University of Nebraska-Lincoln Osborne Legacy Complex

Lincoln, United States

Opened in 2024
Architecture, Brand Activation, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

What does it mean to build a legacy? In Nebraska, a legacy isn’t simply inherited — it’s earned, and then reinforced with each new generation. When the University of Nebraska – Lincoln challenged us to Go Big, we knew this project demanded not just a building but a bold, living landmark.

Client

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Disciplines
Collections
- Collegiate Facilities
- Elite Training Facilities

The Osborne Legacy Complex at the University of Nebraska is more than just a building; it represents Nebraska’s commitment to progress, evolving in step with the demands of modern athletics, and celebrating the unbreakable Husker spirit that sets Nebraska apart.

This complex serves as football’s proud front door, embodying the future while grounding visitors in a storied past. As you approach, red soffits gleam beneath a striking, cantilevered edge — an iconic statement against the building’s sleek glass facade.

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The seamless 40-foot glass facade, unmatched in scale across campus, offers an inspiring, open invitation to the comprehensive history of Nebraska football. The lobby, infused with natural light, anchors the complex and provides a communal heartbeat for athletes and fans alike, featuring a grand 84-foot video board that brings the Husker legacy to life.

An atrium grand staircase connects all levels, anchoring the facility while offering a clear path through its various areas. This atrium is not only a gathering space but also a landmark that enhances connection throughout the facility while providing a canvas where the story of the previous Husker All-American’s is told.

The design of the facility integrates elements of Nebraska’s agrarian heritage, reflecting the state’s agricultural roots. The “Front Porch” plaza, terraced like Nebraska’s fields, features fire pits and symbolic paver bands representing crop rows that honor past players Brook Berringer and Sam Foltz. This design keeps Husker tradition alive, making every visitor and athlete feel a part of the legacy.

The Osborne Legacy Complex is more than a facility; it's a proving ground for champions forged in the Nebraska way. Built on a foundation of grit and resilience, every element elevates training and redefines what it means to go big.

Scott Gibson

Principal

For athletes, this is a place of transformation. Within cutting-edge training areas, an adjustable plyometric ramp — a global first — along with bounding stairs and state-of-the-art equipment, galvanizes the Husker weight room, positioning it at the pinnacle of sport. The recovery areas offer amenities such as red-light therapy, float pods, individualized active-recovery options and a spa-like cold plunge. This seamless transition from training to recovery prioritizes holistic care, empowering athletes to reach their peak performance.

A dedicated esports lounge, an escalator-accessible team meeting room and a locker room featuring translucent screens and L-shaped lockers collectively elevate the athlete experience. These thoughtfully designed spaces prioritize athletic performance, mental well-being and camaraderie. By fostering an environment for relaxation, collaboration and personal growth, the complex embodies a modern, performance-driven home for athletes — a true “Go Big” moment for Husker Football that nurtures the whole athlete.

The Osborne Legacy Complex stands as a monument to UNL’s unwavering commitment to its athletes, community and traditions. Blending cutting-edge design with a profound respect for history, this facility not only meets the needs of Nebraska Football but also captures the spirit of going big. 

More than just a training facility; this complex honors the enduring legacy of the Huskers while promising greatness yet to come. Its design goes beyond state-of-the-art amenities — it embodies Nebraska’s core values and prepares athletes for the challenges and victories ahead. The complex is now as essential to Nebraska as the traditions and people it celebrates — a physical embodiment of the story Nebraska will keep telling, season after season.

Disciplines Provided

Architecture
Architecture

The design of the Osborne Legacy Complex was driven by a bold vision to realign with what it means to be a Husker. UNL sought a transformative facility that would catalyze a cultural shift, fostering a new identity for Nebraska Football. Through virtual collaboration during the pandemic, we crafted a state-of-the-art, 315,000-square-foot training facility that honors Nebraska’s storied past while paving the way for a dynamic future.

At the heart of the complex is a grand lobby, oriented along key campus axes, featuring an 84-foot video board that tells the story of Nebraska athletics. This lobby serves as a public destination, drawing visitors in and showcasing the university’s commitment to athletics. The architectural principles we adhered to were clear: the building had to reflect Nebraska's history while embodying a modern training environment. With its 40-foot-tall glass facade, the complex stands out as a contemporary landmark that resonates with both athletes and the community.

We introduced innovative elements like the adjustable plyometric ramp — an industry first — enabling tailored training experiences. The expansive weight room boasts 40 racks, significantly more than standard facilities, and includes three glass hanger doors that open to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor training. This thoughtful design elevates Nebraska Football’s training experience, supporting athletes’ biological, psychological and social well-being through an environment rich in natural light and advanced recovery modalities.
Disciplines Provided

↳ Architecture

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Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture

The landscape design of the Osborne Legacy Complex is deeply rooted in Nebraska’s agricultural heritage, serving as a visual and experiential extension of Husker culture. The ‘Front Porch’ area is a gathering space that echoes the small-town community spirit of Nebraska, providing a place to see and be seen. This elevated plaza overlooks the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame, creating a welcoming environment for athletes and fans alike.

Strategically integrated within the landscape are 27 bands of pavers, symbolizing crop rows and paying tribute to the late Sam Foltz, whose legacy — represented by his jersey number 27— resonates throughout the program. The terraced planters mimic the state’s agrarian landscape, establishing a connection between the built environment and Nebraska’s rich agricultural roots. Fire pits, representing the three Heisman Trophy winners from UNL, encourage community gathering while anticipating future champions. Additionally, the upper plaza is 18 feet wide, honoring Brook Berringer, a beloved quarterback whose number 18 reflects his lasting impact on Husker football.

Sustainable elements are woven throughout the design, with a green roof on the Front Porch that minimizes the building’s visual impact and enhances the overall experience. The landscape invites public circulation between the stadium and the complex, ensuring accessibility and fostering a sense of community engagement. Every element—from the granite ‘N’ symbolizing “The Reflection of Perfection” to the commemorative features honoring athletes—reinforces the project’s legacy and connection to Nebraska’s heart and soul.
Disciplines Provided

↳ Landscape Architecture

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Interior Design
Interior Design

The interior design of the Osborne Legacy Complex prioritizes the athlete experience while reflecting the grit and determination that define Husker culture. A rich palette of black and steel establishes a bold aesthetic that resonates with players' daily challenges, while pops of Nebraska red guide circulation throughout the space. The facility, flooded with natural light, creates an uplifting atmosphere, where athletes can transition seamlessly from training to recovery.

Central to the interior experience is the weight room, strategically illuminated with uplighting to enhance visibility and minimize hotspots. The innovative locker room features L-shaped lockers for enhanced privacy, along with translucent screens that transform the environment into a theatrical experience on game days. This design fosters camaraderie and enhances the players' connection to the Husker legacy.

A dedicated esports lounge and game room create spaces for athletes to bond and recharge, while the second level houses a state-of-the-art training table and teaching kitchen, allowing athletes to learn essential nutritional skills. Every aspect of the interior is intentionally crafted to support the holistic development of student-athletes, ensuring that they can excel both on and off the field.
Disciplines Provided

↳ Interior Design
Brand Activation
Brand Activation

The branding strategy for the Osborne Legacy Complex was rooted in Nebraska's ethos and history, driving the design process from inception to completion. Through in-depth interviews and research, we identified the core values that define the Cornhuskers — resilience, hard work and community. This understanding informed every decision, ensuring that the facility not only reflects Nebraska’s storied past but also positions the program for future success.

Environmental graphics and wayfinding were developed to enhance the visitor experience, creating a cohesive narrative that guides users through the facility. The striking video board in the lobby serves as a central focal point, reinforcing Nebraska’s legacy while offering a dynamic storytelling platform. Activations celebrating the Blackshirts and tailored meeting rooms further immerse players in their rich heritage, blending history with modern functionality.

As visitors walk through the complex, they encounter a well-orchestrated journey that emphasizes Nebraska's commitment to excellence. The design fosters a sense of identity, empowering athletes to engage with their history while embracing their future. By creating a space that honors tradition and promotes innovation, we positioned the Osborne Legacy Complex as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
Disciplines Provided

↳ Brand Activation