Pacific Lutheran University case study

The Pacific Lutheran University athletic department has a new, million-dollar updated locker room facility which proudly serves the Lute football, men's cross country, and men's track & field programs. The renovation project modernized the existing locker facilities inside Olson Auditorium to improve the student-athlete experience and keep Pacific Lutheran University as one of the premier athletic departments in the Pacific Northwest and NCAA Division III.

Photo courtesy of Pacific Lutheran University

"A new locker room immediately helps our program attract the best student-athletes who are deciding between a host of other universities. A re-imagined locker room creates an inviting atmosphere that our players have access to year-round and are proud to call their own. The ability to attract and develop high-achieving student-athletes is one mark of a championship program," said Head Football Coach Brant McAdams.

The Project

The large locker room in Olson Auditorium serves as the primary home for the Lute football, cross country and track & field teams. The renovation project updated the 50-year old locker facilities that have been in place since the building opened in 1969 and follows in the footsteps of the 2009 locker room modernization that benefited the volleyball and men's and women's basketball programs. According to Jill Cohn, Pacific Lutheran Project and Space Manager, “Lockers had been installed at different times over the years. They didn’t match, and they were old and rusty. There were not enough lockers to serve our athletic community.”

Photo courtesy of Pacific Lutheran University

The new space is in daily use by over 150 student-athletes, and the 3,675 square foot renovation and modernization included the installation of 133 new cutback side wood lockers, 10 shower stalls, and a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The Lutes were pleased overall with the products and services they received from The Athletic Edge. “The lockers are visually beautiful and accommodate all of the football team, and cross country and track and field. It was great that The Athletic Edge was able to accommodate requested custom features into the lockers,” stated Cohn. “Some of our favorite features of the new lockers included the custom logo design, custom color, and the customized height for the padded bench.”

Photo courtesy of Pacific Lutheran University

"Upgrading the locker room not only enhances the experience of our current student-athletes but helps us attract new Lutes. This project provides a huge boost to our "curb appeal" and meets the expectations of today's prospective students," said Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Adam Frye. "This project has already improved the experience of our student-athletes and will pay dividends for PLU and our teams in recruiting new Lutes. I thank the University for their commitment to the project and all the alumni, family, friends, and staff who made this dream a reality!"

The storied PLU football team has won 22 conference titles and four national titles, while the men's cross country team has 13 garnered Northwest Conference titles, including winning a share of the title in 2018. The Lute men's track & field team has won 11 NWC crowns while boasting 12 individual national champions.

Photo courtesy of Pacific Lutheran University

"This locker room is a beautiful new space. Re-imagined, aesthetically pleasing, and extremely practical. For that I'm extremely grateful," said Head Football Coach Brant McAdams. "But more so, I'm grateful for the opportunity and cause that this space creates. A space that gives our players more time to connect and grow through locker room conversations and a space that will attract years of future Lute student-athletes to a place that produces excellence everywhere that counts; on the field, in the classroom, and in the community."

Visit: plu.edu/lockers