Ranked Teams Headline Collegiate Slate at Field of Frames

MIDLAND, Mich. – Field of Frames Fest presented by Dow will be welcoming some of the top-ranked collegiate esports programs to Dow Diamond’s main on-field stage on September 26-28. Teams will compete in both Rocket League and Valorant Tournaments throughout the three-day weekend on a feature event gaming stage located on the baseball field playing surface. Broadcasts will be streamed on Twitch and shown on the state-of-the-art stadium videoboard.

In all, as many as ten (10) schools from across the Midwest will be descending upon the epicenter of esports next weekend at Field of Frames Fest. Those schools include:

• Central Michigan University

• Davenport University

• Grand Valley State University

• Ferris State University

• Michigan State University

• Mount Aloysius College

• Northwood University

• Saginaw Valley State University

• Siena Heights University

• Trine University

  
  

 The list of schools is subject to change. Stay tuned to the Field of Frames Fest social media channels for the latest news on collegiate teams competing.

Northwood University boasts one of the most successful esports programs in the country, capturing 70 conference wins, 30 national championships and even two world championships. Northwood was crowned the very first Collegiate Rocket League World Champion in 2022 and its teams quickly climbed the ranks and claimed multiple national titles in Rocket League and Overwatch.

Field of Frames Fest begins on Friday, September 26 at 6 p.m. with the FREE sneak peek event. Free to play areas will be available for attendees, select food carts and concession stands will be open, official F3 merchandise on sale and the Collegiate Valorant Tournament Kickoff. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 27 with a full schedule of tournaments, workshops, panel discussions and entertainment. Field of Frames Fest wraps up on Sunday, September 28 as gates open at 10 a.m. with awards and the closing ceremony set to conclude at 8 p.m.

Friday’s Sneak Peek event is free and does not require a ticket. Single-day tickets are $25; weekend passes for Saturday & Sunday are $40; and VIP tickets with an all-inclusive experience that includes access to exclusive locations and perks throughout the three-day event are $125.

Children ages 10 and under are free for the duration of Field of Frames Fest. With numerous hands-on activities, free to play areas and open tournaments, F3 is the perfect event for young kids to experience gaming and STEM education throughout the stadium in a whole new way.

Corporate partners for Field of Frames Fest include Dow, Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan, Northwood University, Hemlock Semiconductor, Saginaw Valley State University, the Great Lakes Loons, Sports Radio 100.9 The Mitt and Block House.

For a full schedule of events, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

Field of Frames Fest is Michigan’s premier gaming and entertainment festival, bringing together gaming fans, designers, esports players, education, and industry. Hosted at Dow Diamond, the festival features Esports tournaments, live entertainment, educational panels, and a marketplace showcasing local vendors and indie game creators. Designed as a destination event for all ages and skill levels, Field of Frames Festival celebrates Michigan’s thriving esports and gaming culture. For more information and tickets, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

825 E. Main St. • Midland, MI 48640

T 989.837.2255 • F 989.837.8780 • www.fieldofframesfest.com

Saginaw Valley State University to Support Field of Frames with $5,000 in Scholarship Dollars

MIDLAND, Mich. – Field of Frames Fest presented by Dow is excited to host thought-provoking conversations with educators, entrepreneurs, creators, and industry leaders as we explore the future of Michigan’s gaming and creative industries.

Thanks to the generous support from Saginaw Valley State University, four panel discussions will be hosted throughout the weekend. SVSU has also committed to offering $5,000 in scholarships for the prize pool for the Youth Fortnite Tournament during the event held this weekend at Dow Diamond. Any student in grades K-12 attending Field of Frames Fest can compete.

“We partner with regional employers every day and we are committed to exploring all opportunities to expand the talent pipeline in the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond,” said George Grant Jr, SVSU president. “Field of Frames Fest presents an exciting opportunity to explore the intersection of gaming, education and careers, and we’re glad to be part of the event and the collaboration and competition it creates.”

Topics for the panel discussions include building the state’s innovation economy, supporting local creators, expanding opportunities in scholastic esports and exploring the world of robotics. These sessions are designed to spark ideas, inspire collaboration, and showcase the talent and creativity driving growth across the region.

“We’re thrilled to have Saginaw Valley State University on board as such a committed partner in the first year of Field of Frames Fest,” F3 Executive Director Eric Ramseyer said. “SVSU and are other partners see the value of esports and the importance of supporting the industry at such a critical time. Investing in our area’s future with scholarship dollars for young people is a testament to their commitment to academic excellence and community impact.”

Below are the four (4) panel discussions scheduled to take place at Field of Frames Fest.

Growing Michigan’s Innovation Economy: Saturday, September 27, 1-2 p.m.

From emerging gaming industries to local maker labs, Michigan is building a new kind of innovation engine, one rooted in creative talent, community partnerships, and regional pride. This panel brings together educators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders to explore how cross-sector collaboration can drive long-term economic growth across the state.

Midwest Game Makers: The Tabletop Creators Behind the Hits: Saturday, September 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Long before game design degrees and Kickstarter campaigns, Michigan creators were building worlds, printing books, and shipping boxed sets from garages and basements across the state. This panel brings together some of the Midwest’s most enduring tabletop publishers, from board games to miniatures and RPGs, for a conversation about where the industry’s been, what’s changed, and why Michigan continues to punch above its weight in the world of play.

Opportunities in Scholastic Esports: Sunday, September 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

More than after-school play, esports are a gateway to career pathways, student leadership, and campus-wide innovation. Join coaches, school leaders, and industry partners as they explore how scholastic esports is creating opportunities for engagement, equity, and growth in schools across the region.

Robotics: The Ultimate Varsity Sport Where Everyone Can Go Pro: Sunday, September 28, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Michigan leads the nation in FIRST Robotics Competition participation. With over 500 high school, 550 middle, and hundreds more elementary teams, there are opportunities to compete and volunteer no matter where you live in Michigan. Join the Freeland Fabricators to discover how competitive robotics brightens students’ futures and shapes the cultures of communities.

Field of Frames Fest single day tickets are $25; weekend passes for Saturday & Sunday will be $40; and VIP tickets with an all-inclusive experience that includes access to exclusive locations and perks throughout the three-day event will be $125.

With a commitment to education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Field of Frames will welcome children ages 10 and under for free for the duration of the festival. Numerous hands-on activities and stations throughout the ballpark will aim to continually reinforce STEM education with support from regional partners.

Corporate partners for Field of Frames Fest include Dow, Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan, Northwood University, Hemlock Semiconductor, Saginaw Valley State University, the Great Lakes Loons, Sports Radio 100.9 The Mitt and Block House.

For a full schedule of events, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

Field of Frames Fest is Michigan’s premier gaming and entertainment festival, bringing together gaming fans, designers, Esports players, education, and industry. Hosted at Dow Diamond, the Festival features Esports tournaments, live entertainment, educational panels, and a marketplace showcasing local vendors and indie game creators. Designed as a destination event for all ages and skill levels, Field of Frames Fest celebrates Michigan’s thriving Esports and gaming culture. For more information and tickets, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

825 E. Main St. • Midland, MI 48640

T 989.837.2255 • F 989.837.8780 • www.fieldofframesfest.com

Field of Frames Fest to open with FREE Sneak Peek Event

MIDLAND, Mich. – Fans will have the opportunity to experience Field of Frames Fest presented by Dow on Friday, September 26 with a FREE Sneak Peek event. Doors will be open at 6 p.m. on Friday night with fans able to experience free to play areas throughout the stadium, explore the vendor showcase kickoff, and VIPs will have access to an exclusive welcome reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

One of the premier events of Field of Frames Fest begins at 7 p.m. with the Collegiate Valorant Tournament kickoff and running all weekend. Some of the top collegiate esports teams from across the Midwest are slated to be part of the competing field.

The party will continue from 9-11 p.m. as 3D BLAST, a Detroit-based DJ, producer, and video game composer will perform as fans continue to have FREE sneak peek access to the festival.

“We’re excited to offer five hours of free access to Field of Frames Fest to kick off the inaugural event,” F3 Executive Director Eric Ramseyer said. “This is really a first-of-its-kind event for esports and gaming here in Michigan. With tournaments that include popular games like Super Smash Bros, Fortnite and Rocket League, to trading card games like Magic The Gathering, Pokemon and Lorcana, there’s really something for everybody at F3.”

Field of Frames Fest single day tickets are $25; weekend passes for Saturday & Sunday will be $40; and VIP tickets with an all-inclusive experience that includes access to exclusive locations and perks throughout the three-day event will be $125.

With a commitment to education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Field of Frames will welcome children ages 10 and under for free for the duration of the festival. Numerous hands-on activities and stations throughout the ballpark will aim to continually reinforce STEM education with support from regional partners.

Corporate partners for Field of Frames Fest include Dow, the Great Lakes Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, Northwood University, Hemlock Semiconductor, Saginaw Valley State University, the Great Lakes Loons, Sports Radio 100.9 The Mitt and Block House.

For a full schedule of events, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

Field of Frames Festival is Michigan’s premier gaming and entertainment Festival, bringing together gaming fans, designers, Esports players, education, and industry. Hosted at Dow Diamond, the Festival features Esports tournaments, live entertainment, educational panels, and a marketplace showcasing local vendors and indie game creators. Designed as a destination event for all ages and skill levels, Field of Frames Festival celebrates Michigan’s thriving Esports and gaming culture. For more information and tickets, visit fieldofframesfest.com.

825 E. Main St. • Midland, MI 48640

T 989.837.2255 • F 989.837.8780 • www.fieldofframesfest.com