The Challenge
The University of Georgia’s Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall is the beating heart of their athletic programs but had become a relic of the past. The space no longer reflected the prestige and forward-thinking spirit of Georgia Athletics. Open to the public, the gateway to athletics needed a complete overhaul to better showcase the university’s rich sporting history while also appealing to future generations of Bulldogs. In close collaboration with the UGA team and general contractor Mathias, Jack Porter embarked on a comprehensive redesign of the two-story rotunda.
How We Helped
Fan Experience
Branded Environments
Exhibition Design
Technology Integration
Interactive Displays
Content Strategy
The Strategy
Our design approach focused on creating a dynamic, modern space that could tell the full story of UGA Athletics while remaining flexible for future updates. After taking a deep dive into the program’s history, the team meticulously crafted displays that brought the Bulldog’s narrative to life. When entering the space, visitors, recruits, and staff are drawn into the central area of the space by a 47 foot-long National Champions trophy display, flanked by an interactive video wall where users can explore an extensive video library highlighting past and present triumphs. The two-story space surrounding the building’s core features a curated collection of UGA Athletics artifacts, prestigious awards and wall graphics dedicated to legendary figures like Vince Dooley and other outstanding athletes and coaches. Throughout the space, the design maintains a delicate balance. It honors the past while leaving room for the future, ensuring that Heritage Hall can evolve and grow with each new Bulldog achievement.
Between the Hedges and Hardware
Prestigious awards, including the coveted Heisman Trophy, found a new home worthy of their significance. The design team created displays that not only showcase these accolades but tell the stories behind them, connecting visitors to the moments that defined Bulldog history.
Beyond the Gridiron: Vince's Vision
A special tribute to Vince Dooley, the architect of much of Georgia's athletic success, was designed to be a rotating display of Vince Dooley artifacts. This display goes beyond just football, highlighting Dooley's impact across all sports and his pivotal role in advancing women's athletics through Title IX.
The Impact
The redesigned Heritage Hall is more than just a renovation; it reimagines how UGA celebrates its athletic heritage. It’s a space that honors the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future. Doing so ensures that the Bulldog spirit will continue to thrive, inspiring generations to come. In this space, the story of Georgia Athletics isn’t just preserved – it’s lived, breathed, and continually rewritten with each passing season.
