The Alienware Buffalo Esports and Gaming Lounge is now open. CU Boulder has a large and active gaming community, and the new state-of-the-art facility provides a space for gamers at all levels, from expert to beginner, to elevate their gaming experience.
As a student, you can access the gaming lounge and its wide range of gaming systems, games and events. Here are some things to know and ways you can enjoy the new gaming lounge.
Visit the gaming lounge
The space is open to students, faculty, staff and the community. You don’t need a reservation to play—you can simply stop by during operating hours:
- Monday through Wednesday from 1-10 p.m.
- Thursday through Saturday from 12-11 p.m.
- Sundays from 1-9 p.m.
If you want to ensure you have a seat with your friends, you can reserve a few computers for a small fee. Current CU Boulder students receive a free 10-day pass when visiting the gaming lounge for the first time. After that, you can purchase game time hourly or one-day, seven-day, 30-day or semester passes.
Students and others affiliated with CU Boulder can sign into the lounge computers using your IdentiKey and password. Guest accounts are available for visitors not affiliated with CU Boulder.
Check out the extensive gaming options
The gaming lounge has something for everyone, and it’s a great space to try out new games. You can try different systems with 19 Alienware R16 desktop gaming PCs, three Alienware M16 gaming laptops, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X systems or stick with your favorite.
At launch, the lounge has approximately 50 games installed onto the PCs, and the collection of console games continues to grow. You can expect a wide range of games, including esports competitive titles, co-op indie games and more.
For the PC games, visitors can sign into the game with their game account or borrow one of the limited guest accounts. For console games, the front desk can help visitors get set up to play. Learn more about the gaming lounge hardware and available games.
Participate in events and competitions
The Center for Student Involvement hosts events at the gaming lounge for students to meet new people, have fun and unwind. This semester’s events include cozy gaming and inclusive excellence in gaming, where you have the chance to experience stories and play games created by developers from marginalized groups. Attending events is a great way to check out the gaming lounge and play games for free. Explore upcoming events.
Gaming student organizations host competitive and beginner-level events at the gaming lounge. These events allow students to compete at different levels using advanced equipment. Join one of the gaming student organizations or sign up for a competition to get involved.
Plan an event
Are you part of a student organization or on-campus program? The gaming lounge is perfect for team building, celebrating and having fun together. Check out the event packages. The event reservations vary in price based on the space and affiliation. Space sizes range from one open gaming area with five PCs to the full facility.
Have fun
The gaming lounge is all about fun and competition. It offers advanced equipment in a high-tech facility where you can try gaming or share your passion for gaming with others. Whether you visit the gaming lounge alone or with friends, you can ask others in the lounge to team up and grow your community of gamers.
The friendly front desk staff is happy to answer your questions or help with anything you need during your visit. CU Boulder is excited to offer students this vibrant new space on campus.