Executive Summary
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. The lobby, infused with natural light, provides a communal heartbeat for athletes and fans alike, featuring a grand 84-foot video board that brings the Husker legacy to life.
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.
Submitting Organization: Populous
Photo Credits: Matt Kocourek
Detailed Nomination
Nestled alongside the iconic Memorial Stadium, the Osborne Legacy Complex emerges as the latest landmark in the University of Nebraska’s illustrious athletic history. This $165 million, 315,000-square-foot facility is dedicated primarily to the Husker football program, standing as one of the most expansive athletic centers in the nation. Named in honor of Tom Osborne, the legendary football coach who led Nebraska to three NCAA national championships, the complex seamlessly integrates with the flagship campus, setting a new standard for the future of Nebraska football.
Our design not only honors Nebraska’s rich football legacy but also propels the brand into a new era, creating a timeless aesthetic that bridges its storied past with a bold future. The Osborne Legacy Complex, with its state-of-the-art offerings, is set to become a pivotal asset in attracting top football talent from across the country, ensuring that Nebraska remains a powerhouse in collegiate athletics.
Serving as the heart of the complex, the experience lobby is where the storied past of Nebraska football and the future icons of the program will be showcased. A striking red cantilevered roof invites visitors into this public space, which features an oak grandstand, an 85-foot video board displaying the latest athletic news, and a trophy case that celebrates Husker history. The complex also includes academic and dining facilities designed to support all 700 Husker student-athletes, crafted with a hospitality ethos, incorporate fireplaces and indoor/outdoor spaces to foster a welcoming, community-centered environment.
After extensive research and consultation with student-athletes, we recognized the importance of prioritizing their health and well-being in the design. To this end, we included features such as custom hot and cold plunges, float pods, and a wellness spa to aid in recovery. A full-height atrium with a lightwell floods the building with natural light, promoting biological orientation for athletes who often face sleep deprivation and long hours on campus. The layout also thoughtfully considers psychological and social recovery, with strategically placed crossover zones that encourage spontaneous interactions among athletes.
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 interior design strikes a balance between modernity and warmth, with blackened steel and glass juxtaposed against oak and hot rolled steel, symbolizing the grit and resilience of the athletes. The Huskers’ signature red is subtly yet purposefully woven into the facility’s wayfinding system, with fine red lines reminiscent of the football helmets’ stripe, and bold Husker-branded elements marking key points of interest.
In a state without professional sports teams, the Huskers are more than a collegiate program—they are a source of pride for the entire community. For fans, the revamped complex not only elevates the game-day experience but also deepens the sense of unity and belonging.
The Osborne Legacy Complex is designed to elevate the health and performance of every Husker football player, while also supporting all student-athletes, fostering a culture of collaborative sports excellence. Its clean, understated details reflect the singularity of purpose that defines the Nebraska brand, as it continues to build on its legacy for generations to come.
