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Last Updated on March 17, 2023
College basketball is a sport that has a rich history and a passionate fan base. From legendary coaches to historic arenas, college basketball offers something for everyone. In this article, we will share with you a guide to a vacation during college basketball off-season to help you explore some of the best destinations in college basketball.
College basketball is rightfully one of the best forms of entertainment. The players go hard, gathering loyal fans from around the world, So it’s no news that bettors search for college basketball picks today.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) governs college basketball in the US. The sport is one of the most watched in the country, and 2019 saw over 20 million viewers watch the championship game.
Read on as we explore some of the most impressive basketball arenas to visit during college basketball vacation and some interesting facts about College Basketball you didn´t know yet.
Most impressive basketball arenas to visit
Viejas Arena, San Diego
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The Viejas Arena is a modern type of atmosphere, but that doesn’t reduce its appeal to touring spectators and visiting squads. Steve Fisher built the San Diego State men’s basketball program in the 2000s, and it was soon that the arena gained fame among crowds.
In addition, the design resembles a next-gen arena type, with fans on higher ground than players, electrifying the experience and adding to its appeal.
Peterson Events Center, Pittsburgh
The Peterson Events Center is rumored to be one of the loudest in the country, primarily due to the Oakland Zoo student section. The seating offers students space behind the bench area, extending to behind one of the baskets. As a result, the atmosphere has some real noise potential, creating an iconic environment.
The Pit, New Mexico
The New Mexico arena, fondly called the Pit, sits 37 feet below street level. It features a wide-open view with seating that lies high above the floor. As a result, the Pit can create one of the most electrifying experiences in NCAA history, with over 15,000 fans screaming their support. Since 1966, New Mexico has won over 80 percent of its games in The Pit.
Finneran Pavilion, Pennsylvania
The Pavilion, also known as Finneran Pavilion, is Villanova’s 6,501-seat campus arena. Spectators sit behind the baskets and round the court, making for a powerful noise potential throughout the games. In the last few years, Villanova has won many games in the Pavilion.
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke University
Cameron Indoor Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in college basketball. Home to the Duke Blue Devils, the arena has a seating capacity of just over 9,000 and is known for its intense atmosphere. The Cameron Crazies, Duke’s student section, are famous for their energy and passion.
Rupp Arena, Kentucky
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Rupp Arena is the home of the Kentucky Wildcats, one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. The arena has a seating capacity of over 23,000 and is known for its blue and white checkerboard floor. Rupp Arena has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and is always a popular destination for college basketball fans.
Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas
Allen Fieldhouse is home to the Kansas Jayhawks, one of the most storied programs in college basketball. The arena has a seating capacity of just over 16,000 and is known for its raucous atmosphere. The student section, known as the Phog, is named after legendary Kansas coach Phog Allen.
Carrier Dome, Syracuse
The Carrier Dome is home to the Syracuse Orange and is one of the largest domed stadiums in the world. The arena has a seating capacity of over 33,000 and is known for its bright orange roof. The Carrier Dome has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and is always a popular destination for college basketball fans.
Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles
Pauley Pavilion is home to the UCLA Bruins, one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. The arena has a seating capacity of just over 13,000 and is known for its iconic design. Pauley Pavilion has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games and is always a popular destination for college basketball fans.
Dean Smith Center, North Carolina
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The Dean Smith Center is home to the North Carolina Tar Heels, one of the most successful programs in college basketball history. The arena has a seating capacity of just over 21,000 and is named after legendary coach Dean Smith. The arena is known for its bright blue seats and has hosted numerous NCAA Tournament games.
Interesting Facts About College Basketball
While you’re vacationing during college basketball season, here are some interesting facts you should know:
Dunks Used to be Banned
The slam dunk is arguably basketball’s most notable scoring skill. So, it’ll interest you to know that the NCAA banned it from 1967 to 1976, and Lew Alcindor caused it. The association banned the move because the future Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wouldn’t stop dunking. So, the NCAA banned the move as a deterrent.
Businesses Lose Money During March Madness
For many, March Madness is the highlight of the year’s first quarter. It is a big basketball tournament that draws fans from around the globe. However, the business recorded losses during the season due to their workers’ productivity, as the tournament engaged their employees.
No State has had two teams in the NCAA Championship Game, Except Ohio.
Ohio State was the highest-ranked team in the NCAA in 1961, and the University of Cincinnati closely followed at number two. The two teams made history as the only teams from the same state that were allowed to compete in the Championship game.
A Canadian Invented Basketball
Many believe that an American invented basketball, but the theory couldn’t be more wrong. Instead, James Naismith, a Canadian PE teacher, created the now-famous game, and he did it to engage his students on rainy days.
No One has Picked a Perfect March Madness Bracket
No one, so far, has ever picked the perfect March Madness bracket, with university professor Jeff Bergen claiming that you’d have higher chances of winning the lottery twice. The odds of selecting the perfect bracket are 9,223,372,036,854,775,808!
The Lowest Winning Seed in the NCAA Tournament is #8
If your favorite team ranks any lower than eight, the chances of winning are slim. So far, the lowest seed to have ever won the tournament is the eighth, happening when Villanova beat Georgetown in 1985. Till now, the game is one of the most iconic in NCAA history.
