As tight end Isaiah Likely rehabbed from a training camp foot injury, he sat watching practice just a few feet from both the grass and a treatment table, with a 50-foot lap pool just a short slant route away.

This is the new reality for Ravens players after a massive offseason renovation at the Under Armour Performance Center. At the same time, the new premium performance and wellness space is totally unreal.

The Ravens poured over every detail to build a reimagined new space, yet they pulled off what would typically be an 18-month build in under six months. And Owner Steve Bisciotti spared no expense in doing so, fully funding the north of $20 million project himself.

"I've been around to a couple different teams and it's night and day," Ravens Head Certified Athletic Trainer Adrian Dixon said. "The leadership here is fully committed to providing whatever the players [need]. And not only give it to them but give them the best out there."

After conversations with players, coaches, and staff, the plan was formulated for a massive expansion that brought more space, more light, and more ease of access and flow.

The training room is now highlighted by a 135-foot operable glass wall (the largest in North America) that opens to the practice field with 18 huge sliding doors, flooding the room with natural light and unobstructed views.

The idea is to help players get on and off the field easier and connect players in the recovery process with those on the field. Dixon said players used to joke that it felt like a "dungeon" in the recovery area. Now, the doors have (literally) been opened.

"When you're dealing with an injury that keeps you away or a guy is on injured reserve, you kind of feel disconnected, like you're not even part of the team," Dixon said. "Having the ability to at least visualize it, feel like you're out there somewhat, even if it's just opening a door to make them feel that way, it helps a guy. It gives them motivation to keep going."

The concept is biophilia, which is essentially using nature to aid in the healing process. The Ravens used that principle throughout the design to foster a calming, high-performance environment, even down to the use of natural wood from Estonia that could handle the humidity of heated pools.

A massive skylight centered over a two-lane, 50-foot lap pool is one of the most striking features. The pool is flanked by a therapy pool with an underwater treadmill and cameras that can show doctors how a player is moving. There are hot and cold plunge pools large enough to accommodate up to 20 linemen each. There's a suite featuring custom-built infrared saunas and Cryotherm plunge pools.

The details are striking. In the hydrotherapy suite is a "Raven Wall" with a custom etching of an artistic raven emblem comprised of 53 – one for each player on the roster – smaller ravens. They're all painted in Ravens gold.

It's not as fancy-looking, but there's a full doctor's clinic featuring two fully-stocked offices, an isolation room for additional privacy, and an X-ray machine. Players needing immediate medical attention can now get care more quickly.

This week, a new Ammortal Machine retailing at nearly $160,000 will be delivered, making the Ravens only the second team in the NFL to have one in their facility. The machine's website advertises it as the "fastest way to reset, recharge, and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit." Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been using it to deal with his back injury this summer.

"We wanted this area to look and feel like if you went to your own private doctor," Dixon said.

While better treatment and nutritional facilities (there's also a rooftop garden growing food for the cafeteria) help players' bodies, the Ravens also believe it will give them a psychological advantage. It could also give them an advantage when it comes to keeping and recruiting players.

The annual NFLPA report card is one way that players make their voices heard about working conditions in their facilities. It's also word of mouth.

When it comes to that, the Ravens are getting rave reviews already. Quarterback Tyler Huntley and defensive end Brent Urban were like a "deer in headlights" when they re-signed with Baltimore this offseason and saw the transformation, Dixon said.

"It was pretty cool to see," Dixon said. "When we start going into free agency next year, the other teams are going to be hard-pressed to steal guys from us. It's going to make a real impact."

Ravens Senior Vice President of Operations Simon Gelan, a pillar of the project's leadership, studied and took inspiration from other team facilities, including the Tottenham Hotspurs, San Antonio Spurs, and Oregon Ducks.

ZGF Architects also designed the Spurs and Ducks projects. Whiting-Turner miraculously got it built in a very tight timeline. And now Ravens players are the beneficiaries.

The Under Armour Performance Center is nicknamed "The Castle" and the reasons why just keep growing.

"Over 20 years ago, Steve Bisciotti's vision for 'The Castle' established a new standard for training facilities across global sport and reflected his commitment to the pursuit of championships and giving players the very best," Ravens President Sashi Brown stated.

"The sole focus of this renovation and investment was our players. The result is absolutely transformative for our ability to provide our players first-class healthcare and an incredible overall experience. And of course, we are never done or satisfied, nor do we stop innovating, so stay tuned."