University of Georgia Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall Renovation and Expansion

This project has transformed the University of Georgia’s football training center into a best-in-class high-performance facility that will help the Bulldogs continue to compete at the highest level.

The three-phase project involved the construction of an expansive 136,300-sq.-ft. addition and a careful renovation of 28,700 square feet of existing space.

HOK collaborated with the University and DPR Construction to design a facility that pays homage to the team’s storied history while equipping Georgia’s student-athletes with the resources they need to thrive on and off the football field.

The redesigned facility offers three floors of high-performance training experiences and modern amenities tailored to the needs of both student-athletes and coaches.

At the field level, a new locker room includes a private player’s lounge, equipment room, plunge pool and nutrition bar. A player corridor seamlessly connects these spaces to an indoor football practice field and two adjacent outdoor fields, forming a cohesive training environment.

The player corridor includes sophisticated design elements, combining rich wood tones, sleek metal details and striking large-scale video displays showcasing University of Georgia alumni who have played in the National Football League and celebrating the team’s history and success. The corridor features a uniform display room accessible through facial recognition technology. Inside the room, black mirrored acrylic walls and sliding faux leather vertical panels reveal an array of UGA uniforms and athletic gear, symbolizing the program’s rich heritage.

An inviting new entry on the northwest side of the first level welcomes athletes, recruits and their families with a striking black and red trophy display. As they step inside, they are greeted by a central player-centric space encompassing a dining area and demonstration kitchen alongside a comfortable player’s lounge offering panoramic views of key player development zones and entertainment options.

Surrounding the player’s lounge are a weight room, a sports medicine facility equipped with hydrotherapy and recovery spaces, an all-team auditorium, team meeting spaces and glimpses of the indoor field. With its soaring double-height ceiling, the weight room features a dual-sided video board and a plyometric stair connecting to the field level. Natural light streams through floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows, filling the room with an energizing ambiance.

On the second floor, staff offices, conference rooms, player support offices, an expanded video suite and a cardio mezzanine level overlooking the weight room form a functional and highly collaborative workspace. Additionally, a versatile multipurpose lounge offers a flexible environment to entertain athletes, recruits and their families, fostering a sense of warmth and hospitality.

HOK and DPR designed and built the project in three phases, ensuring continuity for the team and football operations throughout the construction process.