Positioning a Historic Arena for the Future of College Sports

Located on Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore Campus, Gentile Arena has long served as the home of Rambler athletics and a focal point for campus life. As fan expectations and broadcast standards continue to evolve, the university sought strategic improvements that would enhance the game-day atmosphere, strengthen venue performance and create new opportunities for engagement and revenue generation, all while preserving the character of its historic arena.

Through a series of renovations, we’re delivering a targeted modernization strategy that brings professional-caliber experiences to a uniquely intimate collegiate venue.

Integrating Technology and Design to Maximize Impact

Our work began with a comprehensive arena master plan and advanced through a series of focused digital media and sports lighting enhancements. Working collaboratively with Loyola, ME Engineers and Daktronics, we developed an integrated design approach that maximizes visual impact within the arena's compact footprint.

A custom ribbon board system introduces a dynamic, floating halo element that energizes the seating bowl, expands digital storytelling opportunities and creates a greater sense of scale throughout the venue. New broadcast-quality sports lighting improves visibility, minimizes glare and establishes a more immersive environment for athletes, fans and televised events. We used adjustments to the layout as an opportunity to reimagine the University’s championship banner placement, holding on to the building’s tradition and highlighting their NCAA Championships and Final Four run while creating a more intimate experience for fans and donors along the Southwest wall.

Key features:

• Elevated visual emphasis on the court and game presentation experience  
• Custom ribbon board configuration with integrated and floating digital display elements
• Broadcast-quality LED sports lighting designed to reduce glare and enhance visibility
• Flexible digital platforms supporting live content, sponsorship activation and fan engagement  

An Enhanced Fan Experience

Together, these enhancements create a more adaptable, revenue-generating venue experience, replacing static graphics with dynamic content that supports sponsorship activation, strengthens game presentation and elevates the Loyola brand. The revitalized arena positions the university to meet evolving expectations for fan engagement, recruiting and broadcast performance when Gentile Arena reopens for the 2026 season.