U. of Georgia football facility expansion provides three floors for high-performance training

A major expansion of the University of Georgia’s football training facility has been completed. The project includes 136,300 sf of new space and 28,700 sf of renovated space in the Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall athletic headquarters building. The result is composed of three floors of high-performance training experiences for student-athletes and coaches. The modern, amenity-filled space, designed by HOK, will support the university’s efforts to continue to recruit and retain top talent.

The field level includes a new locker room with a central private player’s lounge, equipment room, plunge pool, and nutrition bar. A corridor between these spaces connects to an indoor football practice field and two adjacent outdoor fields. The corridor features rich wood tones, sleek metal details, and large-scale video displays highlighting UGA alumni who have played in the National Football League.

The corridor also connects to a uniform display room accessible by facial recognition technology. This room has black mirrored acrylic walls and faux leather vertical panels that slide to reveal UGA uniforms and athletic gear.

A new entry greets athletes and recruits with a prominent black and red trophy display. Upon entry, players are greeted with a central player-centric area that includes a dining space and demonstration kitchen, along with a player’s lounge offering comfortable seating, entertainment, and 360-degree views of key training amenities. These include a weight room, sports medicine facility with hydrotherapy and recovery spaces, an all-team auditorium, team meeting spaces, and views to the indoor field.

The double-height weight room features a dual-sided video board and a plyometric stair connecting to the field level. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the weight room overlook the outdoor training fields, which in combination with clerestory windows, flood the weight room with natural light.

The second-floor houses staff offices, conference rooms, player support offices, an expanded video suite, and a cardio mezzanine overlooking the weight room. A multipurpose lounge overlooking the indoor field provides a flexible space for entertaining athletes, recruits, and their families.

Building Team:

Owner and/or developer: University of Georgia Athletic Association
Design architect: HOK
Architect of record: HOK
MEP engineer: Johnson, Spellman & Associates (Mech/Plumbing) / Mathis Consulting Engineers (Electrical)
Structural engineer: KSi
General contractor/construction manager: DPR Construction (Design Build)