As basketball season heats up, we're going to cover some of the most iconic college basketball venues throughout the country. This article breaks down the top 5 college basketball stadiums in the NCAA.

Indiana University – Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall

Home Team: Indiana Hoosiers
Year Opened: 1971
Capacity: 17,222
Fun Fact: The Simon Skjodt has a rich history of hosting a variety of notable sporting events, presidential speeches, and music performances.
Notable Alumni: Eric Gordon and Cody Zeller

To start off this list we have the Simon Skhodt Assembly Hall, home of the Indiana University-Bloomington Hoosiers. This stadium is characterized by steep bleacher seating – a unique interior architectural design, to accommodate it's capacity of 17,222. The home of the Hoosiers underwent a recent renovation which included a brand new scoreboard and updated facilities to what is already an iconic design.

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Syracuse University – Carrier Dome

Home Team: Syracuse Orange
Year Opened: 1980
Capacity: 33,000
Fun Fact: Was originally built as a football field, but can be adapted into a basketball court
Notable Alumni: Carmelo Anthony and President Joe Biden

Next on this list is the Carrier Dome, A.K.A “The Loud House,” located in Syracuse, New York. The Carrier Dome is perhaps the most unique venue on this list because of its monstrous capacity of 33,000 fans and because it was originally built to be a football field, but can be adapted into a basketball court. Perhaps the most appealing feature of the Carrier dome, besides its size, is the brand new scoreboard that debuted in 2020. The scoreboard is one of the biggest in the country with dimensions of 62.5' x 20' making it the crown jewel of what is already an electric atmosphere. Other renovations that debuted in 2020 are: a new sound system, a new roof design, a new lighting system which allows for the lights to go on and off on command, and a long overdue air conditioning system. 

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Butler University – Hinkle Fieldhouse

Home Team: Butler Bulldogs
Year Opened: 1927 
Capacity: 9,100
Fun Fact: The open window in the rafters allows for natural lighting
Notable Alumni: Sean McDermott and Gordon Hayward

Up next is the Hinkle Fieldhouse, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Built in 1927, Hinkle Fieldhouse is the most historic venue on this list. Despite recent renovations which included wider concourses, a brand new scoreboard, and newer, more comfortable seating for the fans, the overall design of the stadium remains intact from when it was first built. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of this stadium, is the open window in the rafters, which allows for natural lighting. In addition to the iconic design of the home of the Bulldogs, the Hinkle Fieldhouse also features a newly renovated student academic center and a sports medicine center equipped with hydrotherapy facilities. (Photo source: Wish TV)

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University of North Carolina – Dean E. Smith Center

Home Team: North Carolina Tar Heels 
Year Opened: 1986
Capacity: 21,750
Fun Fact: The Tar Heels have 5 NCAA National championships under their belt
Notable Alumni: Michael Jordan and Vince Carter

Next is the Dean E. Smith Center, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Dean E. Smith Center is home to one of the most historic basketball colleges in the nation. The Smith Center has a whopping capacity of 21,750 and features high end technology including four 17.8′ x 23.6′ scoreboards located in each corner of the building and newly installed ribbon boards that separate the upper and lower decks. Off the court, the Smith Center has great facilities for its players, including a top notch weight room, iconic locker room decorated with the banners of the famous Tar Heel teams, and a media center. 

University of Kentucky – Rupp Arena

Home Team: Kentucky Wildcats
Year Opened: 1976
Capacity: 20,500
Fun Fact: Rupp Arena hosts concerts, family shows, and big ticket sporting events, including WWE
Notable Alumni: Anthony Davis and John Wall

Number one on this list is the home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats: the Rupp Arena located in Lexington, Kentucky. The Rupp Arena is the closest venue to an NBA stadium due to its size, new technology, and rich history of college basketball excellence. The home of the Wildcats holds a total of 20,500 fans with seats stretching from courtside all the way up to the rafters. The Rupp Arena underwent a renovation in 2016, during which a new Daktronics scoreboard and a whole new speaker system were installed, enhancing what is already an iconic venue for college hoops. In addition to new technology, the players were also treated to a brand new locker room in 2012 equipped with a kitchen and dining area, hot and cold tubs, and a recruiting room. 

* Originally published on December 10, 2021, by Dylan Tehada