Paycor Stadium Cincinnati Bengals Locker Room Renovation

Interior Architecture- Large Scale (>5,000 sf)

Project Narrative

The Cincinnati Bengals Locker Room Renovation represents a comprehensive modernization of the team's facility, originally constructed in 2000. Aimed at revitalizing the space to meet contemporary standards, this project involved a complete redesign of the locker rooms, restrooms, Hype Tunnel, and Fuel Station. The primary goal was to enhance functionality while elevating the emotional experience for players, creating a dynamic environment that seamlessly transitions from the intensity of game days to the restorative atmosphere of daily training.

Central to the design is an innovative ceiling that features a series of concentric "footballs," integrated with dynamic lighting to evoke the iconic shape and movement associated with the sport. This sculptural ceiling not only provides aesthetic appeal but also improves acoustics, giving the locker room a high-end yet purposeful ambiance. The advanced lighting design creates an immersive experience, tailored to different moods—from pre-game hype to post-game reflection—using a DMX controller that synchronizes lights with music, enriching the sensory experience.

The renovation also incorporates circadian-rhythm tunable lighting, promoting player health by simulating natural daylight patterns that regulate mood and energy levels. The design emphasizes unity, reflected in the locker configuration along curved walls that echo the form of a football, enhancing the sense of team cohesion.

With an aggressive timeline during the NFL off-season, the project faced challenges that required intensive iterations and careful planning. Ultimately, the Locker Room Renovation embodies a fusion of form, function, and technology, transforming the space into a multi-sensory experience that mirrors the energy, movement, and spirit of the Bengals, ensuring a refined and energetic home for the team.