March Madness may be over, but we can still appreciate the tradition of college basketball as we wait for the next season to come. Although arenas are empty now, during the season, college basketball has some of the most raucous fans in all of sports–student sections are packed, and they make their voices heard. College basketball also has some of the most historic arenas in the country, many of which are filled with a rich history of rivalries and championships. Many college basketball fans will argue that their arena is the best in the country, but here some of the best, based on fan environment and historical significance.
5. The Palestra – University of Pennsylvania
The Palestra is often referred to as the cathedral of college basketball. One of the oldest arenas in the country, the Palestra has been hosting basketball games for over 90 years. Having hosted more NCAA tournament games than any other arena in college basketball, the Palestra is without a doubt one of the most historic college basketball arenas in the country.
4. Carrier Dome – Syracuse University
Holding over 34,000 Syracuse fans at capacity, the Carrier Dome is the largest on-campus basketball arena in the country and allows for an unrivaled fan experience. With a Syracuse squad that is consistently solid and always looking to make the NCAA tournament, the dome is often packed to capacity with some wild fans of the Orange
Related: Men's College Basketball: Is Your Perfect Fit in the ACC?
3. Allen Fieldhouse – University of Kansas
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). Under Coach Bill Self, the Jayhawks have had multiple home winning streaks over 30 games, and even a few that have reached 50 games. The court is named after James Naismith, the creator of basketball, and having been the home arena for NBA legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Pierce, Allen Fieldhouse has a history and fan environment of legendary proportions.
2. Dean Smith Center – University of North Carolina
UNC has consistently been one of the top programs in the country and they've got an arena to back it up. Home NBA legend Michael Jordan, along with other NBA greats such as Vince Carter and Rasheed Wallace, UNC has a history of phenomenal players. Consistently one of the top teams in the country, UNC pulls in top notch recruiting classes year after year. And considering they're involved in the most intense rivalry in all of college basketball, UNC fans always come out in droves when trying to beat Duke, their most intense Tobacco Road rival.
1. Cameron Indoor Stadium – Duke University
Why did Cameron nab the top spot? Maybe it's five national championships under Coach K. Or countless NBA all-stars. The most intense student section in the country. The Cameron Crazies. Whatever your reason, the Duke basketball experience is unparalleled. The fan environment is so intense for only holding about 9,000 fans which allows for every fan in the arena to feel as if they are close to the court and a part of the action. Although Coach K is officially retired, it's safe to say that the atmosphere of Cameron Indoor Stadium will be just as crazy next season.
What do you think? Did we get our picks right? Have any additions? Or maybe you have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on April 8, 2022, by 2aDays Staff
