This is the full text of Harrisburg University' 06/28/2018 press release.

The festival combines the one of the largest collegiate esports tournaments to date with the music of acclaimed alternative bands

HARRISBURG, Pa., 28 June, 2018 – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) in partnership with iHeartMedia and Alt 99.3, has announced the Harrisburg University Esports Festival (HUE Festival), the region’s first festival combining nationally-renowned music acts with one of the largest collegiate esports tournaments to-date. With headlining performances from Lit, Alien Ant Farm, Atlas Genius and DJ Whipped Cream, the HUE Festival expects to bring crowds from across the region, from Baltimore to Philadelphia, to Harrisburg to experience live music and competitive gaming.

“Harrisburg University has been a catalyst for collegiate esports, and this festival is another opportunity to put the Harrisburg region on the map as an esports destination,” explained Dr. Eric Darr, Harrisburg University President.

The HUE Esports Tournament takes place over two days, September 21 and 22 with 32 collegiate teams competing live for a grand prize pool of $50,000. Fans can watch the semi-final and final matches online via Twitch or purchase tickets for a live experience in the Select Medical Digital Theater and the Sunoco Live Performance Theater Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center for Science and Arts.

“Whitaker Center’s size and unique amenities brings a whole new level of professionalism to the fast-growing collegiate esports scene,” said Ted Black, CEO of Whitaker Center. “With more than 130,000 total square feet, Whitaker Center is now one of the largest esports venues in the United States.”

The music portion of the festival takes place Saturday, September 22 and is free to attend. VIP passes will be available for purchase and will grant guests access to an exclusive viewing balcony, private bathrooms and catered food and beverage. Bands will perform outside at the intersection of Market St. and Fourth St. in downtown Harrisburg.

“iHeartMedia is very excited to partner with Harrisburg University and Whitaker Center for an event of this magnitude. The festival team has done an amazing job creating an event that will bring large crowds to Harrisburg,” said Frank Schofield, Festival Music & Sponsorship Director from iHeartMedia.

A full schedule of esports matches and more information about the event, access to match tickets and VIP passes will be available at huefest.com.