For three days, the historic trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade looked nothing like the financial institution it had been known for decades. Instead, THE ONE Chicago transformed the landmark into a championship basketball court, entertainment venue, and immersive Jordan Brand experience. Produced by Freehold Group, the event brought together elite youth athletes, live performances, celebrity appearances, and interactive fan activations inside one of Chicago’s most recognizable buildings. Sound Investment provided the technical production that helped turn an iconic space into an unforgettable brand experience.
Transforming a venue never designed for live sports or entertainment required far more than installing equipment. Every production element had to work together to support competition, performances, and fan experiences while respecting the architecture and character of the historic building. Our team provided audio, video, LED walls, projection mapping, lighting, uplighting, staging, scenic elements, and power distribution throughout the venue, creating an environment built specifically for the event.
At the center of THE ONE Chicago was a custom basketball court surrounded by dynamic lighting, large-format visuals, and branded scenic elements that placed the competition at the heart of the experience. Throughout the venue, attendees explored interactive activations, apparel customization stations, and an Air Jordan retrospective while watching the tournament unfold. Every production element contributed to an atmosphere that blended sport, culture, music, and storytelling into a single experience.
The event featured performances by 6LACK and Lil M.U., appearances from Jordan Brand athletes Jayson Tatum and Azzi Fudd, and fan experiences developed alongside partners including Foot Locker. As the event transitioned between live competition, entertainment, and branded activations, our production systems supported each moment without interruption, allowing athletes, performers, and guests to remain fully immersed in the experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing the transformation from an empty trading floor into a fully realized event environment. Temporary courts, scenic structures, lighting towers, and production infrastructure completely reimagined the space while preserving the architectural features that make the Chicago Board of Trade so recognizable. The contrast between the build and the finished event demonstrated how thoughtful production design can redefine a venue without changing its identity.
Working alongside Freehold Group and Production Plus, Sound Investment helped deliver THE ONE Chicago from initial build through the championship finals. Projects like this showcase how technical production extends beyond supporting an event. It creates the environment where competition, entertainment, and brand storytelling come together. THE ONE Chicago stands as an example of how the right production team can transform an iconic location into a destination that audiences will remember long after the final game.
