Multistudio Completes Transformation of Historic University of Kansas Allen Fieldhouse, Regarded as the “Cathedral of College Basketball”
The University of Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse, often hailed as “The Cathedral of College Basketball,” has undergone a transformative renovation led by Multistudio, a national design firm and trusted partner of KU for 40+ years.
This sensitive renovation highlights the fieldhouse’s legacy while introducing contemporary touches that enhance the fan experience, inclusivity, and connectivity. The reimagined 325,000 sq. ft. arena, which debuted at the October 29th Washburn exhibition game, represents Multistudio’s approach to thoughtful design interventions to celebrated cultural landmarks.
KU Athletics honored the Multistudio design team, Turner Construction, who served as the Contractor, and the KU Facilities staff for their commitment to the project during the October 29th game. This recognition brought together the individuals who have worked to balance modern updates while respecting the arena’s historical significance.
Since its 1955 dedication, Allen Fieldhouse has been a cultural symbol for the University of Kansas. Multistudio’s team focused on maintaining the essence of the arena while creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for athletes, fans, alumni, and students. Multistudio’s team preserved the historic James Naismith Court, honoring the inventor of basketball and KU’s first coach. The Fieldhouse is connected to the DeBruce Center, designed by Multistudio in 2016. The DeBruce Center is home to James Naismith’s original rules of basketball. It features an interactive exhibit with the 451-word rules, complemented by the only known audio of Naismith himself describing the game.
Previously limited to two donor spaces, Multistudio designed several high-touch areas offering panoramas and premium experiences. These spaces, designed for alums and key stakeholders, foster relationships and cultivate the next wave of Jayhawk supporters. The new “Banners Pub,” inspired by the many championship banners hanging overhead, will offer lower-tier donors a vibrant 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, creating an experience that resonates with fans of all ages. These 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 Allen Fieldhouse fosters a sense of connection for students, alumni, donors, and fans. This renovation is a true collaboration between Multistudio and KU, with each space thoughtfully integrated to honor the Fieldhouse’s legacy while looking forward.