loudest college basketball arenas loudest college basketball arenas

1 of 13 The loudest arena in college basketball has given the Duke Blue Devils the best home-court advantage for more than a decade. Allen Fieldhouse- Kansas 3.Oconnel Center- Florida 2. There have been so many Kansas games Ive watched over the years where the crowd so clearly willed its team back into the game and simply refused to let the Jayhawks lose. From 1928 until 1950, Hinkle was the biggest college hoops arena in the country; after a 1950 renovation (and a name change), Williams Arena became the largest -- a title it held until 1971. I imagine it gets much, much more deafening when IU is actually in the building. 405. The Carrier Dome is one of the most unique settings in college basketballand, because it doubles as a gridiron, in football as well. Since Miller took over the program in 2009-10, Arizona has won more than 140 home games. "The World's Most Famous Arena" has been a college basketball staple for decades. All rights reserved. Who's got the loudest college basketball arena in the country? The bar is high to reach the top 25. That has an effect on the atmosphere. A few years ago, Im not sure Arkansas would have made this list. A tremendous venue for college basketball. Charles Koch Arena (Wichita State) With March Madness approaching, here's a look at some of the loudest college arenas in the NCAA: The McCarthey Athletic Center is a 6,000-seat indoor arena on the campus of Gonzaga University that is home to the university's Bulldog basketball program. Williams remains one of the more unique arenas in the nation, particularly for the player seats below the raised court, meaning it takes some effort to check into the game and run the famous Minneapolis floor. 132 Likes, TikTok video from Heath Adams (@thecybermentor): "The Pit in NM is one of the loudest college basketball stadiums in the country. By, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. It's loudreal loud thanks to a famed student section known as the "Oakland Zoo." Matthew Knight Arena, Oregon The largest arena designed specifically for college hoops, the 23,500-seat Rupp Arena for the University of Kentucky opened in 1976 and is. It makes it the largest arena in the country that is used only for indoor sports, and when you combine that with the success of the Wildcats you get a nightly crowd thats always ready to rock. What does that mean? Yes, definitely. For big games especially, Rupp can get very, very loud. Indiana has won five NCAA Championships in men's basketball (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, 1987). At its peak, like for a Duke game or other big-time opponent, the Dean Dome can offer the greatest atmosphere in college basketball. The only team that seems to have cracked the code to succeeding there is BYU, which had won three straight in The Kennel before Gonzaga knocked the pesky Cougars off this past February. The Crazies were issued a gag order of sorts as they were told from the powers that be to clean up the chants. Some of the rowdiest, loudest, most despicable (in a good way, if you ask me) atmospheres Ive ever seen at a college basketball game have been at The Octagon of Dome. Its that way pretty much every time K-State welcomes KU to town. The KFC Yum! The likes of Dwayne "Pearl" Washington and Carmelo Anthony have starred here, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for the college basketball fan. During the Big 8 Conference finals, former OKU wrestling coach Myron Roderick said, "It got s loud, lot f the lights busted n Gallagher. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, Rick Pitino says UNC, Duke and rest of ACC run clean programs. The atmosphere at the Spectrum isnt what it was in the 2000s, and for that it just barely misses out on my top 25. Im sure some will say this top-10 placement is based on bias, which Im willing to give some credence to. There arent many cities in America more obsessed with college basketball than Indianapolis, and Butler is part of that puzzle. Not only is it loud, but the violence of the vocals makes it about as inviting as a swim among piranhas. They put the "wild" in Wildcats. Rupp Arena (Kentucky) Fitting that the largest basketball-only arena in the U.S. be #1 on our list. Unlike other traditional blue blood programs, Duke has rather small arena with 9,314 seats. In terms of atmosphere, the Wildcats have a top-25 college basketball environment in The Pavilion. The airlock doors Thats how they get you first. The Lobos have won a whopping 732 home games since the arenas opening in 1966, with their fans making it a daunting place to play. Its been a minute since the Panthers were nationally relevant, having last made the NCAA Tournament in 2016, and with every passing year that they remain near the bottom of the ACC, the worse the atmosphere will get. It opened in 1928 but does not show its age thanks to renovations and impeccable upkeep. After years of planning, the University of Idaho has finally broken ground on a dedicated basketball arena. The San Diego State mens basketball program was built into a nationally-relevant program by Steve Fisher in the 2000s, and as the program gained steam, so too did the eager crowds at Viejas Arena. It was Hilton Magic that helped propel Iowa State over Oklahoma three years ago, coming back from a 21-point second-half deficit for the win. Assembly Hall, Illinois 9. Even when MSU lost an uncharacteristic 15 games in the 201617 season, only two of those came at Breslin, and it dropped just one game all year at home last season. As if Gonzaga didn't need any more of an advantage, the student section's close proximity to the court and the building's overall cozy atmosphere continue to make playing there a daunting challenge for the opposition. These are the top-25 best college basketball atmospheres in Division I mens hoops, as ranked by a scientist I mean bracketologist. It's the house that Lute Olson made famous and one that continues to provide a daunting challenge to opponents on Sean Miller's watch. A loud court makes it impossible to communicate. Dean Smith Center 5. That atmosphere, combined with the rise of the Zags as a program, has helped the team compile an astounding .924 winning percentage at McCarthey, losing only 16 times since its opening in 2004. Sports' Jeff Eisenberg, former Wake Forest star Ish Smith said: I know people will automatically say Cameron and we never won in Cameron, but Cameron was fun to play in. It especially matters when you have a bunch of emotionally charged, chemically enhanced co-eds painted every color of the rainbow yelling invectives at an equally young man shooting a free throw. And thus, ISU had built one of the most intimidating atmospheres in all of college basketball. The Aggies are ignited by that "Spectrum Magic," which has been responsible for only 18 non-conference home defeats since the 1996-97 season. It is currently the largest arena by seating capacity in the Big Ten Conference, with 19,049 seats, which is reduced to 18,809 for Ohio State men's basketball games. On a consistent basis, the atmosphere at the Dean Dome is not elite. Rated 5 / 5. Even though the Gophers havent always matched the atmospheres on the court, I have seen plenty of games in The Barn go the way of the home team because of the energy the fans provided the players. Theres a reasonable chance this arena will move into the top 25 if the Cavs keep up their spot near the top of the ACC. Shockers fans are riotous about their team and are constantly filling their roughly 10,000-seat gym to the rafters. 15 Best College Basketball Arenas 2. College basketball is a special sport, and the atmospheres across the country take credit for a good deal of that. Allen Fieldhouse Allen Fieldhouse - Kansas. Its crowds have reflected that, with the 10,250-seat arena being either at or near capacity night in and night out for the Musketeers, creating a hostile environment for any opponent hoping to come in and leave with a W. In fact, only three teams in the country have a better home winning percentage in their current arena than Xavier: Gonzaga, Oregon and Kentucky (though Kansas is right on the Musketeers heels). With the smaller size and acoustics in Hinkle mean the screaming fans, particularly the students, are magnified even more. The Palestra 7. With March Madness approaching, here's a look at some of the loudest college arenas in the NCAA: 10. It also helps that the Blue Devils are among the best in the land every season. You could argue for Duke or Kansas to be in this spot, but you have no argument for anyone else. Its size is unmatched with 34,616 seats, Syracuses home is more than 11,000 seats larger than the second-largest arena in the sport. There is zero controversy in saying this ACC fans will chase you down a long, busy hallway for no reason other than to make sure you know that College Park is hell on earth and Terps fans are the scum of humanity, you know, for your own safety. Students are given the sections nearest to the floor behind one of the baskets and along one of the sidelines, plus a couple of sections in the 300s. There might not be a better experience for a sports fan than catching a college basketball game at a campus arena. The last few years, The Izzone hasnt quite been as engaged as it was when I was growing up, and so maybe the Breslin Center has dropped a couple of spots since then. The arena seats 16,300 spectators and ESPN The Magazine referred to the stadium as the loudest for college basketball in the country. The unusual setting can give the Orange an advantage over opponents who arent used to the domes confinesor sizehelping Syracuse win 83.1% of its games in the arenas history. Allen Fieldhouse is an indoor arena on the University of Kansas (KU) campus in Lawrence, Kansas.It is home of the Kansas Jayhawks men's and women's basketball teams. 2. Go for slam dunks, fire off long 3-point shots, use superpowers, win matches and earn cups! Mackey Arena is one of the biggest best college basketball arenas since it has a capacity of over 14,000 fans. That adds to the atmosphere, which the fans complete. When it comes to sports, performing in front of a home crowd can produce a much-needed jolt that aids in success. This is my article. Consistently ranked among the best college basketball arenas in the nation in terms of attendance and overall acclaim, "The Pit," as it's more affectionately known, has housed the Lobos since 1966. I have to pay my respects to the Winning Team, Losing Team chant. Remember when I said Cincinnati and that general region are obsessed with college basketball? The criteria to determine college basketball's elite arenas are endless, but here are the top 25 that seem to cover the basics: history, look, volume and then some. Good luck inbounding the ball with dozens of blue extended wiggling fingers casting a hex on you. The Blue Devils are ranked fourth all-time in wins of any NCAA mens basketball program and the Cameron Indoor Stadium fans never let you forget it. These two are clearly a cut above the rest and host some special atmospheres in the scheme of this sport. The circular configuration of Koch Arena has provided a huge home-court advantage for the Shockers, especially in recent years when they've ranked among the nation's best. Rupp Arena, Kentucky 4. The insane home record Kansas boasts is partially because its teams are generally very, very good. no arena in the country has hosted more NCAA Tournament games. Finneran Pavilion (Villanova) The Pit is aptly known, with its court settled 37 feet below street level. Fans are often seen using paint and props to create crazy energy in the stands, along with bouncing in unison in the same, or different, directions. Watch popular content from the following creators: Live life To The Fullest(@ballisendless), Live life To The Fullest(@ballisendless), cbbcr3(@cbbcr3), cameronhellgeth(@cameronhellgeth), Ryan Hammer(@ryanhammer9), cameronhellgeth(@cameronhellgeth), Caroline(@cmakauskas), Cooper Deck(@cooperdeck . Save Share Show Less Now thats what you call home court advantage. The actual hardwood in the 16,300-seat arena, called the James Naismith Court in his honor, confers an incredible home advantage. It was the final conference game between the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels. Also known as The Barn, Minnesotas Williams Arena is one of the most unique in the sport. Every section that lines the edges of the court is filled with students, well known as the Cameron Crazies. No matter where an opposing player or coach turns, they will inevitably come face-to-face with a teenager painted blue with veins popping out of their head as they not-so-politely explain how bad their enemies are at what they do. Big Ten Basketball Arenas, Ranked Before I go further, let's outline the criteria I'm using for these very definitive rankings: atmosphere, home-court advantage, banners, history, and name. New Mexico has won more than 80 percent of the games its played in The Pit since it opened in 1966, and with the built-in advantages the arena provides, it makes some sense. The atmosphere is crazy, whether theyre on a three-game losing streak or a three-game winning streak.. So, when you come to play against Maryland in College Park for a big game or as a team the fans are predisposed to dislike, it will not be a pleasant experience. Theres close to 6,000 students at Allen Fieldhousethree times more than Dukeand theyve earned the title of loudest college arena. The students are given almost every section nearest to the court, which is a prime setup to surround the opposing team. Jan 12, 2023. The University of Pennsylvania dubs the grand room as the "most storied gymnasium in the history of collegiate athletics." Sure, Bramlage will be one of the hardest arenas you visit all season long if the Wildcats are in the midst of a good or great year, but even when theyre not tournament caliber, a crowd shows up and makes noise. As compiled by Collegiate Basketball News, the median winning percentage of the 351 Division I men's teams in their current arenas is 67.7%, with 144 of those 351 schools having a winning. Sure, the program isnt where Indiana fans want it to be and hasnt been for some time now, but with walls of humans that dont seem to end towering over top of the court, all of whom are very, very passionate about the sport of basketball and the Hoosiers in particular, Assembly Hall can be a nightmare. Also, the name sucks, and corporate staleness is not good for college basketball. Its an intense environment, but Duke has moved past the mindset of doing things that would be hurtful or cross a line thats too personal. Largest College Basketball Arenas in the SEC ranked 1-14. The arena is named after Phog Allen, a former player and head coach for the Jayhawks whose tenure lasted 39 years.The arena's nickname, The Phog also pays homage to Allen. | The school allows wealthy donors to have the best seats in the house, and those fans dont have a reputation for getting loud. Zeigler is leading the Southeastern Conference in assists, averaging 5.4 per game. Opened in November 2004, the Kennel is the smallest arena on this list, but its atmosphere has made Gonzaga one of the most successful programs at home. Playing away is tough in itself, but if you're playing at one of these arenas then it's pretty much game over. While the stadium may hold far less than its competitors, the electric atmosphere brings them high on the list. The cushioned seating is a nice touch while still not taking away from the intense atmosphere that's usually associated with Cyclones basketball. Few venues can match the uniquely designed Assembly Hall when it comes to noise. Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke Blue Devils) Home Record Since 2000: 284-22 (.928) Advertisement. Add in the history of the place, and its undoubtedly one of the marquee places to see a basketball game in the world, regardless of level. Memorial Gym, Vanderbilt 10. Ushers and concession employees are fabulous. Dean E. Smith Center (North Carolina) Obviously, UK has one of the most passionate fanbases in the country - there is zero chance anyone could ever debate that. Its twice the size as Cameron [Indoor Stadium] with three times the students sitting courtside. 5. Ask West Virginia, who was present on Feb. 13, 2017, when the 16,300 in attendance set the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an indoor sporting event (130.4 decibels). The New York Knicks' stadium is an iconic landmark of the NBA's rich history. X dont play. The Pit - Dreamstyle Arena 13. The Wildcats are a perennial national power. The place can be downright deafening when the Hoosiers are on their game. Thanks to a devoted student section that seats about 4,000, the noise level can be an issue for the opposition. ", Roy Williams, UNCs head coach, also added, "That was the loudest I have ever heard the Smith Center.. But on its day, Chapel Hill turns this arena into a madhouse, and I have to respect that. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. The Cats have led the nation in . "The Phog" exudes basketball history upon entrance and remains a must-see for any college hoops fanatic. Rutgers' basketball arena was originally titled the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) when it opened in 1977. That team, led by Sean May, erased a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes. The home of the Wildcats has packed in as many as 24,000 for basketball games, despite the official capacity being listed as 23,500. No matter if its blatantly obvious that the call is correct, Iowa State fans will boo it and boo it with purpose if it goes against their Cyclones. Thats Opeth, Lamb of God and Metallica territory. If your teams arena didnt make this list, it doesnt mean your atmosphere is bad. Thats why Im handing out a few honorable mentions so a handful of fanbases dont feel totally ignored, and I acknowledge some other great places to experience college basketball. Its a cool setup, good atmosphere and the fans are involved constantly.. The Pit," as it's more affectionately known, Why NCAA Tournament bubble teams should be wary of this team, 16-year-old Padres prospect already drawing superstar hype, Seven Cubs pitchers combine for spring no-hitter vs. Padres, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones comments on Tony Pollard rumor, Ben Simmons suffers back injury while rehabilitating, Insider: It's Packers, Jets 'or bust' for Aaron Rodgers, QB Anthony Richardson doesn't understand his 'project' label, Vikings HC reveals 'crazy' thoughts about star WR, XFL player released for giving another team plays from own playbook. WVUs fanbase fiercely backs its athletics, and mens basketball is one of its favorites. New Mexico has taken a step back in recent years after making four of five NCAA tournaments from 2010 to 14, but opponents would never be wise to underestimate The Pit. Its no doubt in large part due to its dedicated and famous student section, dubbed the Cameron Crazies. The group is known for many things, including camping out in Krzyzewskiville, covering themselves in blue and white paint and taunting opposing players with signs, chants and their signature move where the entire student section reaches out an arm while an opposing player is inbounding the ball. How much better does it get? In a video released by NCAA.com, it says. But as Oklahoma State basketball has suffered, Oklahoma State football has produced, and Cowboys fans have understandably shifting their focus further to the gridiron. ESPN the Magazine recently asked engineers from Penn State's graduate acoustics program to help answer the question. In 2017-18, the Musketeers set a single-season home record with 17 victories. Center (Louisville) This arena is one of the more raved-about in the country and one of the biggest as it houses 22,090 fans on a nightly basis. The indoor basketball venue holds 17,222 seats and also houses the largest student section in the country at 7,800 seats. In a more formal test of how loud Cyclones fans can get, they measured a 109 reading. Villanova doesn't play all of its home games at the quaint, 6,500-seat on-campus court, as the glitzier Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia also plays host to the Wildcats. As if playing a possible two-platoon Wildcat team isnt intimidating enough, the fans in Lexington bring the noise. Though the students dont get a huge amount of the seating dedicated to them, Wichita State is one of the rare schools in college basketball whose older crowd is ready and willing to get very, very loud and rowdy. Conference affiliations reflect those in the current 2022-23 season; all affiliation changes officially took effect on July 1, 2022. Not only is the trip out to West Virginia a long one for any of the other nine (current) Big 12 teams, the environment that awaits them is unfriendly, to say the least. At a time where we can't seem to agree on . Students are given absolutely priority at Cameron Indoor, and it makes all the difference. When the Orange are struggling, the arena can look cavernous with empty spots, yet when Jim Boeheim's program is playing well it truly is the "Loud House." Theres question of the fanbases passion, but the consistency of the atmosphere isnt there for me to justify a top-10 spot. Named the loudest college basketball arena in the country, fans at Allen Fieldhouse aren't afraid to make some noise (and it's safe to say they won'r quiet down any time soon after the Jayhawks took home their fourth national championship in program history on Monday night). All Rights Reserved. The arena is the home venue for the University of Arizona Wildcats' men's and women's basketball teams. O'Connell Center, Florida 6. However, it still offers a somewhat intimate atmosphere near the court when filled. Rupp Arena, Kentucky Size matters in Kentucky. Dayton's home arena is not flashy, but it's the place where the madness of March officially begins with the First Four. Jan 14, 2020. Students have prime seating behind the bench areas and stretching to behind one of the baskets, which is very helpful to creating one of the most raucous atmospheres in college basketball. Virginia Cavaliers: John Paul Jones Arena, opened in 2006 A decade ago, a trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, was nowhere near the toughest in the league. Hailing from the ABQ, where the fictitious Walter White cooked his famous blue crystal meth, the Lobos home court is burrowed in the earth. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. The "WatShot" against Kentucky. With this in mind, we polled our college basketball staff and asked them to rank what they feel are the 10 toughest places in the country for opposing teams to play. Center 15. In college basketball, going to an NCAA game is one of the most exhilarating experiences for a fan, and college campuses are where you are bound to find the loudest basketball arenas. But quality college basketball arenas are not exclusive to only the elite teams. With arguably the most passionate fans in college . That's what makes it special and that's why players hate playing there. And for that reason, the atmosphere at Rupp Arena is worthy of a very high place in the pecking order. If he could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High and Grand Lakes University. Who has the loudest student section? Since Jan. 28, 2012, Iowa State has a winning percentage of 70-plus at home against Top 25 opponents. If Arizona doesnt get back to the upper echelon of the Pac-12 in the next handful of years, the atmosphere at the McKale Center might lose some luster and dip in these rankings. It might offend some Kentucky fans to see me ranking them outside of the top five, and they might have a point. 1. Views. Breslin also has played host to some of the world's greatest musical acts, including Aerosmith, KISS, Pearl Jam and The Beach Boys. Not too long ago, GIA would have been unquestionably in the top 25. When the Jayhawks were winning Big 12 titles every year for more than a decade, nobody was winning at Allen Fieldhouse but them. So it's clear that playing at home can make a big difference in college hoops, especially when you have dedicated fans and can pack an arena. Sanford Stadium. How historic is this building? Some are steeped in tradition, while others offer modern-day amenities but still remain a pain for the opposition. Thats why I have North Carolina this high. But with how the student section is placed around more than half of the court and right up near the action and the schools inclination for hoops, the potential for an elite atmosphere is always there at Illinois. Their efforts in particular gives The Kennel one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. Playing at home can make all the difference in college basketball. You could argue Maryland should be a bit lower if you want, but you cant say its inclusion on this list and at least near the top 10 isnt warranted. Likes. You wouldnt think one of the more-recent entrants into Division I mens college basketball would have one of the best atmospheres in the sport, but Grand Canyon does. Take the late Rick Majerus, who coached all over the country, lastly at St. Louis. Xavier fans are ferociously dedicated to their Musketeers, and their dedication to the program is part of why it has risen up to the Big East. Many fans have complained about the quality of the arena, but thats for a separate discussion. Utah State may not be a headliner on the basketball court, but don't tell its student section that. The 30 Toughest College Basketball Arenas to Play In By Bex Walton - July 3, 2016 There's something about some arenas in basketball that make it almost impossible to win a game in. As compiled by Collegiate Basketball News, the median winning percentage of the 351 Division I men's teams in their current arenas is 67.7%, with 144 of those 351 schools having a winning percentage over .700. I went to Oakland Raider games. Pain begins at 125 dBs and a jet engine at 100 feet is 140 dBs, so consider that the next time youre in western Upstate New York. The Detroit Redwings throw octopi on the ice, so why dont Hoosier fans throw chairs onto the court? If the fans are up for a game, even if Indiana isnt ranked or particularly good, Assembly Hall will be deafening. Not so on the Beltway, when the Maryland Terrapins play host. Big Ten basketball players vote on the league's loudest gym. Opened in 1971, the arena has seen great success over the years, including 576 Indiana wins that power an .834 winning percentage. The Kennel, as its also known, is rowdy even when Gonzaga is beating up on another WCC victim on a long list of WCC victims, but its a hurricane of hysteria when St. Marys, BYU, or a big-name program comes to Spokane. Big Game Boomer @BigGameBoomer . The United Center has the highest capacity of any current NBA . Penn State. Opened in November 2004, the "Kennel". Since it's March Madness, I thought we would discuss which college basketball arenas are the loudest? Is there any major sport that can create a home-court advantage like college basketball? 6,390. Nope, the Blue Wall doesnt have the Izzone. For those in journalism (ahem) who know that newspapers are dead, the Izzone is a refreshing bout of paper-in-hand newsprint, even if it is simply to mock. Stadium. Honorable mentions are at the bottom. From the "Cameron Crazies" on top of the action to the "Krzyzewskiville" commune outside, the intimate 9,300-seat venue offers the greatest home-court advantage in the country. Kohl Center (Wisconsin) The 12th-ranked Volunteers announced that Zeigler tore his left ACL in a win over Arkansas. The Syracuse Orange men's basketball team drew the highest average home attendance in college basketball in 2015-16, with an average crowd of 26,253. 2/20/2020 Tom M. Boiler Up! Though no numbers could be found on the decibel level of screaming fans at the Dean Smith Center, testimonial of one 2005 game says all you need to hear. Really, were all in agreement here; Maryland fans are obscenely obnoxious, and they wouldnt want it any other way. The Cameron Indoor Stadium, which opened way back in 1940, is a 9,314-seat arena that is home to the Duke Blue Devils and serves as the home court for Duke men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. All that said, the biggest reason Kansas State is here for me is because of how it gets up for the Kansas game, which has made that contest a must-see and something I look forward to every year. Of course, there are several, gyms, stadiums, arenas or domes that stand out in the college game. McCarthey Athletic Center - Gonzaga The McCarthey Athletic Center is a 6,000-seat indoor arena on the campus of Gonzaga University that is home to the university's Bulldog basketball program. 311. In the last five seasons, the Jayhawks have only lost five times total in Lawrencethree of which came in 201718. The students are given prime seating right along the sideline opposite the benches, and they are very fond of dressing up in ridiculous costumes, throwing around foam pool noodles, general shenanigans, and launching disparaging remarks as opponents. The arenas serve as home venues for both the men's and women's teams except where noted. Retweets. It still remains one of college basketball's special gyms. The seating towers over the floor, and with such a wide-open, cavernous feel, it can be one of the most intense atmospheres in college basketball when it reaches above 15,000 screaming fans. Fans sit in a hole in the ground literally which makes even the farthest-away seats feel relatively close to the court.