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Leading up to the 2024 season, Andy Katz gives his picks for the top 10 arenas in men’s college basketball.
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1. Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas
Named after legendary Kansas basketball coach Phog Allen, the Jayhawks’ arena is one of the most recognizable names in the nation. The arena currently holds 15,300 fans, who have created one of the best basketball atmospheres in the country since 1955.
2. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke
Originally named Duke Indoor Stadium, the Blue Devils changed the name in 1972, honoring historic Duke coach Eddie Cameron. Cameron coached Duke basketball and football, and he even served as the Blue Devils’ athletic director for more than 20 years. The arena holds just 9,314 fans, but the Cameron Crazies pack a punch.
3. Mackey Arena, Purdue
Opening in 1967, the arena name was quickly changed in 1972 to honor Guy “Red” Mackey, a Purdue alumnus and longtime athletic director. Mackey Arena holds 14,876 Boilermaker fans.
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4. Pauley Pavilion, UCLA
Pauley Pavilion opened in 1965, just in time for the Bruins’ all-time title run where the men’s basketball team won 10 national championships between 1964-1975. Named after donor Edwin Pauley, the arena holds 13,800 UCLA faithful.
5. Bud Walton Arena, Arkansas
One of the newest arenas on the list, the Razorbacks’ home opened in 1993. The arena immediately sparked the program, as Arkansas won its first and only national championship to date in 1994. Named after Walmart founder James “Bud” Walton, the arena holds 19,368 fans.
6. Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State
Opening in 1971, Cyclone fans created the term “Hilton Magic” in the 1980s for the arena’s ability to produce unexpected victories. This “magic” was on display last season when unranked Iowa State took down then-No. 1 Houston, handing the Cougars their first loss of the 2023 season. As of 2021, Hilton Coliseum holds 14,267 fans.
7. The Palestra, Penn
As the fourth-oldest arena in college basketball, Penn’s arena is often referred to as the “Cathedral of College Basketball.” Opening in 1927, the arena has hosted more visiting teams than any arena in the country. It holds 8,735 Quaker fans.
8. Breslin Center, Michigan State
Finishing construction a few years before Bud Walton Arena, the Spartans’ home holds 14,797 fans. It is named after Jack Breslin, a former Michigan State athlete and administrator, who originally began pushing for the new arena in 1969 — 20 years before its completion in ’89.
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9. McKale Center, Arizona
The Wildcats’ home is named after James Fred “Pop” McKale, a legendary Arizona coach who at one point in his tenure was the head coach of the Wildcats’ basketball, baseball and football teams. The arena has a capacity of 14,688 after opening in 1973.
10. The Pit, New Mexico
Officially named University Arena when it opened in 1966, the Lobos’ home quickly adopted the name “The Pit” due to the building’s unique design. The court lies 37 feet below street level. The arena hosts 15,411 spectators.
Bonus: The Marriott Center, BYU
Upon its opening, the Marriott Center was the largest basketball venue in the nation, college or NBA. It was quickly dethroned by Kentucky’s Rupp Arena in 1976, but the Cougars’ home is still the largest arena in the Big 12. As of 2022, the venue holds 17,978 fans.