University of Kansas Allen Fieldhouse

Preserving the Heart of KU Basketball

Known as the “Cathedral of College Basketball,” Allen Fieldhouse is a storied arena that has hosted unforgettable games and set records since its opening in 1955. Allen Fieldhouse is named after Forrest C. “Phog” Allen, the notable KU basketball coach who played for and was trained by James Naismith, the game’s founder, a longtime KU professor of physical culture, and its first basketball coach. Multistudio was tasked with preserving the building’s legacy while delivering a recharged, fan-centered experience that enhances every game.

The Impact

Multistudio transformed Allen Fieldhouse with new, high-touch areas like the “Banners Pub,” an inclusive design recognizing both men’s and women’s programs, and a connected experience between concourses and concessions that celebrates KU’s legacy. Interactive seating zones, donor spaces, and design touches—like etched blueprints and wheat field graphics—unite past and future, embracing every generation of Jayhawk supporters.

Honoring History and Elevating Experience

Multistudio preserved the original James Naismith Court and created a seamless architectural connection to the nearby DeBruce Center, home to basketball’s founding rules. Each new space honors KU’s role in the sport’s evolution and fosters a sense of belonging among all who gather within its walls.

When I describe [The David Booth Memorial Stadium], think of an outdoor Allen Fieldhouse. That's what we are shooting for. To create that type of energy for a player in the middle of a game, talk about a home-field advantage. Douglas Girod Chancellor, University of Kansas