UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
Matthew Knight Arena
"Oregonian's are very proud of the history of our basketball program, and I think that's reflected in the design."
- Dana Altman, Head Coach, Oregon Ducks Men's Basketball
CLIENT
As winners of the inaugural NCAA basketball championship in 1939, the University of Oregon has a long and proud history of hardwood competitiveness.
CHALLENGE
How to design a state-of-the-art basketball arena that would welcome its devoted Oregon fans with the intimacy and passion of the much beloved and hallowed field house it was replacing?
SOLUTION
We partnered with the University of Oregon and the arena design teams to create a multi-sensory, uniquely Oregon fan experience that feels like “home.” From the “Anthem to the Fan” that speaks to the heart of the arena; to the heritage burnished into the shroud wall that wraps the concourse; in materials that recall the old arena; and in on-court and wall hero graphics, concessions signage, club, and team spaces.
IMPACT
We connect with things that are larger than life—that spark imagination and surprise; are new, authentic, bold and relevant. We connect with them honestly, personally and passionately. At the heart of every choreographed user experience, we create, is the desire to foster greater human connection. Underlying the success at Mathew Knight Arena is a thorough consideration of the specific needs of diverse users, and where each enters and connects to the experience journey.
DISCIPLINES
Concept Development
Art Direction & Design
Brand Strategy
Environmental Design
This sleek exterior view of this state-of-the-art facility showcases the contrasting challenge of activating a fan experience that welcomes long-time fans that connects and extends the great feelings this community has for the beloved former arena.
We were engaged very early in the arena project, including the creation of the Mac to Matt website promoting construction progress and ticket sales for the new home of Oregon basketball.
The shroud wall that encircles the concourse layers stories of Oregon's great moments and players within thematic imagery and messaging. On the far wall is the arena’s dedication and fan anthem.
Downstream developed unique identities for each of the premium spaces throughout the arena.
The McArthur Club celebrates the rich history of the program using recreations of centercourt logos and historical photography from the legendary McArthur Court.
The O-Hub has quickly become one of the signature aspects of the pre-game ceremony and recruiting path in Matthew Knight Arena. In addition the AV design and custom content creation, Downstream has been responsible for all experiential design and branding elements in the arena.
Environmental graphics throughout the team spaces leveraged unique elements of the Oregon brand to create one-of-a-kind executions.
