Twin Valley Partners with Junction City Esports team

By Megan Harper

Twin Valley

Introducing the Twin Valley Esports Arena: Home of the Twisters

 JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (Oct. 22, 2025) – Something exciting is happening at the 12th Street
Community Center, opening new doors for youth, families and the community. Thanks to the
vision of Parks and Recreation Director Joshua Gray and Esports Coordinator Aaron
Sheltrown, Junction City’s first Esports & Technology Program now has a state-of-the-art
space — the Twin Valley Esports Arena: Home of the Twisters.

What began as the Twisters Esports Arena now proudly carries the Twin Valley name
through a generous partnership with Kansas’ largest independently owned broadband
provider. The facility is powered by blazing-fast dual 8 Gig fiber connections and robust
network equipment provided by Twin Valley. As part of the multi-year partnership, Twin
Valley is delivering on-site technical support for the Twisters’ first major tournament and
installing additional infrastructure to support future large-scale events. The arena officially
opened in May 2025 and already has exciting events on the horizon.

More Than Just Games

The arena isn’t just about competition. Participants gain teamwork, strategy and digital skills
that open doors beyond the screen, preparing them for school, work and life.

“As the Esports Coordinator, I’ve built the Twisters from the ground up,” Sheltrown explained.
“That meant designing the program, creating team structure, purchasing equipment on a
modest budget and developing educational sessions that go beyond gaming. My goal has
always been to give our players not just a team, but a foundation for their futures.”

For Twin Valley, powering the arena is part of a broader promise to give back to the
communities it serves in ways that create lasting impact.

“Communities that provide opportunities to explore emerging fields like esports are better
positioned to attract and retain families and talent,” said Megan Harper, Director of
Marketing & Sales at Twin Valley. “These experiences spark curiosity, foster connection, and
prove that rural Kansas can be a place where people want to stay and thrive. Our partnership
with the Twisters underscores our role as a true community partner, ensuring rural Kansans
have access to cutting-edge connectivity and are empowered to lead the way as technology
advances.”

Meet the Twisters

The official team of Junction City Parks and Recreation already boasts over 430 members and saw 713 check-ins in June alone. Players earn their jerseys through tryouts and represent the –
community in popular titles including Call of Duty, Tekken 8, Marvel Rivals, Fortnite and
Rocket League.

Looking ahead to 2026, the program is planning six major tournaments, including the
headline event Blizzard Brawls on Jan. 24, 2026, featuring Tekken 8 and pro wrestling,
positioning Junction City as a rising destination in the esports world. This tournament is
expected to draw participants from a multi-state region.

Community Backing, Future Growth

The Twin Valley Esports Arena: Home of the Twisters shows what is possible when local vision
and support come together. With Sheltrown’s leadership, Gray’s guidance and Twin Valley’s
investment in high-speed connectivity, the 12th Street Community Center has become a hub
of opportunity.

To make this vision possible, the program is seeking sponsors and partners to help fund prize
pools, provide equipment and gain visibility through branding, tournament streams and live
events. Businesses, individuals and organizations can contact Aaron Sheltrown, Esports
Coordinator ([email protected]), through the Junction City Parks and
Recreation Department to explore ways to collaborate and help bring these opportunities to
life.