University of Texas Football unveils sleek design for Longhorn Locker Room

Gensler, an international architecture firm, has partnered with the University of Texas (U.T.) Athletics to elevate its football program with a redesign of the Moncrief – Neuhaus Recreation Facility into a state-of-the-art centre for players.

The project is the result of Head Coach Tom Herman seeking to galvanise success and garner higher recognition for the U.T.Football program. By developing an innovative new vision for the centre, U.T. sought to improve the quality of the facilities, and increase recruitment. The new design sets a benchmark for university athletic centres, and propels the evolution of U.T. Athletics to a new level.

One of Coach Herman’s primary beliefs is the importance of ‘Competitive Focus’, which is expressed in facilities designed to support player success. This entails a modernised game day corridor, locker room and weight room. New features like a 43-inch television in every locker, internally-lit doors that represent the top-tier team’s determination, and integrated digital displays in the game day corridor. These elements all attest to the success and status of the U.T. Athletics program to current players and prospective recruits alike.

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 neighbouring 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.

Project Team

The project team included the following contractors and consultants:

Architect: Gensler
General Contractor: Vaughn Construction
MEP Engineer: GLUMAC

Technology: WHJW Graphic Design + ZE Design