‘Ready, set, go!’ Mario Cart racing league planned at Kalamazoo esports arena

KALAMAZOO, MI — Middle school students in Kalamazoo will have a chance to bring their best shell-throwing and cart-drifting skills to a Mario Kart tournament this month.

Kzoo Parks and Western Michigan University Esports is hosting a Mario Kart Racing League this spring for middle school students, according to a news release from the city parks department.

Kzoo Parks introduced Mario Kart league in 2021. The WMU Esports Arena, located in the Little Theatre on Western Michigan University’s historic East Campus, was opened in 2018.

Related: Competitive video gaming arena unveiled at Western Michigan University

Students will compete weekly, racing their favorite Mario characters on Nintendo Switch at the esports area at 798 Oakland Drive, the release said.

The league will run for six weeks, beginning on March 14. Registration is available online or in-person at the Kzoo Parks office, 251 Mills St. through Friday, March 11.

“Esports has been gaining popularity for several years and we’re thrilled to be able to offer these new programs for youth in our community,” said Pete Aerts, recreation coordinator at Kzoo Parks. “It’s a great way for students to make friends and connect with others in a friendly competition. WMU Esports has been such a great partner and their support makes these new programs possible.”

Related: Esports in Michigan ‘too big to ignore’

Registration is $68 for city of Kalamazoo residents and $75 for non-residents, the release said. Financial assistance is available to city residents through Kalamazoo Friends of Recreation. For more information, visit kzooparks.org/mariokart.

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