AKRON, Ohio -- The University of Akron will unveil more details about its new esports program at a forum next month.

The purpose of the event is "to discuss how the esports varsity teams and club will function, and how the program will contribute to the greater Akron area through community involvement," a university spokesperson said in a release.

Akron's esports -- or competitive video gaming -- program is scheduled to launch this fall with both varsity and club teams. The varsity team will field between 50 to 55 players competing against other universities in games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, CS:GO, Hearthstone and Rocket League. Like other student-athletes, varsity esports players will be eligible for scholarships.

Tryouts are scheduled for April, according to the program's website.

Recreational gamers can participate in the university's club leagues, which the school suspects will involve more students and games.

Construction on several "state of the art" esports arenas around campus is underway, the university says on its website.

There are now about 50 colleges in the U.S. with esports teams, though Akron will be the first in Northeast Ohio. Kent State is also planning to launch a varsity program this year.

The forum will take place Monday, April 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Simmons Hall, Room 111. Interested parties can register here.