UO release – The court in Matthew Knight Arena has a fresh new look for Oregon’s first season in the Big Ten Conference. A new court design at Matthew Knight Arena retains essential features of the building’s original surface while updating the look with a fresh feel for Oregon’s debut as a member of the Big Ten Conference in 2024-25 and beyond. Highlighting the new Kilkenny Court surface are a more prominent ‘O’ logo at center court, a reimagining of the tree design reminding opponents they’re playing “Deep in The Woods” when they come to Eugene, and other touches conceptualized by the design team at Van Horne Brands, led by Todd Van Horne and Quinn Van Horne. By enlarging the university logo at center court and making the trees ringing the surface more transparent, the most powerful brand in collegiate sports will command the eye for those entering Matthew Knight Arena next season and beyond. The court’s stain is intended to bring out the natural tones of the hardwood surface, while the baselines are trimmed in Oregon’s Apple Green — reinforcing the truth that “The Grass is Damn Green in Eugene.” Among the key elements retained from the original court design, unveiled when the arena opened in 2011, are the tree imagery originally conceived of by Tinker Hatfield. More than 270 photos of trees from around the Northwest were taken to incorporate in the design, reinforcing the deep roots of the university in the region. The transparency of the trees also will enhance the natural tones of the hardwood. The Kilkenny Court mark at each end includes a new image blending a shamrock with a Duck foot, honoring the “Lucky Duck” charitable foundation started in 2005 by Stephanie and Pat Kilkenny. And the surface incorporates a tribute to the arena’s namesake, Matthew Knight, who passed away in 2004. Near each baseline are images of Ducks flying in a “missing man” formation, with a gap in the flying-V formation to symbolize the legacy and memory of Matthew Knight. The new surface also incorporates the Big Ten logo below each free-throw line, as the UO men’s and women’s basketball teams and volleyball program embark on their first season of competition in the university’s new conference home.
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