State of the art: A look at UTEP football team's $5 million locker-room remodel

A new entryway with a custom case displaying the UTEP orange, blue and silver uniforms welcomes the football players to their newly upgraded locker room.

Jim and Julie Cardwell's gift enabled UTEP football to have an upgraded, state-of-the-art locker room in the Larry K. Durham Sports Center. The locker room project will cost $5 million.

Work on the first phase was finished over the summer, and UTEP announced its completion on Aug. 26. The two game-day locker rooms in the South tunnel used by visiting teams and the Miners at halftime are not part of this project.

The Cardwells have long supported UTEP Athletics.

"Phase One" of the project included the installation of 115 lockers by Longhorn Locker Co., custom carpet by Interface, programmable lighting by Creston and a custom audio/video system.

Also completed in the summer of 2024 were updated wall finishes, a new utility trench, custom end panels with 75" monitors and other monitors in the central aisles to tune into live games, a new ceiling layout, including new Rockfon metal ceiling tiles, an HVAC system and finishes and fire sprinkler updates.

"Phase Two" will begin in 2025 to renovate showers and restrooms.

More: Who are the former UTEP football players who made NFL opening rosters for 2024 season?

The locker room represents the excellence we strive for as a team and as a football program," UTEP junior quarterback Cade McConnell said. "We are blessed to spend time in a space that is so state of the art, comfortable and cool. It sets a standard that we want to emulate with our performance on the field. We thank the Cardwell family for playing a huge role in making this possible!"

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: State of the art: A look at UTEP football team's $5 million locker-room remodel