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. Confined within the multipurpose home of the Spartans, the group dresses up, brings props and uses mini-megaphones that make great souvenirs for the kids. This is a list of arenas that currently serve as the home venue for NCAA Division I college basketball teams. It was renamed in 1986 as the Louis Brown Athletic Center but the nickname stuck through . While the stadium may hold far less than its competitors, the electric atmosphere brings them high on the list. Emailed daily. The indoor basketball venue holds 17,222 seats and also houses the largest student section in the country at 7,800 seats. At least it gets those dag nab bit iGoogle Crapple Twitterbooks out of their hands. I remember getting to the line and it was so loud my ears started to hurt, and I think for a split second I lost my focus, Gay would later say of his miss. Im nobody, but its 2021 and the internet is ubiquitous, so get ready for my opinion, world! Top 5 Loudest CBB Arenas? Opponents can attest to the fact that the arena seems smaller and more intimidating when all 19,300-plus seats are filled. Finneran Pavilion (Villanova) It has become the hub of one of the most impressive programs in the sport and been an important piece of Gonzagas climb into the national limelight. How historic is this building? Dayton's home arena is not flashy, but it's the place where the madness of March officially begins with the First Four. 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. On its surface it sounds more like a U Masss Blue Wall Cafe, just a benign hangout to get a morning bagel. The Roundhouse, as its known for reasons that should be self-explanatory, the Shockers forged one of the best home records in the country for years in the building. This is my list, and in my world, its The Pit. Since then, the Zags have lost just 18 games (entering the week) at their 6,000-seat home. Its the largest domed structure on a U.S. college campus and can hold 33,000 for basketball games and 56,250 for concerts. After years of planning, the University of Idaho has finally broken ground on a dedicated basketball arena. The same goes for the University of Kansas, who recently won the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship in 2008. 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. If your teams arena didnt make this list, it doesnt mean your atmosphere is bad. 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. Gallagher is called the Madison Square Garden of the Plains, and though the fans probably wont break any lights in the 13,000-plus capacity arena, the fact that it once did keeps fans screaming louder and louder. Screaming, because Kansas fans once hit 122 on the decibel thingamajig. But its also because the fans turn Allen Fieldhouse into an incredibly-difficult environment for opposition to handle. What is the loudest college basketball arena? Matthew Knight Arena, Oregon Indiana has won five NCAA Championships in men's basketball (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, 1987). The cushioned seating is a nice touch while still not taking away from the intense atmosphere that's usually associated with Cyclones basketball. Yes, name - I believe the name of an arena makes a difference, and it will play a role in how I evaluate the Big Ten's basketball arenas. and volleyball teams and is the nation's oldest on-campus arena that still serves as the primary home to a Division I basketball program. It's a historical venue in the middle of the most exciting city in the world and can elevate the games of those fortunate to play there. City. Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke Blue Devils) Home Record Since 2000: 284-22 (.928) Advertisement. I have never seen a fanbase so ready and willing to boo anything and everything. Xfinity Center (Maryland). Their efforts in particular gives The Kennel one of the best atmospheres in college basketball. But similar to UNC, a lot of the fans given priority seating in Rupp Arena are very far from current students, and it costs several thousands of dollars for season tickets near the action. The students fully embrace The Barnyard nickname, and its normal to see them wearing outfits emulating various farm animals, crops, and other farm-related items. That said, Kentucky fans are animalistic about their Cats. Go for slam dunks, fire off long 3-point shots, use superpowers, win matches and earn cups! It was the originator of blowing up players faces to create the big heads you now see across college basketball atmospheres, and their efforts have had an effect on the Aztecs winning eight Mountain West regular season titles since 2006. It was the final conference game between the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels. Thats about as loud as Rupp Arena gets, which is still pretty darn loud. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. The stadium itself is actually 37 feet below street level due to the fact that it was built on a mesa. Breslin Student Events Center - Michigan State, On Feb. 13, 2017, 16,300 fans in attendance at Allen Fieldhouse set the. 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. Not only is it loud, but the violence of the vocals makes it about as inviting as a swim among piranhas. 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. The Jayhawks won that night, just as they do so often on their home floor. Duke fans come up with different things and they're really, really clever. Kansas allots 4,000 of the arenas 16,300 capacity to students and puts them behind both baskets and largely in a four-section span in one of the corners. Updated December 05, 2019 Bruce Waynes not climbing out of this pit. On Feb. 13, 2017, 16,300 fans in attendance at Allen Fieldhouse set the Guinness World Record for the loudest crowd roar at an indoor sporting event (130.4 decibels). Under Coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks have had multiple home . 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. The HURD elicit fear into the psyches of its opponents. 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. In that same span, the Jayhawks lost 13 games at home. Here are the loudest basketball arenas in the NCAA, 8. for the loudest crowd roar at an indoor sporting event (130.4 decibels). I can think of several games Ive watched at this arena over the years that felt like my TV was vibrating. I can remember watching many Arizona home games over the years where the crowd was absolutely out of its mind, with Derrick Williams game-saving block against Washington in 2011 the first example I think of. The Show, the San Diego State student section, is one of the most creative in the country. The arenas serve as home venues for both the men's and women's teams except where noted. Mackey Arena is one of the biggest best college basketball arenas since it has a capacity of over 14,000 fans. Up high are the season ticket holders, down low are the Smurfs, better knows as the Cameron Crazies. The fearsome and historic Cameron Indoor, which opened way back in 1940, earns the top spot on our list. The Cats have led the nation in . It opened in 1938 and underwent a major renovation in 2001. Fans absolutely pack out the place to the point of bursting, and with the old-timey concrete and wood and giant windows allowing the sun to shine through, the feeling is uniquely incredible. 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. The Carrier Dome is one of the most unique venues in all of 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. Its like playing basketball at Boeings jet-engine testing facility. 5. Great sightlines. Dayton is very much included in that. The atmosphere at the Spectrum isnt what it was in the 2000s, and for that it just barely misses out on my top 25. That has got to have Bill Self, Kansas head coach, screaming for joy. Kentucky has won 89.5% of its all-time games at Rupp and has only lost eight of the 132 games it has played there under John Calipari, to give you an idea of just how much of a home court advantage the Wildcats enjoy. 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. It is loud, so much so that it agitates the marrow buried deep within. Ive never attended a home Dayton game, but I did witness the two NCAA Tournament games Dayton played in Columbus in 2015, and if that was anything to go by, contests in UD Arena are bonkers. And, of course, it witnessed much of the Hoosiers 197576 undefeated seasonthe last perfect season in men's college hoops. So loud," Mike Roberts, radio voice of the Lobos from 1966 to 2008, said in an ESPN story, "you can feel it in your bones.". On top of that, there are no air conditioning units in the building, no white-noise humming in the background. 3. 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. Take the late Rick Majerus, who coached all over the country, lastly at St. Louis. Since 1928, Hinkle Fieldhouse has been at the center of it all and was named as a National Historic Landmark in 1987. 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. As Virginia has improved under Tony Bennett, so too has the atmosphere at John Paul Jones Arena. College basketball arenas, both big and small, make for some of the best atmospheres in sports thanks to eccentric student sections, unique venues and never-ending tradition. At just under 18,000 capacity, the home of the Terps is one of the bigger venues in college basketball. I think we all knew what the top two would be, and rightfully so. 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. The crowd is loud. Who can forget Jim Valvano running around the floor of "The Pit" looking for someone to hug after North Carolina State's shocking upset of Houston in the 1983 national championship game? 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. Mackey Arena is a concrete barrier built for capturing as much sound as possible. The "WatShot" against Kentucky. The bar is high to reach the top 25. 9. The Spartans have won 86.9% of their home games since the arena opened in 1989, as the fans in East Lansing have given a team that is annually among the sports elites a further advantage. Bramlage Coliseum (Kansas State) Allen Fieldhouse is one of college basketball's most . But under Eric Musselman, the program has been reinvigorated, and thats brought the Hogs out in a big way the last couple of seasons. 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. 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. Center (Louisville, KY) - Louisville Basketball (22,090 Capacity) . But for the most part the students are civil and often downright clever with their chants. Celebrities and athletes are often in attendance in the historic arena that now holds over 23,500 people, which makes it the largest arena in the country for indoor sports. However, the Cameron Crazies make it one of the loudest and most intimidating places to play in college basketball. Students are given absolutely priority at Cameron Indoor, and it makes all the difference. Thats why I have North Carolina this high. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina. Obviously, it wasnt a long drive, especially compared to Providence and Oklahoma, but Flyers fans turned Nationwide Arena into a madhouse. Who has the loudest student section? UNM Arena, New Mexico 5. Cameron Indoor is iconic for a host of reasons, and one of the biggest is the atmosphere. 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. People in the midwest know a thing or two about tornadoes and the noise of natural distasters. Regardless of the team, the atmosphere has the potential to be electric, especially if the matchup is right. The atmosphere is crazy, whether theyre on a three-game losing streak or a three-game winning streak.. Add in that people in Kansas really, really, really care about college basketball, and then also add in the aura and legend of Allen Fieldhouse, and you begin to understand why opponents must beware of the Phog. Capacity. The Pit is renowned for being one of the loudest places to play in college basketball, with sound levels reaching up to 125 decibels, about as loud as a jackhammer. The actual hardwood in the 16,300-seat arena, called the James Naismith Court in his honor, confers an incredible home advantage. San Jose State's Provident Credit Union Event Center: When you can count the actual attendance by hand, you know the atmosphere leaves something lacking. The Musketeers boast one of the nicer and more multifunctional venues in the college game. 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. What is the largest basketball arena? 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. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. Then you come into the arena, and the depth of it is so magnified because its such an open space youre not used to playing in something like that and thats when they get you. Amusing, possibly, but since thats patently foolish, they can scream for Tom Crean. 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. Carrier Dome 12. "The Barn" opened in 1928, and thanks to several renovations and upgrades over the years, it stillupholds the strong tradition of Golden Gophers basketball. Kentucky isnt just a passionate fan base, its kind of rabid, and thats no insult. In terms of atmosphere, the Wildcats have a top-25 college basketball environment in The Pavilion. Rupp Arena- University of Kentucky 1. ALLEN FIELDHOUSE, KANSAS 2. According to BGB, the duo of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Neville Arena is the loudest in all of college sports. Boo birds at Hilton Coliseum are a different breed of boos, piercing through the building like daggers aimed at their target. It still remains one of college basketball's special gyms. 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 team's 150-game non-conference home winning streak was ended earlier this season with a loss to Stephen F. Austin). That announcer was ESPN's Dave O'Brien, and he said the Hilton Coliseum was "louder than anything in the ACC.". | But the potential is still there, and if Pitt improves in the near future, it will be much higher on this list in a few years. Unfortunately, I have always been too short and Jewish to play at a high level, so I instead settled for watching and reporting from the sideline. Fans sit in a hole in the ground literally which makes even the farthest-away seats feel relatively close to the court. There is one thing you have to hand to Kansas State fans: they are fiercely loyal, whether their team is good or not. Its first game pitted Iba's Oklahoma A&M (the school's name at the time) squad against Kansas, coached by Phog Allen. Utah State may not be a headliner on the basketball court, but don't tell its student section that. With arguably the most passionate fans in college . to see one of college basketball's great facilities up close. We have the VGK and Raiders (who themselves would hardly ever play at the same time as a UNLV hoops game), whoo hoo. Prepare for adrenaline-pumped moments! In an interview with Yahoo! Named after famed Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp, the home of the Wildcats is one of the most recognizable arenas in all of sports. 311. But part of what makes Hilton so deadly is the passion and noise making isnt relegated to just the students the adults sitting around the arena are poised and ready with their boo birds, too. 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. Discover short videos related to loudest college basketball stadium on TikTok. ", Roy Williams, UNCs head coach, also added, "That was the loudest I have ever heard the Smith Center.. Mackey Arena has a secret to its rowdiness that not many venues can 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). 10. 486. When its full, and thats been a more common occurrence as the Cavs have been regularly competing for ACC championships the last several years, JPJ can be raucous. Louisville is one of the most successful programs in the sport, and it has some very passionate fans. Lets go to the decibel meter. Since Miller took over the program in 2009-10, Arizona has won more than 140 home games. 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. Memorial Gym, Vanderbilt 10. The largest mostly-college basketball arena with 23,500 seats (and more than 24,000 if needed), Rupp sat in the Guinness Book of World Records for the loudest arena for 17 days two seasons ago . Charles Koch Arena (Wichita State) Some are steeped in tradition, while others offer modern-day amenities but still remain a pain for the opposition. Ushers and concession employees are fabulous. Really, were all in agreement here; Maryland fans are obscenely obnoxious, and they wouldnt want it any other way. ESPN The Magazine's Loudest Arenas 1. Mar 8, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard D.J. Originally named Purdue Arena, it was renamed in 1972 to honor Purdue alumnus and long time athletic director Guy "Red" Mackey. A loud crowd makes any sporting event better, so here's our list of the top 25 loudest stadiums.Arrowhead Stadium holds the record for the loudest stadium having recorded a noise level of 142.2 decibels. Back in 2012, Nebraskas Brandon Ubel made specific mention of Michigan States Breslin Student Events Center. Rutgers' basketball arena was originally titled the Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) when it opened in 1977. It's also been a quality home for the team to thrive in. We also have 10 times the population as we did during Tark's heyday. For a long time, Syracuse has had one of the best atmospheres in college basketball, I suspect thats something that will remain true for a long time. Not so on the Beltway, when the Maryland Terrapins play host. X dont play. 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 last few years havent been what Arizona would have preferred, but the atmosphere at the McKale Center remains one of the best in college basketball. That said, Louisville can be electric for the right opponents, and you shouldnt take a trip there lightly if the fans have a reason to get up for you. 2018-2021 All Rights Reserved Nothing But Nylon is powered by, News & gear by players, for players Powered by. If you haven't been . The Pit - Dreamstyle Arena 13. I lost partial hearing for days on multiple occasions after basketball games, and sometimes my voice would go, too. In a video released by NCAA.com, it says. The school allows wealthy donors to have the best seats in the house, and those fans dont have a reputation for getting loud. If he could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High and Grand Lakes University. He missed one of the three free throws as the game went to overtime, where New Mexico prevailed. 1. Now thats what you call home court advantage. Home Team. With March Madness approaching, here's a look at some of the loudest college arenas in the NCAA: 10. Almost the entirety of the seats behind the north basket at the McKale Center belong to students, so if youre trying to score on that hoop, good luck with verbal communication. Established in 1968, it stands as the eldest arena in the association. Best Big Ten Basketball Rivalries Right Now, This article was originally published on Fivestar News, more than 11,000 seats larger than the second-largest arena in the sport, they dont care if they need binoculars to see the ball from their seats. But on its day, Chapel Hill turns this arena into a madhouse, and I have to respect that. MacKey Arena 9. A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for nearly 30 years. Opened in 1967, Mackey holds a little more than 14,000 people, and those people do not hesitate to yell. With the largest student section in the country at 7,800 seats, Assembly Hall is far from a friendly site for opponents when its rocking. This is a new-money type of atmosphere, but that doesnt make it any less imposing for visiting college basketball squads. David Aldridge writes on Duke Report.com: The Crazies have become known as one of the most clever student sections in sports, but I think many guys come into the arena looking forward to hearing what theyll come up with. But all the qualities that have made this arena a nightmare for opponents are still there, and a trip to East Lansing is still very intimidating. 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. It opened in 1928 but does not show its age thanks to renovations and impeccable upkeep. And conversely, Maryland fans will wholeheartedly agree and wear their reputation as a badge of honor. Dean E. Smith Center (North Carolina) 1.1M. The Pete isnt what it was a decade ago, but thats much more the fault of the programs failures on the court than the fans in the stands. Assembly Hall arena is on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and home of the Indiana Hoosiers. A bucket-list destination for basketball fans everywhere, tickets to watch a game in this gym can be expensive and hard to acquiredepending on Duke's . The Aggies finished 13-5 at home a year ago and much of that can be credited to this loud and verbally abusive venue. Playing at home can make all the difference in college basketball. Hoosier fans can dial it up. Since the Cintas Center opened in 2000, Xavier has been one of the most remarkably consistent programs in college hoops, missing the NCAA tournament only twice in that span. However, it still offers a somewhat intimate atmosphere near the court when filled. That team, led by Sean May, erased a nine-point deficit in the final three minutes. So please let me assure you your school is very special in its own ways, and who I am to speak on that precious relationship you have with it? When Cody Zeller made a key steal against Michigan State, Assembly Hall earned a 115.3 dB reading. Petersen Events Center (Pittsburgh) The Pit is 37 feet down into the crust, funneling the vocals and screams from the red and white down onto the court. 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. When it comes to sports, performing in front of a home crowd can produce a much-needed jolt that aids in success. You know a team of this sort is loud when a noted college basketball announcer says it's every bit as loud as an ACC arena. 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. #newmexico #lobos #thepit #basketball". Mississippi State basketball fans and MSU students Josh Fisher, Ben Stroud and David Kiesel smile in front of a Humphrey Coliseum crowd before the Bulldogs face Kentucky on Feb. 15, 2023. Hinkle Fieldhouse is basketball not college basketball, but basketball. Nothing epitomizes the state of Indiana's love of basketball more than Butler's legendary fieldhouse. 14. With the smaller size and acoustics in Hinkle mean the screaming fans, particularly the students, are magnified even more. I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and have loved basketball for as long as I can remember. A loud court makes it impossible to communicate. The Hilton Coliseum is a 14,267-capacity arena that is home to the Iowa State University Cyclones men's and women's basketball teams, as well wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball programs. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Zeigler is leading the Southeastern Conference in assists, averaging 5.4 per game. . Rupp opened in 1976 and has regularly seen crowds of over 24,000 during its 30 plus year history. But things have changed under eighth-year . Sorry about the shaking.i was a little excited. It means every orange-clad, snow-loving student gets every chance to optimize the strength of his or her vocal cords. 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. All Rights Reserved. Without question, the Peterson Events Center has the capacity to be one of the loudest arenas in the nation, in large part thanks to the Oakland Zoo student section. Top 5 Largest College Basketball Arenas in NCAA Division I Sports #3: KFC Yum! But the potential is still there, and Utah State is still one of the toughest places to play in the Mountain West. Since Xavier began play there in 2000-01, it's won more than 250 games in the building. Newbill (2) shoots a game winning shot over Minnesota Golden Gophers guard . The arena is the home venue for the University of Arizona Wildcats' men's and women's basketball teams. You have to respect a fanbase that has such a dedication to pure and unadulterated hatred for its enemy. Ive felt like Hilton was on the verge of riots on a handful of occasions, particularly when Kansas comes to town. From the team benches on the baseline to the expanded court area, the home of the Commodores is something to behold. From cheerleaders and bands, to painted co-eds and mascots, college basketball arenas -- with the thousands of fans that fill the seats -- can be one of the loudest places in the country. Cameron Indoor Stadium Thats what i think, what yall think? Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. With a seating capacity of 23,500, it's the largest off-campus home for a Division I team in the country. Always free! What's the biggest arena in the world? Former Kentucky guard John Wall elicited a 110.1 when he returned in 2011. Honorable mentions are at the bottom. Home of the Izzone, the well-known Michigan State student section (named afteryou guessed it, Tom Izzo), the Breslin Center is always a tough trip for opponents to make.