The new area replaces the locker room that was part of the original 1987 construction of the Nutter Center. The total number of individual player lockers has been reduced from 156 to 130, enabling each new locker to be larger. The new lockers are made of oak, measuring 42 inches wide, 24 inches deep, and more than seven feet high, and will be more functional than the previous set.
Each of the new lockers features an electrical outlet, a padded seating bench, and more storage space than the previous lockers. The room will have a new layout, which will make it easier to locate individuals and communicate with the entire team at one time. In addition, the room will have televisions which also can be used as message centers in order to distribute announcements to the players. New shower and bathroom facilities also are being installed.
The new locker room costs approximately $590,000 and is part of the continuing effort to keep Kentucky at the top of football facilities. In just the last two years, athletics director Mitch Barnhart has invested approximately $3,550,000 on four projects that enhance the safety, convenience, and efficiency of the players and are attractive to prospective student-athletes. In addition to the new locker room at the Nutter Center, completed projects include:
* a state-of-the-art practice area at the Nutter Center, including two beautiful grass fields, a sports-turf field, drainage system, and stadium-style lights;
* a new locker room in Commonwealth Stadium, consolidating the team from two locker rooms to one; and
* a new playing surface at Commonwealth Stadium.