OWNER

University of South Carolina Football

CONFERENCE

SEC

VENUE(S)

Long Family Operations Center

DESIGNERS

Gensler

Shield Lockers

MANUFACTURER

Shield Lockers

COMPLETION DATE

2018

FEATURES/SCOPE

124 Solid Surface Football Lockers

37 Coach + Alumni Lockers

6 Recruit Display Cases

PLAYER LOCKER SIZE

42” W x 26” D x 96” H

A TOTAL-PACKAGE INVESTMENT

In 2017, the University of South Carolina and architecture design firm Gensler approached Shield about developing a durable solid surface training locker to complement a total-package investment in the university’s football program. These lockers would replace a recently purchased wood locker that couldn’t hold up to the wear-and-tear of college athletes.

Shield graciously accepted the challenge.

South Carolina’s new 110,000 square foot, fifty million dollar football operations center was designed to provide current, future, and even former Gamecock student-athletes with anything and everything a football team could need. Replacing the outdated and fragmented facilities was a central focus for Head Coach Will Muschamp. The lockers would serve as a daily workhorse for Gamecock’s football players, alongside hydrotherapy treatment rooms, a recruiting center, a nutrition facility, a strength and conditioning center, rehab areas, and a players lounge — a powerful combination for robust player development and advanced recruiting.

Shield worked collaboratively with Gensler and the university’s athletic department to design and construct over 140 solid surface player and coach lockers. Return on investment was central to the design. The locker is made almost entirely from solid surface for durability and longevity, featuring a custom Pantone to match the Gamecocks’ garnet team color. Matching garnet thread criss-crosses over custom-stitched cushions. Active ventilation throughout the locker helps keep equipment dry while drawing unpleasantries into a plenum for evacuation. Former USC players were also honored with their own locker room to use for conditioning with current athletes, a strategic initiative to help bring experience, expertise and commitment into the Roost.

In total, over 150 solid surface lockers found their new home at the Long Family Operations Center, representing a strategic long-term commitment to success in SEC football for decades to come.