Dow Diamond to pack with mid-Michigan gamers as Great Lakes Gaming Convention returns (CREDITS: Great Lakes Gaming Convention)
MIDLAND, Mich.— Get your controllers ready and make your way to the Dow Diamond for this year’s Great Lakes Gaming Convention (GLGC).
A festival designed to unite gamers, esports enthusiasts, families, and industry professionals, the convention is a true celebration of gaming and esports happening on September 26th and 27th.
From competitive gaming and competitions to trading card tournaments, there is something for everyone. Lexi, a marketing assistant with the Northwood University Esports Program, says that it is just one of the ways that the university wants to bring entertainment cultures together.
“[You] can expect a wide variety of gaming opportunities,” she said. “We want to bring more gaming and esports opportunities to the area.”
This is the second year of the festival. Previously the Field of Frames Festival, the two-day event aims to leave a lasting legacy in mid-Michigan.
TRADING CARDS AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
The business of trading cards has never been bigger. While Pokemon and sports trading cards have been a hobby for decades, there has been a resurgence around the world recently.
Whether you are a long-time trading card game player or just getting started, the festival aims to provide a fun time for players of all experience levels.
In partnership with The Stadium in Frankenmuth, GLGC will feature organized tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Riftbound, giving players the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and other prizes.
The Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon tournaments will each feature free entry and a $500 cash prize pool, while the Riftbound tournament will offer players the chance to compete in an Origins Win-A-Box event.
“Trading card games are such a major part of the gaming community, and we’re thrilled to expand that experience at GLGC this year,” GLGC Executive Director Eric Ramseyer said. “Working with The Stadium and their expertise and passion for gaming is a major asset for GLGC. It helps us create more opportunities for players to compete, learn and enjoy the games they love. Their involvement allows us to offer something for everyone, from experienced tournament players to those picking up a deck for the very first time.”
ROBOTICS TAKES THE CENTER STAGE
STEM education is coming to life at the GLGC, thanks to a partnership with FIRST robotics.
Attendees can watch robotics scrimmages, how robotics teams compete, and even learn how to drive a robot.
The group is even hosting a panel, “Robotics and Their Scientific Applications.”
The panel discussion will explore how robotics is being applied across scientific fields and what those advancements mean for students interested in STEM. Panelists will discuss current innovations, the skills needed to pursue careers in robotics, and the career and research opportunities available to students entering this rapidly evolving field.
GROWING THE GAMING COMMUNITY
Northwood University has one of the top esports groups in the nation. With that, organizers say it was only natural to want to team up with the GLGC.
“Having this in our backyard and being able to provide more information on gaming and e-sports as an industry, what careers and job opportunities are linked to it, is something we are immensely proud of as a community,” Lexi said.
The full slate of tournaments includes:
- Rocket League Collegiate Invitational ($5,000 Prize Pool)
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Collegiate Crews ($2,500 Prize Pool)
- Rocket League High School Invitational ($5,000 SVSU Scholarships/$1,500 Prize Pool)
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Open ($2,500 Prize Pool)
- Mario Kart World Open ($750 Prize Pool)
- MLB The Show 26 Open ($750 Prize Pool)
- Pokémon Open ($250 Prize Pool minimum)
When asked why the festival is being hosted at the Dow Diamond, Lexi replied that it is a Midland staple; and just like the venue, she is hoping that the convention follows suit.
“It’s an iconic venue for the area,” she said. “People have either been to a Loons game or have heard of it, so it’s really a central location in the community to get everybody involved.”
Additional entertainment throughout the weekend includes live main-stage programming, interactive free-to-play areas, on-field games and activities, and a Kids Zone with face painting, balloon animals and inflatables.
GLGC will also offer educational opportunities focused on the rapidly growing gaming and esports industries.
Tickets for the Great Lakes Gaming Convention on September 26-27, 2026, at Dow Diamond are now on sale.
Adult general admission tickets (ages 13+) are $10; youth tickets (ages 5-12) are $5; and children ages four and under are free all weekend.
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