Art meets asphalt

MAPEI’s sports-flooring products transformed a cracked Brooklyn Bridge Park basketball court into a vibrant, competition-ready masterpiece for the 2024 Red Bull Half Court tournament

Brooklyn Bridge Park recently became the epicenter of art, culture and streetball with the 2024 Red Bull Half Court tournament – and MAPEI played a pivotal role in bringing the event’s centerpiece court to life. This project wasn’t just about resurfacing an old basketball court; it was also about creating a masterpiece that embodied the spirit of the tournament.

Breathing new life into a community court

The project began with the refurbishment of a 9,500-square-foot (883-m²) public basketball court. The existing surface – old, cracked asphalt with failing epoxy lines – was in dire need of repair. Project Backboard’s crew, renowned for revitalizing community courts, took on the challenge.

The team started by grinding off the old coatings and preparing the surface, chasing the cracks by cutting into them to create a clean bonding area. MAPEI’s Mapecoat TNS PU 3-in-1 – a versatile, high-performance, two-component, fast-set urethane – was then poured into the cracks, effectively filling and leveling them. To create a strong and uniform base, the crew applied Mapenet Reinforced fiberglass mesh using Mapecoat TNS Base Coat Binder (a flexible, fast-set, 100%-acrylic latex compound for indoor and outdoor surfaces) as a basecoat to prepare asphalt and pre-treated concrete surfaces. This surface preparation not only strengthened the court but also ensured lasting crack resistance.

Additional coats of the binder mixed with sand were layered on to refine the texture, setting the stage for the court’s vibrant new look.

“MAPEI’s products are designed to handle the toughest jobs – whether it’s a professional sports surface or a community court like this one,” said Seth Drury, MAPEI Sports Flooring Line Sales Representative. “It’s rewarding to see our materials bring strength and resilience to a project that’s about so much more than basketball. This court represents culture, art and community, and it’s built to last.”

A court that’s a canvas

The final touch? A bold, energetic court design by architect-turned-artist Carolina “C” De La Cruz Rodriguez. Her vision – selected from an online contest judged by a panel of basketball and New York tastemakers – bursts with bright colors inspired by her Puerto Rican roots and love of sports and design.

To bring the artwork to life, Project Backboard applied Mapecoat TNS Finish 3 – a flexible, acrylic topcoat certified by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) – in vibrant Light Blue, Swiss Red, Arena Yellow and Light Gray. The team worked carefully, taping off sections to match the intricate design. Mapecoat TNS Line Tex – a premium, acrylic paint fortified with fine sand for marking sport courts and urban areas – provided the finishing touches, ensuring crisp and durable playing lines.

“The artistry of this project was incredible. Seeing MAPEI’s products enhance such a powerful, creative design is inspiring,” Drury added. “It’s not every day that a basketball court becomes a work of art – but when it does, it should perform like one too.”

A global celebration of streetball

The Red Bull Half Court tournament brings together top streetball players from more than 21 countries. The 2024 world finals were held on October 19 to 20, with the newly refurbished Brooklyn Bridge Park court as the main stage. Teams from the U.S., Serbia, Japan, the Philippines and beyond competed for glory, with Serbia taking the men’s title and Japan emerging victorious in the women’s bracket.

Anthony Graham, MAPEI Corporation’s Business & Sales Director – OEM & Sports Divisions, reflected on the event’s success: “This collaboration with Red Bull and Carolina ‘C’ De La Cruz Rodriguez highlights the versatility and durability of MAPEI’s products. We didn’t just create a court – we helped create a lasting, functional work of art. The energy, passion and talent showcased throughout the tournament were incredible. It was an honor to support such an inspiring event.”

By merging performance with creativity, MAPEI continues to prove that its products are built for more than strength and durability; they’re also built to empower communities, athletes and artists alike.