Better Fan Experiences and Connection
The University of Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse, dubbed “The Cathedral of College Basketball,” has undergone a renovation led by Multistudio, a national design firm and trusted partner of KU for 40+ years. The renovation highlights the fieldhouse’s legacy while introducing contemporary touches that enhance the fan experience, inclusivity, and connectivity.
At the heart of the renovation, Multistudio’s team preserved the historic James Naismith Court, honoring the inventor of basketball and KU’s first coach. Previously limited to two donor spaces, the new design incorporates several high-touch areas offering panoramas and premium experiences. These spaces, designed for alums and key stakeholders, are intended to foster relationships and cultivate the next wave of Jayhawk supporters. A new “Banners Pub,” inspired by the many championship banners hanging overhead, offers lower-tier donors a gathering space with food and drink options, modern design elements, and historic nods. The team also modernized the original donor spaces, the Naismith Room and the donor atrium, which now feature a contemporary layout and immersive lighting inspired by KU’s iconic scoreboard.
The renovation incorporates a wayfinding system through expanded concourses that unite the historic facility with the updated renovation. These pathways improve navigation while providing elevated concessions and other fan amenities, including interactive seating zones, lounges, merchandising opportunities, and display areas. Subtle nods to KU’s history ensure the spirit of the past remains ever-present; tributes to the site’s history include glass walls etched with the fieldhouse’s original blueprints and graphics showcasing the evolution of the beloved Jayhawk mascot throughout the years.
Multistudio’s inclusive design approach gives equal emphasis to men’s and women’s basketball programs, underscoring KU’s commitment to celebrating all athletic achievements. Beyond sports, the reimagined facility is intended to foster a sense of connection for students, alumni, donors, and fans.
