UTEP Miners

Spectacular New UTEP Football Locker Room Becomes a Reality Thanks to the Lead Gift from Jim and Julie Cardwell

8/26/2024 12:50:00 PM

EL PASO, Texas – Through the generosity of Jim and Julie Cardwell, a new state-of-the-art locker room has become the home of the UTEP football team.

Mr. and Mrs. Cardwell have pledged the lead gift towards the completion of the facility.

"We are so grateful to Jim and Julie Cardwell for their longstanding support of UTEP Athletics, and for getting behind this critical venture," UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. "None of these projects would be possible without the support of passionate donors like Jim and Julie. The amenities that this will afford our student-athletes are second to none, and will help us continue to build one of the top football programs in the Group of Five."

"We are lifetime El Pasoans, and we believe it's important to invest in our community and the University," Jim Cardwell said. "We have seen the value a top-notch football team brings to the city. If this will help build a regionally and nationally competitive program that draws national attention to El Paso, then we are all in favor of it."

"I would like to express my gratitude to the Cardwell family for the passion they have displayed for UTEP Athletics and Miner Football," UTEP Coach Scotty Walden said. "Our student-athletes are absolutely loving the new locker room, and we can't wait to see the project's completion come to fruition in the next year. This is a major step in helping us build a program that all of the Sun City can be proud of and enable us to Win the West!"

"The locker room represents the excellence that 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!"

"Phase One" of the project, concluded earlier this month, included the installation of 115 lockers by Longhorn Locker Co. Other additions to the space included custom carpet by Interface, programmable lighting by Creston, and a custom audio/video system. The scope of work also encompassed several significant improvements:

A new entryway from the main corridor
New millwork, including a custom display case
Updated wall finishes
A new utility trench and custom end panels with 75" monitors
Monitors in the main aisles to tune into live games
Updates to the ceiling layout, including new Rockfon metal ceiling tiles, HVAC system, and finishes
Fire sprinkler updates

"Phase Two," set to begin in 2025, will encompass a complete renovation of the wet areas including showers and restrooms.

The total value of the locker room project is $5 million.

The locker room is housed in the Larry K. Durham Sports Center, which opened its doors in 2002. This is the first major upgrade to the 22 year-old facility.

To make a donation to the UTEP Football Locker Room Project, contact the Miner Athletic Club by calling (915) 747-8759 or emailing mac@utep.edu.

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