City: Eugene

The University of Oregon and National Championship Properties, its arena development entity, commissioned Ellerbe Becket, an AECOM Company to design a new 12,500-seat arena for Oregon Ducks basketball program. Establishing an intimate house for basketball was the project’s goal.

Green design is mandated by the state of Oregon, and the new Matthew Knight Arena is designed to exceed state requirements for sustainable design. It is expected to achieve LEED®Silver certification at minimum.

Partners

• JMI: owner’s representative
• TVA Architects: design architect (building exterior)
• Henderson Engineers: mechanical, electrical engineer
• Haris Engineering: structural engineer
• Hoffman Construction: construction manager

Ranked by ESPN as one of the “Top 10 Intimidating Stadiums” and consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 venues to watch a college football game, Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon was renovated in 2003 by Ellerbe Becket, an AECOM Company, to expand its capacity by 12,000 seats, 32 new luxury suites and two private clubs. Now the Pac-10 stadium often fills to its 54,000 seating capacity with fans during home games.

Premium improvements included a wood roof over the 3,200 club seats to honor one tradition and the return of valet bicycle parking to celebrate another. Walkways and concourse areas were widened to better accommodate the stadium’s increased seating capacity.