Due to a very competitive recruiting environment, Marquette University approached Kahler Slater to assist in the redesign of the men’s and women's basketball facilities to meet the needs of the new coaching staff and new generation of Marquette student-athletes at the Al McGuire Center. Along with a modern aesthetic, the coaching staff requested a truly unique locker room space to differentiate Marquette Basketball to sought-after recruits.
The design concept responds to coaching staff's philosophy of a "team first" atmosphere. Throughout the new spaces, a sense of pride is reflected in each detail. MU’s trademark blue and gold as well as rich wood tones ensure a timeless aesthetic. The effect ultimately is a very high-end, completely Marquette University Basketball branded space. In order to create an ideal experience for athletes, the locker rooms were completely remodeled to include leather chairs, top-shelf wooden lockers, blue-and-gold mood lighting and a 90-inch high-definition TV in a large oval-shaped floor plan. In the men's spaces, a previously separated locker and lounge spaces were combined to provide a multi-function space complete with a drop-down screen and video capabilities. The history of Marquette's basketball programs are celebrated through creative use of environmental graphics and display hardware. In addition, the project made enhancements to the current coach's offices and locker room, the nutrition center and the practice gym.
The updates to the facility maintain the Al McGuire Center's reputation as one of the nation's best basketball training venues while allowing the men's basketball team to remain competitive in the Big East Conference.
Increased Recruitment
Since completion, Marquette announced one of the top recruiting classes in the country and attributes part of this success to their renovations.