Football playbooks don't change much — routes, formations, and strategies may have different names, but at the end of the day, there are only so many ways to run a play. The same goes for how many college football programs handle their sports equipment storage rooms.
But just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean it's the best way. Thinking outside the box, whether on the field or in the equipment room, can be a game-changer.
Building on Tradition
Georgia Tech football has been a powerhouse since 1892, and with a full roster of athletes and staff, keeping track of gear is no small task. Helmets, jerseys, cleats — everything needs a place, and an efficient sports equipment storage room is essential.
For Tom Conner, Georgia Tech's Director of Equipment Operations, organization wasn't just a goal. It was a necessity. When he secured approval to upgrade the team's storage with high-density compact shelving, the mission was simple: create a system that keeps everything accessible and under control.
"Once we knew we were getting the right high-density unit, my assistant and I sat down and mapped out how we wanted to use it," said Conner. "We went back and forth on the details, refining the layout to make sure every piece of equipment had a place. Then we worked with Patterson Pope to take our ideas from rough sketches to a fully functional design."
At Patterson Pope, the goal is always to turn a client's vision into a reality. That starts with understanding their needs and designing a solution that fits — down to the last inch. With expert planning and collaboration, Georgia Tech's sports equipment storage room has transformed into a system that maximized space, improved organization, and kept gear easily accessible.
Before the renovation, Georgia Tech's jerseys were stored on a simple rack mounted to a concrete wall. Some were easy to grab, but others? Not so much. Reaching the higher rows meant dragging over a stool, balancing carefully, and hoping for the best.
"It wasn't a comfortable situation," recalled Conner. "With this new unit, we wanted every uniform to be easily accessible — and we made that happen. Maybe we're only saving 20 minutes at a time, but when you're doing that day in and day out, it adds up. Now, everything is right where we need it."
New Synergies in a New Space
With 675 square feet to work with, Conner and his team made every inch count. Their new setup includes four moveable carriages operated by Mechanical Assist, plus a stationary end unit. Standing 10.5 feet high, these shelves provide plenty of room for jerseys, pants, shoes, hats, and just about every other piece of gear the team needs.
"You can walk up to our white/gold uniforms and grab exactly what you need," said Conner. "Turn around, and there are the white/white uniforms. Roll a carriage over, and you've got all the blue/blue uniforms. Everything has a place, and it's all laid out in a way that just makes sense."
A key part of the redesign was creating dedicated storage for the entire staff. Each of the 38 team members — including coaches, coordinators, graduate assistants, operations staff, and even student assistants — now has their own cubby or locker. Every detail was mapped out in advance to ensure a system that worked from day one.
"The way we designed everything gave us the ability to be flexible," said Conner. "Now we can accommodate anywhere from 100 to 140 players, making it easier to keep everything organized no matter how the roster shifts."
Support on the Sidelines
In addition to the high-density unit, Georgia Tech added a Rousseau butcher block countertop — real wood, not Formica or high-pressure laminate. Spanning 18 feet along the wall and measuring 32 inches wide, it provides a durable workspace while maximizing storage underneath for four travel cases. Above it, sports cabinets offer organized storage for everything from toiletries to cleaning supplies, ensuring every essential has a designated spot.
"We're really happy with how everything turned out," said Conner. "Patterson Pope gave us exactly what we needed. We knew there would be some tweaks along the way, but overall, the setup is ideal. It looks great, boosts efficiency, and makes day-to-day operations easier."
With a well-planned sports equipment storage room, Georgia Tech not only optimized their space but also set themselves up for future growth. The improved organization, added flexibility, and efficient layout make it a winning investment — both for game day and beyond.
Make a Bold Game Plan
For other equipment managers considering a storage upgrade, Conner has one key piece of advice:
"Don't be afraid to be bold and make the design your own," he said. "A lot of people assume they have to go with a cookie-cutter solution, but that's not the case. Take the time to map out your ideal setup, tweak it, and make it happen. The effort is worth it — because in the end, the right system makes all the difference."
It's all about execution.
For more information on this project, check out our case study. Or talk to a Patterson Pope expert today and see how a customized solution can work for your space.
