International architects Gensler has partnered with the University of Texas Athletics to elevate its football program with a redesign of the Moncrief-Neuhaus Recreation Facility into a state-of-the-art center for players.
The project is the result of head coach Tom Herman seeking to galvanize success and garner higher recognition for the University of Texas (UT) football program. By developing an innovative new vision for the center, UT sought to improve the quality of the facilities, and increase recruitment. The new design sets a benchmark for university athletic centers, and propels the evolution of UT Athletics to a new level.
One of Herman’s primary beliefs is the importance of ‘competitive focus’, which is expressed in facilities designed to support player success. This entails a modernized gameday corridor, locker room and weight room, and new features such as 43in televisions in every locker, internally-lit doors that represent the top-tier team’s determination, and integrated digital displays in the gameday corridor.
Practical considerations were also carefully integrated into the new facility. Each locker is equipped with drying technology to safeguard players’ equipment, while televisions provide tailored information to each player regarding their athletic and academic schedule, aiding athletes in achieving their goals on and off the field.
The locker room features a six-screen A/V wall and a neighboring 12-screen A/V wall in the corridor. These screens are programmable, along with the integrated lighting and sound, for viewing everything from pre- or post-game film analysis to creating a video gaming lounge space for players.
August 23, 2017
