Rank your favorite home arenas in College Basketball

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by censusdata

As far as more traditional venues go I really like New Mexico, Notre Dame, St Johns, and Vanderbilt as well.

I agree, I've always thought 'The Pit' at New Mexico is a really cool arena. Vanderbilt's is also unique in that the players/coaches, etc. sit far back and below the court - although not sure that it would be enjoyable to watch a game there.

[loboABQ]

I'm biased, but I vote for the PIT. Alumni of UNM and they're been 'my team' since I was little, but the atmosphere is amazing. Though, I'm sure nearly everyone says their arena's atmosphere is 'amazing'.

[DeaconJ]

Alexander Coliseum (aka The Thrillerdome) at Georgia Tech is a great place to watch college basketball.

[nicname]

I like how everyone just names their favorite teams arena.

I'm a K-State fan and can admit there are many arenas better than "DOOM."

I think you have to add up the elements: uniqness, tradition/success, etc.

Overall the best I've been to is a toss-up between Oklahoma State's Gallagher-Iba Arena(both pre and post expansion), and Allen Fieldhouse at Kansas.

Of the many arenas I have yet to see in person there are a few that always catch my eye/ear.

In no particular order.

The Palestra - Penn U's home court and home of the Big 5. Age old building with unique charm and a lot of history. Penn crowds aren't anything to crow about but Big 5 games are something else.

Cole Fieldhouse - The now defunct arena was home to the UM terrapins for ages and was as hostile an environment as you will find in CBB. The acoustics of the building were enhanced by the arching roof.

Oregon - I don't know the name but the gym has been around forever, and has a unique look when shown on TV. The student section is pretty cool as well.

Boston College - Again, don't remember the name off the top of my head but love the parque court design and the Architecture is pretty cool looking on TV.

Now for some overated ones -

Ruipp Arena - 23,000 fan, don't care the place is a cavern and has about as much charm as a block of wood.

Dean Dome - See Rupp

PAuley Pavillion - UCLA often has the best team but the atmosphere at PAuley is grade C. It is an below average facility with below average fans. History is it;s only saving grace.

[DeaconJ]

My team is Wake Forest (hence Deacon) but I didn't name their home court...I've been to games at Alexander Coliseum on Georgia Tech's campus and it's a very exciting place to see a game. It's intimate, with only 10,000 seats, and it's loud due to the bowl shape and dome. It was built in 1956 so it has a long history of college basketball.

[supermanpansy]

My team is Syracuse. Go Orange. They hold their games in the Carrier dome. I know that it holds more people than any other college arena.

[desert sun]

The Pit in Albuquerque built in 1966 is probably one of the most unique basketball arenas in the country, it was built in a 37 ft hole, from the outside it looks ugly and just like a big box, then you walk inside and its a huge 18,000 seat arena built in the ground, its one of the loudest arenas and Sports Illustrated also named it as one of the top arenas/stadiums of all sports.

I also like Wyomings arena.

[skipcromer]

[marmac]

"The barn" ( Williams Arena ) where U of Minnesota Golden Gophers play is a great place and unique,

Raised floor, great home floor advantage also.