Every basketball player dreams of it: playing in America. The college system offers a great opportunity for that. At various levels, divided into seven divisions, you can pursue basketball. If you happen to play a different sport yourself, it’s still super exciting to attend a game! But which school has the most beautiful and impressive stadium? This article highlights the 10 coolest college basketball facilities.
10. Hilton Coliseum – Iowa State University
The Hilton Coliseum is home to the Iowa State University Cyclones. With over 14,000 seats, the stadium provides a lively atmosphere during basketball games. The atmosphere is so impressive that it was impossible for visiting teams to win last season. The Cyclones won all 18 of their home games in Division 1.
The fun part is that with a state-of-the-art scoreboard, you can keep a close eye on everything happening in the game. And this, in turn, creates an immersive experience for the audience.
9. Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall – Indiana University
The Assembly Hall can accommodate up to 17,000 ecstatic basketball fans. The stadium is named after former donor Cindy Simon Skjodt. It is known for its unique design, featuring distinctive arches on the exterior that characterize the sports arena.
In the 2015-2016 season, the basketball teams of Indiana University achieved something unique. Both the men’s and women’s teams won all their home games, resulting in a perfect balance of 33 games won and 0 lost. The opponents certainly knew what they were up against…
8. Dean E. Smith Center – University of North Carolina
The home arena of the Tar Heels basketball team is even larger than the previously mentioned venues. Over 21,000 people can enjoy basketball at the highest level here. This venue is used for various purposes. For instance, Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen (big artists from your parents’ time) have held concerts here. Barack Obama also delivered a speech here in 2008 during his presidential campaign. So, it’s a historic location.
7. Breslin Center – Michigan State University
Although this stadium, with a capacity of 14,000, is smaller than the previously mentioned arenas, the Breslin Center deserves an honorable mention. In the years 2016 and 2017, the home of The Spartans underwent a $50 million renovation. One of the most significant changes was the addition of the Tom Izzo Basketball Hall of History. All the trophies and other memorabilia are housed here. There’s even a wax figure of Tom Izzo himself! So, besides being a sports arena, it’s also a museum!
6. Hinkle Fieldhouse – Butler University
Hinkle Fieldhouse has a rich history. From its completion in 1928 until 1950, it was the largest basketball arena in the United States! During World War II, the building was also used to house military personnel. With 9,000 seats, Hinkle Fieldhouse is a smaller stadium in Division 1, but that doesn’t diminish the excitement because you’re very close to the court and can experience the spectacle up close.
5. The Palestra – University of Pennsylvania
Why is this complex worthy of the top 5? Because its nickname is the ‘Cathedral of College Basketball.’ According to many, The Palestra changed the entire history of the sport. This is because you’re incredibly close to the court without any separation between the floor and the stands. There are also no obstructed view seats, so all spectators can fully enjoy basketball games of the Penn Quakers.
The Palestra also holds a few records: most college games hosted, most teams received, and more NCAA tournaments hosted than any other college basketball stadium. The building is steeped in history!
4. Pauley Pavilion – University of California at Los Angeles
This gem of a basketball venue is definitely worth visiting. It has both Olympic history and future. In 1984, the Pauley Pavilion hosted the Olympic gymnastics events. And in 4 years, in 2028, the wrestling tournaments will take place in the building where the Bruins play their home games in NCAA Division 1. The venue can accommodate approximately 14,000 people for sporting events.
Back in the day, you were probably glued to the TV as a kid when the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards took place. This event happened for several years at the Pauley Pavilion. Who knows, maybe you can still find some leftover green slime!
3. Mackey Arena – Purdue University
Purdue currently boasts one of the best college basketball teams in America. This year, they won all their games in March Madness, except for one—the final. Their own home court can accommodate nearly 15,000 people. What’s remarkable about Mackey Arena is that it’s shaped like a circle. This means nobody sits in the corner, and everyone has a good view of the basketball court.
Purdue University also utilizes Mackey Arena for other purposes. They organize fan days and youth camps to strengthen ties with the local community and foster a greater love for basketball.
2. Cameron Indoor Stadium – Duke University
When you look at this building from the outside, you might think you’re visiting a former fortress or historical museum, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is where the basketball players of Duke University compete at the highest level. What stands out about the stadium are its compact dimensions and low ceiling, which only serve to amplify the sound of the ecstatic fans. Cameron Indoor Stadium is thus one of the loudest and most intense venues for college basketball, whether you’re playing or watching. It’s definitely worth visiting for a game of the Blue Devils!
1. Allen Fieldhouse – Kansas University
A visit to the Allen Fieldhouse is quite challenging. The immensely popular basketball stadium has been sold out for every game since 2001. That’s over 350 basketball games in a row without an empty seat. And the fact that the arena is always packed with 16,000 sold-out tickets is evident from the Guinness Book of World Records, which the Allen Fieldhouse holds. On February 13, 2017, the world record for the loudest cheer was broken with a sound level of a staggering 130.4 dB. That’s above the absolute threshold of pain for hearing and comparable to the sound of a low-flying jet fighter. So, earplugs are a must if you manage to snag a coveted ticket or if you’re lucky enough to play on this team!
The cheers from the fans certainly help the Kansas Jayhawks. The basketball team has had 20 seasons over the years where it didn’t lose a single game!
In addition to the Jayhawks’ games, the Allen Fieldhouse also hosts plenty of other events. Think of performances by big artists like Tina Turner, Elton John, and Snoop Dogg. Various speakers, and even presidents, also use the building for lectures or speeches.
Playing basketball in America too?
Ten unique, remarkable basketball stadiums at American universities, each with their own stories. Thanks to these excellent facilities, players have the opportunity to both play basketball at a high level and study in an inspiring environment. But beyond these ten universities, of course, there are many, many more schools that offer college basketball and have exceptional facilities.
Do you want to become a student-athlete too? Reach out! Together, we’ll explore your options and find the university that best suits you.
