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.
For the Win takes a look at the Elite 8 environments on campuses, breaking down the best places to take in college hoops based on game-time experience.
1. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke (9,314)
Cameron Indoor Stadium/USA TODAY Sports
The electric arena opened in 1940 and has since been renovated on multiple occasions to enhance the experience for the fans. What makes a Duke game so unique is the rowdy student section best known as the Cameron Crazies, who are famous for painting their bodies and dressing up in outrageous outfits.
2. The Carrier Dome, Syracuse (35,012 for basketball)
The Carrier Dome/USA TODAY Sports
The domed venue also serves as the football team’s home in a near 50,000-seat stadium. Last season, the Carrier Dome housed more than 35,000 fans for a rivalry game against Georgetown, the last of the old Big East era.
3. The Palestra , University of Pennsylvania (8,700)
The Palestra/USA TODAY Sports
History lives in this college basketball cathedral. The Palestra has hosted more regular season and post season basketball games, more visiting teams and more NCAA tournaments than any other arena in college hoops history.
4. The Pit,University of New Mexico (18,000)
The PIT/AP
Sunken 37 feet deep in Albuquerque, this famous arena was constructed in 1966. Since then, fans have flocked here for the history and echoing sound, as well as Lobos basketball.
5. Rupp Arena, Kentucky (23,500)
Rupp Arena/USA TODAY Sports
Lexington’s massive multi-purpose arena was opened in 1976. Whether it’s the banners hanging from the rafters or Ashley Judd sitting courtside, a game at Rupp is highly recommended but tickets are hard to come by. Consider the fact that more than 20,000 pile into just to watch a Midnight Madness practice.
6. Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler (10,000)
Hinkle Fieldhouse/USA TODAY Sports
This iconic facility is one of the oldest college basketball sites still in use. Opening in 1928, the arena has played host to the Bulldogs, as well as many notable moments, including the filming of the movie Hoosiers.
7. Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas (16,300)
Allen Fieldhouse/USA TODAY Sports
The Jayhawks have been calling this court home since it was dedicated in 1955. Nicknamed “The Phog,” there’s plenty of tradition here dating way back from the Rock Chalk Chant to the reading of newspapers during the announcement of visiting teams roster.
8. Gallagher-Iba Arena, Oklahoma State (13,611)
Gallagher-Iba Arena/USA TODAY Sports
Call it the Madison Square Garden of the Plains. The white maple court of the arena adds a historical touch and the fans in Stillwater as as rowdy as any. There are two empty seats that are preserved in Gallagher-Iba Arena, forever reserved for the two coaches the stadium is named after.
Honorable Mention Elite 8: Peterson Events Center (Pittsburgh), Jack Breslin Student Events Center (Michigan State), Smith Spectrum (Utah State), Assembly Hall (Indiana), Memorial Gymnasium (Vanderbilt), Bud Walton Arena (Arkansas), Pauley Pavillion (UCLA), Dean Smith Center (North Carolina).
