For Marshalltown, Esports is Booming Business

Marshalltown, Iowa, located within 60 miles of Ames, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, is the type of destination that is big enough to do things but small enough at 30,000 people to be able to collaborate on anything.

That’s the moniker that Dylan Does, tourism director of Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce, likes to use. And in Marshalltown, one of the things that organizations have collaborated on is a growing place within the state’s esports ecosystem.

Marshalltown is in the second year of a partnership with the Iowa High School eSports Association (IAHSEA) where it hosts the organization’s state championships. It has three titles to award in the fall, three in the winter and two in the spring, with up to 40 different school districts coming to the city.

“For us, it is one, finding that unique piece for us as a community,” Does said. “How do we operate in that esports space?”

Marshalltown creates an esports space at the Orpheum Theater with two arenas, 40 computers, seating for 300 spectators and four shoutcasting booths. The destination is also able to host state esports events through a partnership with Marshalltown Community College, which Does refers to as “the Duke of junior college esports” with several national titles and an esports management degree option.

“MCC hosts the largest weekly Smash Brothers tournament in the state of Iowa,” Does said. “So it’s this full community collaborative model while giving real-life opportunities for the college students and a really wonderful environment for students to chase their dreams.”

Marshalltown Community College also is the official event operations partner for the IAHSEA events in town.

“The Esports Program Management students get some of the best, real-world applications of their learning while preparing for and executing the state showdown events,” said Nate Rodemeyer, MCC esports management professor and esports coach. “Every single time we assist in hosting these championships, my staff and students receive an outpouring of praise and enthusiasm for our part in bringing these moments to life and making them memories that will last forever.”

Marshalltown, both the city and the community college, have worked during the state high school partnership to elevate the event from more than a one-day show to give the MCC students a hands-on experience in producing large scale events. Does said the eventalso gives MCC the chance to get its name out more to where it draws students from all around Iowa.

“Collaborating with both Marshalltown Community College and the IAHSEA has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Jake Rennells, solutions architect for Mechdyne. “Our shared commitment to advancing esports has created something special here. Watching Marshalltown evolve into a hub for state and local esports has been incredible not just for the students competing, but for the entire community that rallies behind them.”

Having that community cooperation is part of Does’ main goal but also speaks to the idea of having a spot for everyone in the esports market.

“The reason we believe in esports is one, there is a place for every student,” Does said. “You can be a player; you can be in the production side. It’s one of the most inclusive pieces that you’ll find.”