A History of Basketball Courts at the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon's basketball program boasts a rich history, deeply intertwined with the evolution of its home courts. From the venerable McArthur Court, affectionately known as "The Pit," to the modern Matthew Knight Arena, the story of Oregon basketball is etched into the very wood and design of these iconic venues. This article explores the historical significance, architectural nuances, and unique character of the University of Oregon's basketball courts, highlighting their impact on the program and the fan experience.

McArthur Court: The Legacy of "The Pit"

McArthur Court, often called "Mac Court" or "The Pit," holds a special place in the hearts of Oregon Ducks fans. Opened on January 14, 1927, with a 38-10 victory over Willamette University, it served as the home of Oregon basketball for 83 years. Named after Clifton N. "Pat" McArthur, a distinguished alumnus and the university's first student body president, Mac Court quickly became renowned for its intimate setting and raucous atmosphere.

Architectural Evolution and Unique Character

Designed by Lawrence and Holford, with Ellis F. Lawrence as the chief designer, McArthur Court's construction began in June 1926 and concluded in December of the same year. The original structure could seat 6,000 spectators. Over the years, a number of renovations in 1937, 1949, the 1950s, and 1996, expanded the capacity to a peak of 10,063 before settling at 9,087.

Mac Court's unique and antiquated structure contributed significantly to its intimidating atmosphere. The close proximity of the fans to the court, with rickety, wooden bleachers suspended over the ancient wooden floor, created an unparalleled environment for college basketball. The maple floor would bounce under the weight of the student section, amplifying the noise and energy within the arena. This led Sporting News to name it the "best gym in America" in 2001. Sports writer and arena researcher Bill Kintner also ranked McArthur Court among his top five college basketball arenas in America, citing its history, character, and atmosphere.

Memorable Moments and Events

McArthur Court witnessed numerous memorable moments in Oregon basketball history. Among its finest moments were two upsets over #1 UCLA in the mid-1970s and another upset of the top-ranked Bruins on January 6, 2007. An undefeated home season in 2001-02 propelled the Ducks to the "Elite Eight" in the NCAA Tournament.

Beyond basketball, Mac Court also served as a venue for concerts and other events. Elvis Presley performed there on November 25 and 27, 1976, and The Grateful Dead played on January 22, 1978, a performance that was officially released as Dave's Picks Volume 23. The arena also hosted political figures, solidifying its place as a central gathering space for the university and the wider community.

The Transition and Legacy

As the University of Oregon's athletic program grew, the need for a modern arena became apparent. In 2011, the Matthew Knight Arena opened, marking the end of an era for McArthur Court. The final men's basketball game at Mac Court saw the Sun Devils win, 60-55, as fans bid farewell to the storied venue.

Despite no longer hosting the Ducks' primary basketball games, Mac Court remains an important part of the University of Oregon. It is currently designated as a surge facility space, providing temporary accommodation for university departments during building renovations. While discussions continue about the long-term future of the building, its legacy as "The Pit" endures in the memories of players, coaches, and fans alike.

Matthew Knight Arena: A New Era of Innovation

The Matthew Knight Arena (MKA) is a 12,364-seat multi-purpose arena, marking a new chapter in Oregon basketball history. The arena is located on the east side of campus at the corner of Franklin Boulevard and Villard Street. It serves as the home for the Oregon Ducks men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the volleyball team. The arena officially opened on January 13, 2011, with a men's basketball game against the USC Trojans.

Design and Features

The arena is named after Matthew Knight, the son of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, who tragically died in a scuba diving accident at the age of 34. The arena's construction cost $227 million and was a collaborative effort between TVA Architects of Portland and Ellerbe Becket of Kansas City, Missouri. The arena floor is named the Kilkenny Floor, after former Oregon Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny.

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One of the most striking features of Matthew Knight Arena is its distinctive court design, originally called "Deep in the Woods." Conceived by Tinker Hatfield, it features repeating silhouettes of Pacific Northwest tree lines. This design aimed to create the impression of being lost in the forest, gazing toward the sky, a nod to Oregon's natural beauty. The arena also boasts a 32-by-36-foot, 65,000-pound center-hung scoreboard, once the largest in college sports.

The 2024 Court Redesign: A Nod to History, A Leap Forward

In the summer of 2024, the University of Oregon unveiled a redesigned basketball court at Matthew Knight Arena, blending historical elements with a fresh, vibrant aesthetic. The new design retains the essence of the "Deep in the Woods" concept but introduces brighter colors and refined details.

Paying Homage to the Past

The redesign process involved a deep dive into the history of Oregon basketball and the original vision behind Matthew Knight Arena. Todd Van Horne, the Founder of Van Horne Designs and Creative Director of the project, emphasized the importance of understanding what resonated with fans in the original design. The goal was to reimagine those elements in a way that felt both familiar and innovative.

Van Horne highlighted the original intent, conceived with Tinker Hatfield, of representing Matthew Knight looking down from the heavens, with those on Earth looking up. The trees surrounding the court symbolize the unique environment of Eugene and Oregon. To further honor Matthew Knight, the court features a "Soaring Ducks" formation near the key on both ends, resembling the "Missing Man" formation in the Air Force, a tribute to his legacy.

Capturing the Essence of Oregon's Wilderness

A key element of the redesign was capturing the true essence of the Oregon wilderness. Photographers were sent into the surrounding forests to capture the unique characteristics of evergreen trees. These photographs were then digitized and incorporated into the court design, ensuring that no two trees are alike. This meticulous approach ensures that the court reflects the authentic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

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Embracing Color and Energy

One of the most noticeable changes in the new design is the increased vibrance of the colors. The brownish tint of the evergreen trees in the old design has been replaced with vibrant greens and yellows. This change aims to brighten up the arena and create a more energetic atmosphere.

Todd Van Horne explained that the goal was to surround the court with the beauty of the color of green grass, reflecting the lush landscapes of Eugene. The design team wanted the court to feel like a living part of the arena, contributing to the excitement and energy of the games.

Wood as a Symbol of Oregon

The design team also placed a strong emphasis on the wood itself, drawing inspiration from a quote by Bill Bowerman: "Wood is Oregon, and Oregon is wood." Instead of covering up the woodgrain patterns with opaque paint, the new design allows the natural character of the wood to show through. The warm and rich color of the wood is brought out by using an oil finish, reminiscent of MacArthur Court, rather than the bleached wood look that has become popular elsewhere.

A New Identity for a New Era

The redesign of the Matthew Knight Arena court reflects the University of Oregon's commitment to innovation while honoring its rich history. As the Ducks embark on a new era in the Big Ten Conference, the revitalized court serves as a symbol of their enduring spirit and connection to the Oregon landscape. The goal is to create an environment that feels like home, instilling a sense of pride and passion in players and fans alike.

Quinn Van Horne emphasized that the aim was to create a microcosm of what makes Oregon special, reiterating the stories and passions that make people proud to be Oregon Ducks and Oregonians. By walking into Matthew Knight Arena, visitors should feel like they are entering a place that embodies the essence of Oregon, where the spirit of innovation and the legacy of the past come together.

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