Michigan football unveils new Schembechler Hall locker room
Michigan Wolverines football is heading into the 2024 season in style. The program unveiled Monday its new locker room inside Schembechler Hall, the team’s facility.
The new locker room features more locker space with a reclining chair for each player. The common areas include lounging areas, pool tables, a golf simulator, bowling lanes and a barber shop.
The firm Integrated Architecture handled the design work on a project that began this offseason and wrapped up this summer. The project involved renovating approximately 14,000 gross square feet to create an expanded locker room and make improvements to the locker, shower and team areas.
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At the time of approval by the University of Michigan Board of Regents last fall, the project was estimated to cost $14 million.
Funding was provided by athletic department gifts, including a $7 million donation from the Monroe-Brown Foundation. The gift will also be utilized to support “ongoing maintenance requirements and long-term infrastructure needs.” The locker room has officially been named the Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown Sr. Locker Room. Robert J. Brown and Robert M. Brown were the first father-son tandem to serve as captains at Michigan (1925 and 1962, respectively).
“We are so grateful for the Monroe-Brown Foundation’s incredible generosity,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “We share a firm belief in education and supporting the efforts of young adults to help them succeed in whatever career path they choose. The foundation’s support, and our proud partnership with a legendary Michigan football family, make it possible for Michigan Athletics to continue supporting our student-athletes in all facets of their college experience.”
Schembechler Hall — named after legendary former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler — was built in 1990 and renovated in 2009. The Towsley Family Museum inside Schembechler Hall has also undergone renovations this offseason.
“Donating to a new football locker room is more than just supporting a building — it’s about preserving a tradition shared by past teams, including my father’s team (1923-25), my team (1961-62), as well as strengthening our future Michigan family, fostering team spirit, and enhancing our competitive edge,” said Robert M. Brown in a statement. “Together, we can create a space where athletes bond, grow and prepare to uphold the University of Michigan’s legacy of excellence on and off the field.”
“The Brown Family has a long history of supporting Michigan Football and its student-athletes, on and off the field. We are so appreciative to the family of Robert M. Brown Sr. and Robert J. Brown for their continued generosity and commitment to Michigan Football and U-M Athletics,” said Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore. “The Brown family’s leadership and generosity have helped us continue to supply our team and staff with the best resources available. We are so grateful.”
Established in 1986, the Monroe-Brown Foundation honors Albertine Monroe Brown and Robert J. Brown. The foundation is committed to education and the belief that motivated students should be encouraged and assisted to reach their maximum potential.
