The University of Texas (UT) has opened the doors to a Hall of Fame facility at Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium which will feature one of the first installations of a college sports campaign developed with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
Installed by Advent, the design thinking and experience creation firm, the Frank Denius Family University of Texas Athletics Hall of Fame covers over 24,713 square feet of space at what is the ninth largest stadium in the world.
Guests are greeted by an eight-foot-tall, 1,200-pound longhorn statue honouring one of the most recognisable and celebrated mascots in college sports, Bevo. Accompanying the longhorn statue are halo displays celebrating the recent successes of all 20 of Texas’ sports teams. In total, the facility is decorated with 392 trophies representing generations of UT teams, student-athletes and coaches.
UT vice-president and athletics director, Chris Del Conte, said: “So much of our history was scattered throughout campus and in our various sports venues. We now have all of our traditions, trophies, awards and accomplishments housed in one place.
“It’s an amazing facility where we are celebrating The University of Texas and what it means to be a Longhorn. We’ve put a ton of energy and resources into this and can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
One aspect of the Hall of Fame will launch an Olympic campaign aiming to strengthen Olympic sport programming at the collegiate level. In partnership with the USOPC, the UT entered into a joint branding agreement for ‘Olympians Made Here.’ The university will be one of the first institutions to show this branding as the USOPC partners with colleges across the nation. Nine Texas athletes have donated personal Olympic memorabilia to be showcased in the Hall of Fame.
A nearly 1,400-square-foot National Championship room features a 16-by-nine-foot monitor that will play videos commemorating team title victories for Texas.
A visual timeline of all 15 Bevos, dating back to the first Longhorn steer mascot in 1917, hangs overhead while fans walk alongside a wall full of great moments in Texas Athletics history. Another engaging element is the social media command centre located in the middle of the Hall of Fame, where fans will be able to stay connected to discussions and latest news on the Longhorns.
“College fans, alumni, athletes, and recruits want elevated, memorable moments,” said Advent CEO John Roberson. “To create one of the largest-ever collegiate Halls of Fame, our firm listened carefully to Longhorns – students, coaches, alumni, donors, and fans.
“We studied history, stories, and artefacts. It was important that we captured the powerful collection of stories that define The University of Texas. This project isn’t just about the trophies; the Hall of Fame is about the Longhorn family and bringing to life a space that reflects the emotion of the unique Longhorn spirit.”
