoint Management Services at Purdue. “Our gaming lounge is located within the heart of the residential area of campus, which makes it more convenient for students to access on evenings and weekends.”
Eight months after opening, and the gaming lounge still sees growth amongst new users. Average playtime has increased from 1.1 hours at launch to 2.8 hours by February. Saturday is the most frequented game day, but Thursday and Sunday also remain popular with users.
Visit the Alienware Purdue Gaming Lounge website to learn more: https://esports.purdue.edu/venues/index.php