The core function of the locker room has officially changed.
A locker room has traditionally been about getting athletes ready to play and taking care of their needs prior to a practice or after a game.
Today’s locker rooms are showpieces that communicate team pride and a respect for the athletes who reside there.
Athletics are a key element at universities and a part of many students’ college experiences, whether as athletes or fans. As such, the design and branding of locker rooms play an important role in establishing team morale and giving students a sense of pride in their accomplishments and teams. The look and feel of a locker room says a lot about how a program values its players, as well as their fans, and recruits notice that. Locker room design can range from simple to complex depending on the sport or university involved. A good locker room should be designed to maximize player comfort, efficiency, and team unity.
At the most basic level, locker rooms should be clean, organized, and well-lit. This is important for player safety and well-being and helps create a professional atmosphere that players can look forward to entering after a practice or game. Additionally, lockers should be big enough to fit all the gear and equipment, with enough space for players to move freely and store items.
Creating a sense of team pride is another critical aspect of locker room design. Logos, bold colors, motivational quotes, team ideals and other branded elements can all be used to create an atmosphere that exudes team spirit. This helps foster camaraderie between players and acts as a reminder of the hard work and dedication required to be successful.
In addition to fostering team spirit, locker rooms are also important for recruiting purposes. Universities use locker room design as an opportunity to showcase their brand, making it easier for recruits to recognize the uniqueness of their athletics program. This is often done by implementing custom elements that give it a unique personality, making the experience memorable. Accent lighting, unique lockers, apparel displays, lounge areas and on-suite nutrition bars are just a few of the basic upgrades you find being added to modern day locker rooms.
Finally, locker room design should also account for the needs of the student-athlete. Today they want a home away from home, and not just a before and after pitstop. It needs to be multi-use, where they study, eat, watch film, play video games, get a haircut, relax, rehab and perhaps even record a podcast.
While locker rooms have indeed become flashy showcases for recruits — recording studios and barber shops will capture an 18-year-old’s attention — these spaces are still all about taking care of the athlete. As new rules bring money into the college game, and young athletes struggle with time demands, universities need to understand that these spaces have to serve a core purpose of supporting their student-athletes to succeed.
When done correctly, locker room design can have a positive impact on college athletic programs. It not only helps create team spirit and pride, but also serves as a branding tool for them. Student-athletes are more likely to thrive in an inviting, well-designed locker room, creating a positive environment that encourages success on and off the field.
Let’s boost the feel and function of your locker room and give athletes and staff more of what they want. Drop us a line, and we’ll be in touch.