With its men's basketball team fresh off two NCAA Tournament wins and a Sweet 16 appearance, Oral Roberts University wanted to build on the momentum by creating a new athletic training facility.
ORU officials wanted their new space to be elite with a “big-time” feel, and they engaged Jack Porter’s experiential design team to make it happen.
The result: A nearly 50,000-square-foot facility that is transformative for this small-but-mighty D1 program. Student-athletes have 24/7 access to state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and practice gyms, dedicated academic space, a team/film room, and offices for athletics staff.
The Mike Carter Athletic Center at ORU demonstrates the its dedication to providing top-notch facilities for its student-athletes.
Creating a Culture of Excellence and Expectation
Jack Porter brought the building to life starting in the lobby, where visitors are greeted by a three-story brand immersion: fully customizable lighting, a large video wall, and graphics highlighting significant moments and players.
As a faith-based organization, ORU wanted its facility to align with its mission and values. Selections from scripture, quotes from the school’s founder, and motivational phrases are featured prominently throughout, all designed to foster a culture of excellence.
The center’s design was meant to be both functional and visually impressive, creating a sense of pride that fosters team spirit and aspirational goals.
A Testament to ORU’s Commitment to Student-Athletes
The facility is already considered one of the best among mid-major athletic programs and rivals top Power Five schools. And by serving multiple sports, not just basketball, the facility positively impacts the entire athletics program, making it a strong selling point during recruitment.
“At ORU, we are committed to achieving excellence at the highest levels, both on the fields/courts of play and off,” said Tim Johnson, ORU’s Athletic Director. “This building will be nothing short of a quantum leap for ORU’s coaches and student-athletes.”