It’s All About the W.
That mantra — Head Coach Jedd Fisch’s philosophy of focusing on “Work, Winning and Washington”— comes to life in a transformation of Football’s home within Husky Stadium.
Thanks to Tyee Club members who donated to the project in the initial phase of The Go BIG! for Washington campaign, the facility is undergoing its first major makeover in 12 years.
Coach Fisch and his staff prioritized improvements that would bring the complex up to Big Ten Conference standards. The renovations directly improve student-athletes’ physical and mental health, enhance sport performance and nutrition, and build team connections, while also adding wow-factor graphics and displays to entice recruits and spur pride.
“These upgrades are game changers when it comes to giving our players the essentials they need to be their best and to compete in the juggernaut that is the Big Ten,” Coach Fisch says. “And it tells recruits that Washington is committed to their success, not just on the field but in all aspects of life.”
First on the list was the renovation of the Don James Center, which created a state-of-the-art dining hall to better meet the performance nutrition needs of the team. Thoughtful planning kept both student-athletes and Don James Center members at the forefront of all decisions.
The team’s weight room is now equipped with all new weights, racks, state-of-the-art workout machines, advanced training technology and flooring. A jumbotron plays videos and logs metrics in real time, upping the intensity of workouts by allowing for friendly competition among teammates. An illuminated sign hovers over the weight room, proclaiming “Be a Pro” — referencing student-athletes’ dreams of playing in the NFL, their Head Coach’s pro football mentality, and the need to approach all aspects of their lives responsibly.
A new players’ lounge will allow student-athletes to build camaraderie and a new recovery room will include massage chairs, a float tank and other modalities to help players bounce back from the rigors of competition. A renovated recruiting lounge will impress prospective athletes with its displays, graphics, games and spectacular Lake Washington views.
A new team room was created in the tunnel. The training room was remodeled. The Husky Fuel Station with its smoothies and snacks is up next for a redo. So is the hydrotherapy room, which will get new hot and cold tubs. The Fifth Quarter room was created as “a leadership lab” for activities that help prepare players for life after football.
Three-dimensional wall displays and floor to ceiling photographs showcase Husky Legends who made it to the NFL, memorable Bowl games and other program milestones. Every hallway, niche and turn are awash in purple and gold graphics. Less visible are important technological upgrades throughout the building.
“It’s a whole new home for a whole new era of Husky Football,” Coach Fisch says. “We are so grateful for the donors who helped make these renovations possible.”
