The Trussville Tribune
Page 6
Sep. 25 - Oct. 1, 2019
Trussville native opening state-of-the-art esports arena in Birmingham By Erica Thomas, managing editor
BIRMINGHAM — A state-of-the-art esports arena is coming soon to the city of Birmingham. Chris Donaldson, of Trussville, is the director of ePlex. The gaming facility will offer a full array of video-gaming activities and more. “We are building an 18,000 square feet esports and virtual reality arena,” said Donaldson. “Our goal is to establish a home base for local, amateur gamers, a place for them to meet, hangout, for them to be trained. It will be similar to a traditional sports court or field, but this is for gamers.” The facility won’t only be for those who want to compete. ePlex will also serve as a place for gamers to come together with friends and enjoy retro games, racecar simulators and virtual reality. “Our virtual reality is world-class. It will allow people to play with up to four players, in a virtual environment,” said Donaldson. “The coolest part to me is the educational side of it. Our VR
will allow you to tour the pyramids in Egypt or swim with whales. Our racing simulators are the best in the world.” Over the years, gaming has become a serious sport across the U.S. In fact, Some
Alabama schools have gaming teams. ePlex will host the state championship for high school esports. Donaldson said the new facility will make the experience one to remember. “If you’re a parent of a
travel baseball player, you understand you have to sit around in a baseball park all day waiting on your kids to play. We’re trying to take that part out of it so the parents and the kids can enjoy themselves while they’re here,” said Donaldson. General Manager Rene Cain said there will also be a restaurant inside ePlex. “We’re going to pretty much have your base products like your pizza, sub or salad,” said Cain. “Then you can add whatever toppings you want on any of them. We will also serve beer and wine.” Cain said people of all ages and skill levels will find fun at ePlex. “It’s not all about the leagues. People can just walk in and play instead of taking your TV and Xbox to someone’s house, you can come in. There are about 40 computers or PCs and then we will have
Xbox, PlayStation and everyone can play together at the same time,” said Cain. Donaldson said ePlex of-
fers a non-toxic environment for kids eight to 80. “Everyone’s going to be on everyone’s team. No bullying, we’re making that as high of a priority as possible. Our mission statement is ‘never game alone,” said Donaldson. “This will give grandma and their friends a chance to watch what they’re good at. Hopefully, this evolves into something everyone can enjoy.” The Magic City ePlex will celebrate with a grand opening on November 1, 2019. Donaldson said eventually he wants to expand ePlex across the southeast. The next location will be built in Huntsville. Construction on that facility is planned to start within the next three months. ePlex will be located at 7001 Crestwood Blvd. in Birmingham. Hours will be daily from 10 a.m. – midnight. If you are interested in play or interested in applying for a job at ePlex, email play@theeplex.com or go to www.theeplex.com.
Bust of Hero From front page
The Trussville City Council hosted the commissioning of the project during its regular council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. The family of Army Sgt. Jason Stegall was on hand for the commissioning. His wife, Ashley Stegall, said the bust will mean a lot to her family. “It’s going to be so awesome for us to have this bust for us to actually see something instead of just going to the cemetery,” said Stegall. “It’s going to be great for our son, Landon.” Approximately 120 Alabamians have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the Military Times database, and the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project was created to honor their memories and sacrifices. Mark Davis, the founder of the Alabama Fallen Warriors
Photo of existing bronze busts provided through the Alabama Fallen Warrior Project.
Project, has a goal of creating a bronze bust for every Alabama veteran that has been killed since the events of 9/11. These busts will be installed in a place of honor where the community will be able to remember the fallen and contemplate the sacrifice that was made. “When a veteran dies, he dies two deaths,” said Stegall. “First is when they’re killed and the second is when we forget he or she and don’t remember them. My mission is
to honor and remember those people and make sure the second death doesn’t occur.” Stegall, who was from Trussville, died while serving his country on Dec. 14, 2009. Stegall was deployed 15 months during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with “V” for valor.
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Members of Keller Williams Realty in Trussville present $2,000 check for bronze bust of Sgt. Jason Stegall.
Trussville City Council President Jef Freeman said he hopes everyone in the city comes out for the commissioning of the bronze bust. “As we know, the people who defend us on an ongoing basis worldwide and make the ultimate sacrifice, we need to
honor,” said Freeman. “Jason Stegall was one of those. He didn’t die in action but he died as a result of action.” Several local businesses have helped raise money for the bronze bust, including Sheepdog Firearms and Keller Williams Realty. Keller
Williams presented a $2,000 check to the cause at Tuesday’s council meeting. After all the money is raised, the bust will be sculpted by Col. Lee Busby and will be bronzed at the University of Alabama. It will be placed in Trussville’s Civitan Park.
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