Football season is — gulp — drawing to a close. But that doesn't mean the work is over. While fans shift their focus to March Madness, equipment managers know the off-season is prime time to overhaul their football storage solutions to get everything in top shape for next year.
Shoulder pads, helmets, jerseys, mouthguards — football gear takes up a ton of space, and without the right storage setup, it can turn into chaos fast.
A well-designed football storage rack system isn't just about keeping things tidy. It protects equipment, improves accessibility, and makes life easier for the people managing it all. Without the right setup — wide-span shelving, bin dividers, totes, hanging rods, and locking drawers — managing all that equipment becomes a challenge.
How Pro Teams Stay Organized in the Off-Season
Even at the pro level, teams are always looking for better ways to store and manage their gear. Just ask the Carolina Panthers.
When they revamped their football gear storage at Bank of America Stadium, they didn't just tweak a few shelves. They doubled their storage capacity with a custom setup featuring high-density mobile storage, static shelving, and modular drawer cabinets to handle everything from helmets and uniforms to shoulder pads and sweatsuits.
"We probably increased our space by 100 percent," said equipment manager Jackie Miles. With player gear, apparel, and specialty items expanding every season, it was clear that their old system wasn't cutting it. By maximizing vertical space and implementing mobile shelving, the Panthers created a flexible, future-proof solution that keeps everything organized, accessible, and game-ready.
Pro teams aren't just upgrading storage for fun. They do it because a smarter setup saves time, protects gear, and improves efficiency. The same principles apply whether you're managing a D1 college team or a high school program.
How College Programs Optimize Football Storage
At the college level, the right football storage rack setup isn't just about organization — it's a competitive advantage.
When Florida State University revamped its football gear storage, they didn't just focus on efficiency. They built a showpiece. With high-density shelving, individual player cubbies, and hip-high work tables for repairs, the upgrade boosted storage capacity by 35%.
But the biggest impact came from the FSU Seminoles logo and action graphics woven into the design, turning the space into an equipment room and a recruiting tool. "My goal was to create a space that had a little bit of a 'wow' factor," said equipment manager Darin Kerns. "Recruits are coming through here, and I want them to see and feel that this is an exciting place to be."
Wake Forest University took a different approach. With 12 different sports sharing the same storage space, maximizing every inch was crucial. By using six lockable, high-density mobile shelving units, the Demon Deacons fit everything into just 20% of their 5,000-square-foot facility, freeing up the rest for shipping, receiving, and even office space.
"That leaves me a ton of open floor space," said Assistant Athletic Director Roxann Moody. "Now everyone's got room for their own stuff. It's spacious, it's comfortable, and it just makes sense."
Scoring Big with High School Football Gear Storage
The right football gear storage system isn't just for the pros and college teams. High school football programs often face the toughest storage challenges — limited space, growing equipment demands, and tight budgets. But a well-designed football storage rack system can change the game.
Take Brentwood High School in Nashville, where Patterson Pope designed a custom storage system using static shelving, cantilever shelving, and specialized shoulder pad storage to maximize their tight 200-square-foot equipment space.
“The students think it looks more like a college setup,” said Brentwood’s equipment manager Gabriel Evans. “They take pride knowing that their stuff looks great, is super organized, and clean. I like them feeling that they’re being taken care of and that we’re doing things the right way.”
At Kennesaw Mountain High School in Georgia, the challenge was even bigger — their equipment room serves five separate football teams. A cluttered, disorganized space made it difficult to track gear and access the right equipment when it was needed most.
To fix this, the school installed a high-density mobile storage system and adjustable shelving, creating a designated place for every piece of equipment.
"Now, we not only know exactly where everything is, but it's a lot easier to get to, and that's a big deal," said Varsity Head Coach Andy Scott.
Make the Most of the Off-Season
Off-season isn't just for rest. It's the perfect time to rethink football gear storage and make sure everything is organized, protected, and ready for next season. From pro teams to high schools, storage upgrades can make a big impact — not just in keeping equipment secure but in making day-to-day operations smoother for coaches, players, and equipment managers alike.
Not sure where to start? Whether you need a full football storage rack system or just better shelving, our team can help you find the right fit. Schedule a free consultation today.
