Collegehoopsnet - Top 5 Loudest Arenas

THE REVIEW: TOP BASKETBALL VENUES

Welcome to The Review: Arenas. The Review is the place for college basketball fans to learn and talk about everything related to the college game that happens off the court. See what CHN Experts, College Coaches & Players, Media Analysts, and other fans have to say about everything related to college hoops.

The Review ▪ Basketball Arenas ▪ Submit Your Opinion

THE LOUDEST ARENAS IN THE COUNTRY

By Bill “CigarBoy” Kintner

The CigarBoy Arena Tour rolls on and CB lists his Top 5 Loudest and most intimidating college basketball arenas.

What makes for a loud, intimidating arena? It is the physical structure and the fans. The building has to be designed so that the fans are right on top of the action and the sound generated by the fans is contained in the seating bowl. The fans have to be crazy/insane for their team. If they sit on their hands and don’t open their mouth, then the design is irrelevant.

The following venues are loud, wild and deafening. So bring your ear protection and join the party in the some of the country’s most exciting basketball arenas.

Florida – O’Connell Center (12,000) The seats start just a few feet off the court and they seem to go straight up in the air. It is so loud you can’t even talk to the person sitting next to you.

Rutgers – The Louis Brown Athletic Center or “the RAC” (8000). This one is one of the best-kept secrets in college basketball. Not a great design, but the fans start screaming during warm-ups and don’t stop until a few minutes after the game is over. It has been called “louder than a 747 at Newark Airport.” I think I agree!

Kansas – Allen Fieldhouse (16,300) They have the largest number of fans closest to the floor of any arena in the country.. Again, don’t try to talk too much to the person sitting next to you.

St. Bonaventure – Reilly Center (6000) The fans are boisterous but respectful. The fans are so close they can almost reach out and touch the players on the court. Where do they find 6000 fans in the middle of nowhere? Photo by Craig Melvin

Duke – Cameron Indoor Stadium (9314) Not only are the fans loud and right on the court but they are very entertaining. The lower bleacher seating is so tight that once you get to your seat, that is it, you won’t be leaving your seat until halftime.

Honorable Mention

Iowa – Carver-Hawkeye Arena (15,500)

Wisconsin – Kohl Center (17,142)

Kentucky – Rupp Arena (23,000)

Arkansas – Bud Walton Arena (19,200)

Other (under 5000 seats)

St. Joseph's – Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse (3200).

Bill Kintner a.k.a. CigarBoy, age 42 from Cincinnati, OH is writing a book on the Top 100 Division I basketball arenas. As of 2/8/04 he has visited 190 arenas. For more information visit his web site: www.cbsportsbeat.com