The Story of Matthew Knight Arena–Preview, Photos

Recently I was given the opportunity to tour Matthew Knight Arena, the University of Oregon’s new basketball home, courtesy of its mastermind, TVA Architects. Calling it an arena seems a little understated though; spectacle is probably a more apt description.

Named for the late son of Nike founder and Oregon über-booster Phil Knight, Matthew Knight Arena stretches 405,000 square feet and embodies the spirit of the state and University of Oregon, having been built to specifications that have U of O expecting it to be the first LEED gold-certified arena in the NCAA due to its minimal environmental-impact. But while the unique design, which uses 30% less energy than similar buildings, and space-saving underground parking garage (with a capacity of 370 cars) are a boon to the arena’s eco-friendly image, the aesthetic qualities were clearly a primary focus as well.

The surface area of Matthew Knight Arena is 30% glass, a window-centric construction that exudes the structure’s inner-light and energy, while allowing an anticipatory, excitement-building view for inward lookers. Once inside the building, the striking wooden walls of the concourse call to mind an auditorium more than a basketball arena, while the regular photographic wall inlays, featuring past Oregon players from the 1939 national champions to more recent standouts like Luke Ridnour, ensure the spirit of McArthur Court is not lost in Matthew Knight Arena.

The inner-sanctum—that is, the seating bowl and court—also quite clearly draw inspiration from Mac Court, with the seats constructed in a nearly vertical fashion so that even the highest row seems to hang over the court. Meanwhile, the complete lack of skyboxes seems more fitting of 1926 (the year Mac Court’s construction began) than 2011.

Despite all the accoutrements included in the design of the arena, as well as the attention to detail, it’s still the court itself—Kilkenny Floor, named in honor of Oregon booster and former athletic director Pat Kilkenny—that is the most attention-grabbing aspect. Rather than opting for a simple, classic look, the university brought in renowned Nike designer Tinker Hatfield to create something truly singular. The resulting design is something to behold, featuring a from-the-forest-floor perspective of fir trees surrounding center court, where the design fades to a plainer area. The trees pay homage to that 1939 championship team, then nicknamed the Tall Firs, while also hoping to give the Ducks a homecourt advantage by causing the opposition to feel “Deep in the Woods,” a phrase which adorns the floor.

McArthur Court is Oregon basketball, and it’s historic value and place in the hearts of most Ducks fans and Oregon alumni is irreplaceable. But rather than try to replace it, in Matthew Knight Arena the University of Oregon and TVA have created something separate entirely, yet still embodying the spirit of Mac Court. It is simultaneously a breathtaking architectural accomplishment, and a constant tribute to all things Oregon: past, present and future.

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