TAMPA, Fla. — E-Sports is expanding in Hillsborough County.

A new video game lounge has opened at the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center in Progress Village. It’s the second gaming lounge for Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation.

The first E-Sports lounge opened at the Northdale Recreation Center late last year.

Robert Cruz, who is part of the team who wants to expand the E-Sports program all over Hillsborough County, said it’s a popular way to get a mental workout and develop the team experience.

“It’s about that bonding, that experience that they get in other sports as well,” Cruz said. “Meeting other people who might have the same interest as you. And becoming friends and enjoying it together because let’s be honest, most things are best enjoyed together.”

The E-Sports lounges are available to anyone who wants to play. The rooms in Northdale and Progress Village have become very popular for gamers.

The video gaming room at the Northdale Recreation Center is open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.

The E-Sports lounge in the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.