Washington State Set to Break Ground on Major Locker Room Renovation in January
There’s a fresh energy building in Pullman - and it’s not just about a new head coach or the anticipation of spring football. Washington State is officially moving forward with a full-scale renovation of its Cougar Football Complex locker room, a project that’s been on the radar for a few years and now has the green light thanks to completed fundraising.
Interim athletic director Jon Haarlow confirmed that the school has secured more than $3 million in funding for the overhaul, with construction slated to begin in January and wrap up before the team kicks off fall camp in August. That timeline puts the finishing touches on the project just in time for a critical period in player development and team building.
“We’ve secured all the funds for the locker room,” Haarlow said. “We’re going to start the renovation in January with hopes to be completed in July, hopefully before camp starts.”
And this isn’t just a fresh coat of paint or a few new lockers. This is a full gut job - down to the studs. The 12,000-square-foot space, which has served the program for over a decade, is getting a total reimagining, both in design and purpose.
A Space Built for Team Chemistry
The current locker room layout is being scrapped in favor of a more communal setup - a U-shaped rectangle of 120 lockers in the center, flanked by semi-circular locker sections along the side walls. This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that encourages unity and makes it easier for coaches to address the full team without visual or physical barriers.
“This will allow coach to address the full team rather than having kind of pockets of how those lockers were set up,” Haarlow explained.
And the lockers themselves? They’re getting a serious upgrade - both in style and function.
Haarlow hinted at a “wow factor,” with a design that leans heavily into WSU branding. But it’s not just about looking good.
Each locker will include a built-in ventilation system designed to keep the air moving and the space smelling fresh - a small but meaningful detail for anyone who’s ever walked into a post-practice locker room.
Elevated Atmosphere, On and Off the Field
The renovation will also include the removal of the finished ceiling, opting instead for an exposed, industrial-style design that gives the room a taller, more open feel. It’s a modern look that aligns with the trend across elite programs - functional, clean, and visually striking.
A brand-new sound system is also being installed, adding to the overall atmosphere and giving players a more immersive experience whether they’re prepping for practice or celebrating a win.
But this isn’t just about game day. The entire floor plan is being redesigned to better serve players throughout their daily routines.
A new lounge area will provide a dedicated space for players to relax, study, or hang out between classes and practices - a key piece in creating a home-away-from-home environment. And yes, the player-favorite barber shop is staying put.
Recruits Take Notice
While NIL deals dominate headlines in college football these days, facilities still matter - a lot. When recruits walk through the doors of a program’s football complex, they’re not just looking at lockers and lounge chairs. They’re evaluating how seriously a school invests in its athletes.
That’s why these upgrades aren’t just about comfort - they’re about competition. A state-of-the-art locker room sends a clear message: Washington State is committed to giving its players the best tools, spaces, and support to succeed.
The plans were shown to new head coach Kirby Moore during his campus tour, giving him a clear picture of the environment he’ll be leading his team into. And with the Taylor Sports Complex - the new indoor practice facility - already completed, this locker room renovation is the next step in a broader facilities push.
What’s Next
Demolition and surplussing are scheduled to start on January 26. During construction, the team will temporarily relocate to the old locker rooms in Bohler Gym.
The project is being handled by the design-build team of Quality Contractors, Design West Architects, and AECOM - a group that’s no stranger to large-scale athletic facility upgrades.
For Washington State, this renovation is about more than just bricks and blueprints. It’s a signal that the program is evolving - with an eye toward the future and a commitment to giving its players the best possible environment to grow, compete, and win.