Great Lakes Gaming Convention Coming to Midland, Mich.
Get your controllers ready for the Great Lakes Gaming Convention (GLGC), happening on September 26th and 27th at Dow Diamond in Midland, Michigan! This festival brings together gamers, esports fans, families, and industry professionals for a true celebration of gaming and esports.
What to Expect
From competitive gaming and card tournaments to interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone. Lexi from the Northwood University Esports Program emphasizes, “We want to bring more gaming and esports opportunities to the area.”
This year marks the second anniversary of the festival, which was previously known as the Field of Frames Festival, with an aim to create a lasting impact in mid-Michigan.
Trading Cards and Tournaments
The trading card scene is booming, with Pokémon and sports cards garnering renewed interest. GLGC will feature organized tournaments for:
- Magic: The Gathering
- Pokémon
- Riftbound
With cash prizes totaling $500 for both the Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon tournaments, along with a special Origins Win-A-Box event for Riftbound, the festival caters to all skill levels.
Robotics Showcase
STEM enthusiasts will love the partnership with FIRST Robotics, offering scrimmages, hands-on experiences, and a panel discussion on “Robotics and Their Scientific Applications.”
Growing the Gaming Community
Northwood University is proud to host this event, providing insights into career and job opportunities in the esports industry. The festival will feature a variety of tournaments, including:
- 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)
Lexi notes the strategic choice of Dow Diamond for hosting: “It’s an iconic venue…a central location in the community to get everybody involved.”
Family-Friendly Fun
Additional entertainment includes live main-stage programming, interactive areas, and a Kids Zone featuring face painting, balloon animals, and inflatables.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Great Lakes Gaming Convention are now on sale:
- Adults (ages 13+): $10
- Youth (ages 5-12): $5
- Children (ages 4 and under): Free
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the GLGC website. Join us for a weekend full of gaming excitement!
