The University of Oregon is now home to one of the most high-tech sports facilities in college football.
The Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center (MMSPC) just opened in Eugene and the UO this week detailed some the building’s more innovative features.
Science and sport converge. See for yourself. #GoDucks
Story || https://t.co/0RNiZOzL57 pic.twitter.com/KQjsHGoRtb
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 25, 2016
The building, which honors Heisman Trophy winner and current Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, has a bevy of advanced sports science technologies designed to keep players in tip-top shape.
They include a motion capture system that can identify potential injuries; a bone density scanner; a neurocognitive center that helps diagnose and treat concussions; pneumatic compression units that reduce muscle soreness; sleep pods; and more.
Passive Recovery. Sleep pods for days. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/UWC8iAj2gF
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 25, 2016
Student-athletes will also be able to track workouts and see their results with touchscreens. Personal data is fed to an “athlete management system” that crunches the numbers and provides feedback.
There is also a helmet construction workshop that allows for a “NASCAR-like rebuild” of helmets. Even the laundry system is advanced, allowing staff to complete 500 pounds of laundry at once.
The Lobby. A grand entrance. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/oN8tfsqdvI
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 25, 2016
#WinTheDay pic.twitter.com/I9gANzl65N
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 25, 2016
The MMSPC was paid for by Nike co-founder and UO grad Phil Knight and his wife Penny for an estimated $19 million. “Uncle Phil” is honored at the center:
The Haberdashery. Fit for kings.#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/lMwt9Wlayt
— GoDucks (@GoDucks) August 25, 2016
GoDucks.com noted that Dr. Greg Skaggs, UO director of athletic medicine, traveled to NASA’s headquarters, as well as Australia, to conduct research for the sports science aspects of the building.
The UO football team is also testing high-tech helmets developed by Seattle startup Vicis, but the company recently pulled their product, citing the need to improve comfort and fit for players.
