Bengals Unveil State-of-the-Art Locker Room
The Cincinnati Bengals have unveiled a new locker room at Paycor Stadium, blending cutting-edge technology with a nod to the team’s rich history. Bengals founder and pro football pioneer Paul Brown, who introduced innovations like the playbook and the radio helmet, would likely be impressed with the modern updates and historical touches that define this new space.
Following a busy offseason of renovations, the Bengals' locker room has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. Joe Burrow and his teammates moved in before Tuesday's practice to find their space radically updated, combining the latest technology with design elements from the Bengals' origins in the 1960s.
A sophisticated lighting system, capable of mimicking the nuances of natural daylight throughout the day, is one of the standout features. The system's complexity rivals that of a small city’s, adjusting to suit the time of day and the mood of the team.
The new locker room boasts 93 "beast lockers," each weighing about 800 pounds and equipped with a 24-inch electrical panel. These panels power everything from wireless phone chargers to Bluetooth lockboxes. These lockers are not only functional but also a testament to innovation, featuring internal lighting from eight LEDs certified by a national safety standard and nine drying fans for helmets, shoulder pads, and cleats. Each locker includes a lift-up footlocker storage compartment stamped with Paul E. Brown’s laser-engraved autograph.
“There’s nothing like it in the world. It’s a locker designed only for them,” says Sam Allen, owner of the Texas-based Longhorn Locker Company, the firm behind the project. “What the Bengals have is cutting-edge. This is the most intricate, most expensive, most involved project, requiring the greatest number of hours.”
Elizabeth Blackburn, part of the Bengals' ownership group, spearheaded the renovation project. The redesign aimed to modernize the locker room with advanced technology while maintaining a connection to the team’s storied past.
“We aimed to modernize the locker room with technology and a clean, cool design,” Blackburn explains. “This renovation built upon the locker room's original football shape but increased the ceiling height and made several other modifications to further open up the space to create a connected feeling for the team. We hope it’s an energizing, high-end, professional setting for our players every day.”
The new locker room is rich with historical elements. Blackburn ensured that the lockers feature subtle tributes to the team’s legacy. The lyrics “And win this game for Cincinnati,” from the team fight song composed in 1968, are placed above the door leading to the field. Patented shelving units in each locker display lines from the “Who Dey Think Gonna Beat Them Bengals?” chant. The compartments for drying shoulder pads are lined with the "Established 1968" logo, and the iconic running tiger logo leaps through the lockbox.
The reaction from the players has been overwhelmingly positive. “It’s amazing,” says wide receiver Tee Higgins. “A lot more space. The lockers are nice. I think the guys will love it. They really outdid themselves. They took it to another level for sure.”
Joe Burrow, who had a sneak peek last week, was equally impressed. “The more we continue to invest in stuff like this, the more comfortable the players are going to be. We’re going to love coming into work. I’m really happy with it. It’s quite an upgrade. Credit to ownership for putting this all together.”
The Bengals' new locker room is more than just a place to change and store gear. It’s a modern, luxurious space designed to foster team unity and enhance player performance, all while honoring the rich history of the franchise. As Joe Burrow says, “It’s open to any and all,” capturing the welcoming spirit of this impressive new facility.
With these upgrades, the Bengals are poised to not only meet the needs of today’s players but also adapt to the demands of the future, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of innovation in the NFL.
SHOP Bengals GEAR HERE
See What Else Is New
Featured
Related Articles
Featured
