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)
Related Stories
Mixed-Use | Feb 13, 2015
First Look: Sacramento Planning Commission approves mixed-use tower by the new Kings arena
The project, named Downtown Plaza Tower, will have 16 stories and will include a public lobby, retail and office space, 250 hotel rooms, and residences at the top of the tower.
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Transit Facilities | Feb 12, 2015
Gensler proposes network of cycle highways in London’s unused underground
Unused tube lines would host pedestrian paths, cycle routes, cultural spaces, and retail outlets.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Under the sea: Manmade island functions as artificial reef
The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Feb 4, 2015
Arup unveils plans for the new A.C. Milan stadium
The venue will include a modern stage for the home matches together with a hotel, sports college, restaurants, children’s playground, green areas, and spaces open to the city and dedicated to public use.
| Jan 16, 2015
Artsy lifeguard stations will brighten Toronto’s snowy beach
Five winning designs have been unveiled for lifeguard stands that will double as public space art installations on Toronto's beach.
| Jan 15, 2015
Libeskind unveils 'zig zag' plan for recreational center near Vilnius ski area
Perched on the highest peak between Vilnius' historic quarter and downtown, the Vilnius Beacon will be a hub for visiting skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Jan 7, 2015
4 audacious projects that could transform Houston
Converting the Astrodome to an urban farm and public park is one of the proposals on the table in Houston, according to news site Houston CultureMap.
| Jan 5, 2015
Another billionaire sports club owner plans to build a football stadium in Los Angeles
Kroenke Group is the latest in a series of high-profile investors that want to bring back pro football to the City of Lights.
| Jan 5, 2015
Beyond training: How locker rooms are becoming more like living rooms
Despite having common elements—lockers for personal gear and high-quality sound systems—the real challenge when designing locker rooms is creating a space that reflects the attitude of the team, writes SRG Partnership's Aaron Pleskac.
