Henegouwerplein Court

Located in west Rotterdam is Henegouwerplein basketball court; a hang out hub for players, most notable for its tribute to local hero and basketball legend, Francisco Elson.

As the basketball community in Rotterdam continues to grow, Foot Locker Europe have chosen to invest in this local collective as part of its mission to Raise The Game. Thanks to Foot Locker Europe’s initiative, the hub is receiving a fresh revamp by Rotterdam artist Franky Sticks.

As a baller himself, Sticks, using inspiration from hip-hop and street style culture, is bringing a colourful and nostalgic graffiti approach to redesigning the space. The court design features a snapshot moment of players mid-game through a fun stylistic lens; leaving Henegouwerplein a court hard to miss. In his own words,

“The basketball community...is like a metaphor for daily life, the culture, coaches, leaders, players, followers, the way we dribble, air balls, challenges & friendships. This is what moved me to make the drawing for the court. I’ve played basketball since I was a teenager, and it feels very special to design a court for Foot Locker & NBA in my own hometown.”

Foot Locker are no stranger to these revamps with a history of court refurbishments, starting with Paris (2020), Barcelona (2021), Milan (2021), London (2021) and now Rotterdam (2022). The court will not only double as outdoor court for local schools, but with this makeover, Footlocker hopes to elevate the current court status, making it the destination for pick up games and tournaments. The court will be kitted with new hoops and backboards, a full and half court, and balls and kits donated to community.

Foot Locker Europe have kicked off this partnership to support the Concrete Lions, with their mission to elevate the game of basketball for the local youth who don’t always have access to basketball clubs.

“It is about providing equal opportunities for anyone and everyone to access and improve their skills in playing basketball, no matter what their background, gender, and challenges may be”

It is to be kept open to the public, a sentiment that Foot Locker Europe hopes will keep the dynamic spirit of the court alive, with next summer expected to be jam packed with a Foot Locker filled schedule of games, music and giveaways. Through these various events and activations, the aim of the game is to connect the Rotterdam basketball community throughout the rest of Europe.