About FIU

Florida International University was established in 1965 by the Florida Legislature and opened its doors to students in 1972. Initially operating from an abandoned airfield control tower at Tamiami Airport, FIU has grown significantly over the years. Today, it is the third-largest university in Florida and the eighth-largest public university in the United States by enrollment. FIU is known for its diverse academic programs and strong emphasis on research, making it a key institution within the State University System of Florida.

Florida International University boasts state-of-the-art sports facilities that support its 17 Division-I athletic programs. Key facilities include the FIU Stadium, and the Ocean Bank Convocation Center, home to the basketball teams with NBA-quality locker rooms and a hydrotherapy room. The Baseball Stadium features amenities like skyboxes and indoor hitting facilities, while the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center provides an Olympic-size pool for the swimming and diving teams. These top-notch facilities help FIU athletes excel in their sports and contribute to the university’s strong athletic reputation.

FIU Locker Rooms

Project Scope

FIU is home to a diverse range of sports teams, each requiring top-notch facilities to support their athletes. Over time, the existing locker rooms of the Ocean Bank Convocation Center have become outdated and insufficient to meet the needs of the growing smaller sports programs. To provide their athletes with a modern and functional space, FIU decided to undertake a comprehensive renovation of their locker rooms and enlisted the expertise of Atlantic Rack for the project.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

  • Outdated Facilities: The existing lockers were old, worn out, and lacked the necessary features to support the athletes’ needs.
  • Limited Storage Space: The current setup did not provide adequate storage for the athletes’ equipment and personal belongings.
  • Poor Organization: The lack of efficient storage solutions led to disorganization, making it difficult for athletes to quickly access their gear.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The locker rooms needed a modern and visually appealing design to boost team morale and create a professional environment.

The Solution

Atlantic Rack played a pivotal role in modernizing the outdated locker rooms of the smaller sports facilities at FIU’s Ocean Bank Stadium. They provided custom-designed lockers that maximized storage space and included integrated shelving for better organization. The new lockers were constructed with durable materials to withstand heavy use and featured proper ventilation to maintain a fresh environment. Additionally, Atlantic Rack reconfigured the layout to optimize space utilization and improve accessibility, creating a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment for FIU athletes. This renovation significantly enhanced the overall experience for the sports teams, contributing to improved morale and performance.

DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENTS

  • Atlantic Rack designed custom lockers that catered specifically to the needs of each sports team, ensuring ample storage space for equipment and personal items.
  • High-quality, durable materials were used to construct the lockers, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
  • The new lockers featured integrated shelving and compartments to keep equipment organized and easily accessible.
  • Proper ventilation was incorporated into the locker design to prevent odors and maintain a fresh environment.
  • The lockers were designed with a sleek, modern look that enhanced the overall aesthetic appeal of the locker rooms.
  • Custom branding elements, such as team logos and colors, were incorporated to foster team spirit and pride.
  • Atlantic Rack reconfigured the layout of the locker rooms to maximize space utilization and improve traffic flow.
  • Accessibility: The new layout ensured that all athletes had easy access to their lockers and other facilities within the locker room.
FIU Lockers Track and Field
FIU Athletic Lockers
FIU Lockers

Results

The renovation project led to significant improvements in the locker rooms for FIU’s sports teams:

  • Improved Functionality: The custom-designed lockers provided ample storage space and enhanced organization, making it easier for athletes to manage their gear.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: The modern design and team branding elements created a visually appealing and professional environment.
  • Boosted Morale: The upgraded facilities contributed to a positive atmosphere, boosting team morale and fostering a sense of pride among the athletes.
  • Long-Term Durability: The use of high-quality materials ensured that the lockers would withstand heavy use and remain in excellent condition for years to come.

Conclusion

By partnering with Atlantic Rack, FIU successfully transformed their locker rooms into state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of their sports teams. The comprehensive renovation not only improved functionality and organization but also created a modern and inspiring environment for the athletes. Atlantic Rack’s expertise in storage solutions played a crucial role in the success of the project, ensuring that FIU’s locker rooms are now equipped to support their athletes’ performance and well-being.