A project with deep emotional roots and a far-reaching vision.

Replacing the campus’s revered Mac Court, famous for being one of the most challenging basketball courts in the league, the Matthew Knight Arena honors the life and legacy of Matthew Knight, the son of Nike co-founder and university alumni Philip Knight and his wife Penny. As a gateway building giving visitors their first impression of the University, the building exemplifies the institution’s core values of progressive thinking, education and environmental stewardship.

Sited directly adjacent to the UO Ford Alumni Center also designed by TVA, the Arena plaza creates a forecourt for both buildings and results in a series of energetic, richly detailed, and highly-activated spaces that have become integral to the campus. The exterior space has been designed for a sudden influx of thousands of people, or for times with minimal activity.

TVA worked with the State of Oregon SEED program to achieve a 20 percent energy reduction below code. The building design gives views of arena activities from the outside through transparent materials and allows the main circulation to be open to both the arena and concourses throughout. The facility features luxury suites low in the seating bowl that place suite holders closer to the action while providing separation for private events. Accommodating the growing Eugene community, the Matthew Knight Arena will allow increased flexibility for non-basketball events, such as volleyball and badminton, as well as concerts and family shows.