Home Court

Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. It offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. These expansive programs focus on well being and health, life and leadership skills, career exploration, and relationship building. “Throughout our history, sports has had this power to bring us together, even when the country is divided.” President Barack Obama
Get Directions
An exterior shot of Home Court at the Obama Presidential Center on a snowy night. Behind Home Court is the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
Credit: Angie McMonigal

What to do at Home Court 

  • Main Court

    Channel your love of sports on our NBA-regulation sized basketball court! Main Court features several practice courts and accessible seating.

  • Flexible programming spaces

    Need space for your guests to collaborate or brainstorm?  Explore one of our flexible programming rooms, designed for community programming, wellness workshops, and special events.

Our Home Court values

  • Teamwork

    Home Court is committed to being a good steward of our global community and our local neighbors in Chicago. Home Court's programming enhances existing campus initiatives, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together in a spirit of community.

  • Resilience

    The Obama Foundation values the ability to "navigate challenge and change." Home Court is where we put this value into action. Through partnerships with local and national organizations, we will host events and programs focused on building self-confidence and practical skills. 

    From art classes to athletic initiatives, Home Court offers activities that help people of all ages develop essential problem-solving abilities.

  • Leadership

    Sports leadership is about more than making shots. Programming at Home Court explores a breadth of opportunities to open young people’s eyes beyond the playing field. 

    We provide young people with career development training and mentorship, equipping them with real-world insight and direct connections to industry professionals.

Main Court, the Obama Presidential Center’s basketball arena is set up with several long white banquet tables covered with several flower pots.

Host an Event

The Obama Presidential Center was thoughtfully designed to accommodate group gatherings. Flexible event spaces are available for rental.

Learn More

The Making of Home Court

The Obama Foundation Home Court’s design is inspired by two of President Obama’s personal passions – basketball and building community – with a sleek metal and fritted glass panel exterior inspired by the pattern and form of a basketball net as a metaphor for community connection. 

This building is also designed in line with the Foundation’s sustainability goals and is heated and cooled primarily through the use of geothermal energy.

Home Court was designed by Moody Nolan, the largest Black-owned architecture firm in the United States, known for award-winning community and athletic centers across the country. Moody Nolan later joined the design-build team led by Elevate Design Build Group, a joint venture led by BOWA Construction with its minority interest partner AECOM/Hunt.

Explore More

OF012323TG 326

Programs at the Center

Take a look at the performances, activities, and classes happening across the campus.
Learn more
MBK

My Brother’s Keeper

What began as a call to action to address opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color has now become a movement.
Learn more

Be an insider

Sign up to receive the latest updates on Museum tickets, event announcements, and new programming. Stay informed and ensure you're at the front of the line when the Obama Presidential Center comes to life.
By providing a phone number, you confirm that you are an adult and consent to receive automated marketing and informational SMS messages from The Barack Obama Foundation at the phone number you provided. To learn more about how The Foundation would use your information, read the Foundation's Privacy Statement. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. You may opt out at any time by texting “STOP’ to (773) 915-0096. Consent is not a condition of purchase or service.
Edit Page

Donate
Today

We need your help to turn hope into action—to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Visit
  • 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
  • 1-(773)-900-0044
  • The Museum

    The Obama Presidential Center Museum is a world-class landmark that tells the story of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama presidency. The Museum is comprised of four levels of exhibitions and the Sky Room, a 5,000 square foot space that offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago. Entry to the Museum is by time-ticket or event participation. Monday | 1 - 8 p.m. CTTuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

  • Forum Building

    The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Home Court

    Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. Home Court offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. The two level space includes an NBA-sized regulation basketball court, seven flexible multipurpose rooms, two outdoor courtyards, and several multi-level seating areas for visitors.Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT

  • Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

    Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama.Mon & Wed12 - 8 p.m. CTTues & Thur10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CTFri & Sat9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CTSun1 -5 p.m. CT

About Us
Get Involved
Stay Connected

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Read more  about our tax-exempt status.

© 2026 The Barack Obama Foundation.

Terms of service Privacy policyPrivacy preference center