The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is almost here.
Before the season begins, here are the top 10 arenas in the sport:
1. Allen Fieldhouse, Kansas
The history. The noise. The power of the place just makes it so special and a must-visit for any fan.
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2. Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke
There really is nothing like it in the game. Cozy. Quaint. Loud. Intimidating. And overall a cathedral.
3. Mackey Arena, Purdue
The design of the roof just makes it so loud. There is one entrance in and out, making the closed end maybe the most intimidating space in the sport.
4. Madison Square Garden, St. John’s
When the Red Storm are rocking a top-10 team like they are this season then this is a top-5 arena. Pack the Garden and it becomes a show on Broadway.
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5. Hilton Coliseum, Iowa State
This never gets its national due, but the results say it should always be on any top-10 list for best arenas in the country.
6. Bud Walton Arena, Arkansas
The Hogs are back in the national spotlight, and that means Bud Walton should return to everyone’s top-10 list.
7. Breslin Center, Michigan State
The Spartans have had the talent to be a perennial Big Ten title contender, but their arena atmosphere and sight lines make this one a must-stop.
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8. The Pit, New Mexico
I covered it for five years and have been to countless games in this building. The hype is real. “It’s a mile high and louder than…” — that’s what it says walking down the ramp, leaving the opponents a bit stunned before they are left breathless running back up at halftime. The Lobos can count on a home court advantage before the ball is tipped every time out.
9. McKale Center, Arizona
The West needs to get the respect. The McKale Center has been one of the toughest places to get a road win since the late Lute Olson arrived in Tucson.
10. United Supermarkets Arena, Texas Tech
The Red Raiders have steadily become a traditional power, regardless of coach. Part of the reason has been this incredible home court in one of the more underrated buildings in the country.
Andy Katz is an NCAA.com correspondent. Katz worked at ESPN for 18 years as a college basketball reporter, host and anchor. He’s covered every Final Four since 1992, and the sport since 1986 as a freshman at Wisconsin. He is a former president of the United States Basketball Writers Association. Katz can also be seen covering college basketball on Big Ten Network during the regular season. Follow him on Twitter at @theandykatz.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NCAA or its member institutions.
