Creighton Bluejays D.J. Sokol Arena and Ryan Athletic Center

Elevating a venue from “not bad” to “holy smokes.”

The facility was originally dedicated in 2009 and featured: a gymnasium with seating for 2,500, coaches’ offices, locker rooms, ticket offices, athletic training and meeting rooms, and media workrooms. In 2017 the athletic department realized it was time to switch conferences and elevate the space. It had to be cutting edge, but still maintain a family-friendly atmosphere. We were asked to bring purpose to the space. We led the project by delivering conceptual ideas that engaged visitors, honored the facility’s past, and generated excitement for people of all ages. Simply put, we transformed white walls into an immersive experience.

The multi-story athletic center entryway now sports a striking array of white basketballs and volleyballs hanging in midair. The nearest wall is awash in Creighton blue and tells the story of the Ryan and Sokol families, as well as recognizing key donors. Other additions include a prominent trophy display and a mural of the Creighton “fight song.” A Hall of Fame display boasts names and statistics of Creighton’s very best teams and athletes. Inside the arena, the once-white walls are vibrant displays of blue adorned with Creighton’s Bluejay symbol and those of other Big East conference teams. Banners hang from the rafters to extoll conference championships and other achievements.

Creighton’s athletic center and arena now highlight the strengths of the University’s athletic teams, while communicating the importance of Creighton as a family, and acknowledging the generosity of its donors. Even when the court is empty, the arena and athletic center are full of life.

Work we did:

• Conceptual innovations
• Architectural consultation
• Interior design
• Video content

When it became orange:

The first time the huge “C-Bird” logo sign was lit up, the whole arena took on a new life.