Northwood University students are helping bring the Great Lakes Bay Region’s gaming community together for the Great Lakes Gaming Convention on Sept. 26-27 at Dow Diamond.
Presented through a collaboration between Northwood Esports and the Great Lakes Loons, the two-day festival celebrates gaming, esports and science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The convention debuted in 2025 as Field of Frames Fest and returns this fall with a new name and deeper involvement from Northwood coaches and students.
“Northwood is unique because students have opportunities to build professional experience in the fields they hope to enter,” said Assistant Esports Coach Aden Frosch. “Through lead roles in marketing, broadcast production, and event operations, our students are helping run a large-scale event and taking ownership in areas where their years of esports experience matter.”
The convention’s competitive lineup includes a collegiate Rocket League invitational featuring 16 leading teams from across the nation, including Northwood’s varsity team. Eight Michigan high school Rocket League teams and eight collegiate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate teams also have been invited to compete. Together, the three invitational competitions offer more than $16,000 in prize money.
Attendees also can watch or enter open tournaments for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart World, compete in trading card games including Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon and Riftbound, and explore robotics demonstrations and hands-on STEM activities. Educational panels will examine career opportunities in gaming, scholastic esports, streaming and broadcast production, robotics and Michigan’s creative industries.
Northwood coaches and student leaders have worked with the Loons since March to plan the convention. Northwood students Lexi Brown and Kevin Gualberti are serving as committee leads for social media marketing and broadcast production, respectively. Additional students will support broadcasting, tournament operations and technology maintenance throughout the weekend.
“Northwood has always encouraged students to apply their skills through real-world projects and personal responsibility,” said Brown, social media and content lead for Northwood Esports. “Our region has been underserved when it comes to gaming and esports opportunities, so I am grateful to help build an event that serves this community while gaining invaluable hands-on experience as I prepare for my final semesters at Northwood.”
“This partnership has given me practical knowledge I will carry throughout my career,” said Gualberti, broadcast production lead for Northwood Esports. “Experiences like this help students build the skills and confidence they need as they prepare for life after graduation.”
Northwood launched its esports program in 2019 and has since become a national leader in collegiate competition. Northwood Esports captured 10 national championships during the spring 2026 season.
The Great Lakes Gaming Convention is designed for competitive players, casual fans, students, educators, creators and families. In addition to competitions and educational programming, the weekend will feature local vendors and independent game developers, fan activities, ballpark food and beverages, and a Kids Zone with face painting, balloon animals, inflatable bounce houses and FIRST Robotics demonstrations.
Adult tickets are $10 per day, and youth tickets for ages 5-12 are $5 per day. Children age 4 and younger are admitted free. A $45 VIP ticket includes admission for both days, access to a VIP lounge, food and merchandise discounts, exclusive time on Northwood University racing simulators and other benefits.
For the complete schedule, competition details and tickets, visit greatlakesgamingconvention.com.
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