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University of Kansas - Allen Fieldhouse

Honoring the past, shaping the future—Multistudio's Brand Experience and Interiors Teams reimagine Allen Fieldhouse for the next generation of Jayhawks.

Location
Lawrence, KS
Client
University of Kansas
Practices
Interiors
Size
325,000 SF
Year
2024
Awards

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.

Level One
Level Two

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

Related Article

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Discovery and Research
September 1, 2021
Additional Credits

General Contractor: Turner Construction

Structural Engineer: Bob D. Campbell

MEP Engineer: Henderson Engineers

Fabrication: Dimmensional Innovations

Photography: University of Kansas, Nate Sheets, & Bryan Tarnowski

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