A Locker Room Presence

Successful athletic programs are more than what happens on the field. Learn how locker room design affects performance in the game.

If you’re a fan of any professional sports team, you know that part of the fun is keeping up with trades. When the season’s trade deadline approaches, sports writers and commentators kick into high gear. After all, trade rumors are fodder for endless discussion and speculation. What players are available? Which managers are making a push for the playoffs and which are resigned to a rebuilding year? How much money will they spend? Who would be the best fit for the team’s needs?

What you will inevitably hear in any given sports season is this: A team will acquire a veteran player, one who used to be an all-star but is now facing retirement in the next year or so. Then, a sportscaster will say, “He’s not going to be much help on the field, but he’ll be a presence in the locker room.” What does that even mean? Isn’t performance on the field all that matters? Actually, locker room presence matters a lot.

That veteran player can inspire the teammates who grew up watching him compete. As someone who has been in playoff situations before, he can calm the nerves of players who haven’t been there before. He can educate younger players on strategies and tactics that will elevate the whole team.

Although nothing can substitute for a veteran all-star, you can create your own “locker room presence” through design. Think about it. We just outlined three factors that affect performance: inspiration, calm, and education. How can you design and furnish a locker room that facilitates these components of team performance? Let’s start with “inspiration.”

It’s perhaps the most fleeting and intangible piece of a successful athletic program, but it can also be a powerful advantage. To inspire a team to top performance, incorporate team logos, mascots, and mottos in the locker room space. These elements of team culture foster a sense of belonging and cohesion. Many building materials manufacturers have options for custom colors and graphics. For example, Abacus Sports offers team graphics, not only on the floor, but on lockers as well. Take advantage of those capabilities to create a motivating environment surrounded by reminders of the team identity and purpose.

Inspired athletes are a key component of competitive advantage, but it is equally important that athletes remain focused. To achieve that, motivation should be tempered with a steady, relaxed atmosphere. Otherwise, players will burnout, either mentally or physically. As a designer, you can help create a calming environment with comfortable seating, individual privacy for players, and other amenities. Consider the effects of ambient sound and lighting choices. Make the locker room a place to unwind and the team will thrive on the field or court as well.

Lastly, the locker room is a place for teaching and coaching. In the modern era, that means incorporating technology. Screens for video review and other presentations have become ubiquitous in athletic facilities. The locker room is no exception. Give the coaching staff the technological support they need to coach players and help them grow as athletes.

Remember, when a pro sports team picks up a player specifically for their “locker room presence,” they usually are not cheap. Even if that player is less effective in the game, teams know the value of off-the-field advantages. As a designer of athletic facilities, and locker rooms in particular, you have an opportunity to play that role too—and it’s a valuable one.

At Abacus Sports, we have experience in installing sports surfaces and lockers. Contact us with your questions. We are always available to assist with your next gym, court, or locker room project.