OWNER

University of Colorado Athletics

CONFERENCE

PAC-12

VENUE(S)

CU Events Center

Boulder, Colorado

DESIGNERS

Populous

Shield Lockers

MANUFACTURER

Shield Lockers

COMPLETION DATE

2019

FEATURES/SCOPE

19 Women's Volleyball Lockers

PLAYER LOCKER SIZE

30" W x 17" - 39" D x 95" H

Championship custom volleyball lockers for the Conference of Champions

In 2019, University of Colorado Athletics worked with KC-based design firm Populous and Shield Lockers on redesigning the Colorado Buffaloes volleyball and basketball lockers in the CU Events Center to stay competitive in recruiting and provide a better experience for student-athletes.

Over the last three years, Populous and CU Athletics leaders, along with Denver-based design-build firm M.A. Mortenson, completed a game-changing $150 million capital investment project that centralized the Colorado Buffs’ athletics programs. The bar had been set high, and the renovations at the events center needed to seamlessly enculturate the elevated branding and student experience in which the Buffs were growing accustomed to.

Challenge accepted.

CU Athletics had three strategic goals for the women’s volleyball locker room:

• Upgrade lockers to provide a more cohesive environment for student-athletes
• Create a sophisticated team lounge with furniture, TV's, and a team meeting space
• Improve the showers by creating individual spaces for players

The project team knew that locker rooms aren’t just functional layouts and sophisticated furniture. They’re social watering holes that host a variety of interactions and experiences between players and coaches, cultivating friendships, collaboration, and teamwork among one another both on and off the competitive surface. It was important for the design team to create a cohesive environment that not only nurtured this development, but was also a space that student-athletes could feel proud to represent.

The results are spectacular and a significant transformation for the Colorado Buffaloes Volleyball locker room. Acrylic solid surface is the primary material from which the lockers are constructed. Clean and modern in appearance, this material is also incredibly durable, bleach-cleanable, microbial-resistant, repairable, and waterproof. This construction allows facilities and maintenance staff to increase the frequency of disinfection using an ionized bleach sprayer without compromising or degrading the locker finish. Also, since mirror real estate was limited, the design provides each player with her own individual mirror at the locker with adjustable feature lighting. Other key features include:

• Integrated USB and power for charging and electronics usage
• Soft-close waterproof storage drawer with custom routing for ventilation
• Soft-close overhead storage
• Backlit acrylic nameplates with quick release magnetic fasteners
• Laser-etched custom hanging hooks
• Marine-grade vinyl seat cushions with lumbar support
• Lifetime Warranty

“We loved the look of Shield Lockers and the way they incorporate solid surface materials. My concern was the durability and construction," remarked Jason DePaepe, senior associate athletics director of internal operations. "I couldn’t be more impressed with the process used by Shield and the high quality parts they incorporate. These lockers will hold up to the daily use much better than their wood counterparts. Shield Lockers are top of the line.”

In total, 19 custom volleyball player lockers found their new home at the CU Event Center, strengthening friendly, disciplined, and competitive player development as the program grows both on and off the surface.