DSU celebrates Thermo Bond Solutions Esports Arena with ribbon-cutting
November 3, 2026
MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University celebrated a new chapter in its growing esports program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 31 for the Thermo Bond Solutions Esports Arena, recognizing a partnership that will create new opportunities for students in competition and the classroom.
The ceremony, held at the Beacom PREMIER Complex, brought together university leadership, representatives from Thermo Bond Solutions, students, and community members to celebrate the company's investment in Dakota State.
The partnership extends beyond the naming of the esports arena, with Thermo Bond Solutions also providing scholarship support to help students pursue their educational and career goals.
Jill Ruhd, vice president for Institutional Advancement and CEO of the DSU Foundation, opened the ceremony by thanking Thermo Bond Solutions President Steven Tims and the company's team for their commitment to the university.
"Thermo Bond Solutions is a great example of a company that sees the value in investing in our university, and most importantly, in our students," Ruhd said. "Their commitment to Dakota State goes well beyond the naming of this arena."
Ruhd emphasized that the scholarships made possible through the partnership will create meaningful opportunities for students as they prepare for their futures.
A partnership built on innovation
DSU President John Ballard connected the partnership to Dakota State's pioneering spirit and its commitment to embracing innovation and preparing students for a rapidly changing world.
He noted that esports has evolved from a recreational activity into an important part of the university experience, combining technology, strategy, teamwork, competition, and leadership.
DSU President John Ballard (left) greets Thermo Bond Solutions President Steven Times (right).
"This new space provides our students with opportunities to develop those skills, build connections with one another, and proudly represent Dakota State in a variety of venues, to include the national level," Ballard said.
Ballard also highlighted the importance of partnerships with businesses that share the university's vision for the future.
"Their investment reflects the belief in our students, and that is central to everything we do," Ballard said. "We're grateful for your partnership and proud to have your name associated with this space."
Investing in students and South Dakota's future
For Thermo Bond Solutions President Steven Tims, the partnership carries a personal connection. An avid gamer in college, Tims shared his enthusiasm for competitive gaming and the opportunities esports now offers students.
Thermo Bond Solutions President Steven Tims.
Tims recalled touring the esports facility and immediately recognizing its potential.
"I walked up here and saw this room, and there was an empty wall," Tims said. "I thought, 'If I were a college student here, this would be amazing.'"
That enthusiasm helped inspire the company's commitment to the program.
Tims also discussed the broader relationship between Thermo Bond Solutions and Dakota State, emphasizing the importance of developing talent and strengthening South Dakota's technology workforce.
"It's about investing in talent and people and students that are eventually going to be in the industry that we play in," Tims said.
Thermo Bond Solutions, a South Dakota company founded in Elk Point, develops infrastructure supporting distributed data center technology. Tims said the company sees opportunities to connect Dakota State students with technology industry leaders and expand the partnership in the years ahead.
"We see this relationship as much longer term than just this," Tims said. "We see continued investment in DSU and where this is going."
Celebrating the future of Trojan esports
Esports became Dakota State's 13th sponsored sport in 2019 and has continued to grow in participation and competitive success. The program's early achievements included national tournament appearances and conference championships, helping establish DSU as a competitive presence in collegiate esports. The opening of the Beacom PREMIER Complex in 2024 gave the program a new home, with a dedicated arena for competition, practice, and student engagement.
DSU Director of Athletics Bud Postma closed the remarks by recognizing the continued growth of esports and the dedication of the students who represent Dakota State in competition.
"As we look to the future of Trojan athletics, one of our biggest priorities is creating opportunities for our student-athletes to grow, compete, and succeed," Postma said. "Esports continues to grow at Dakota State, and we are proud of the dedication, the teamwork, and the competitive spirit of our students."
As part of the celebration, Postma and the DSU esports coaching staff presented Tims with a personalized Trojan esports jersey to thank the company for its support.
Thermo Bond Solutions President Steven Tims holds his DSU Esports jersey.
The ceremony concluded with the ribbon-cutting, photographs, and an opportunity for attendees to gather and celebrate the partnership.
The Thermo Bond Solutions Esports Arena represents another step forward in Dakota State's efforts to provide innovative student experiences while building partnerships with South Dakota businesses.
Through the company's support of esports, scholarships, and future opportunities, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing talent and helping students succeed long after graduation.