College Basketball Arena Rankings
By Tyler Smith 2/27/2020 (updated)
College Basketball Overall Arena Rankings
KFC YUM! Center home of the Louisville Cardinals
#1 KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 36.9/40 An NBA level arena that is the sole home of the Cardinals.
#2 UD Arena-Dayton 35.2/40
A classic college basketball gym that should be on everyone's bucket list.
#3 Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 35.0/40
One of the true must see venues in College Basketball.
#4 Memorial Gymnasium-Vanderbilt 34.9/40
Combine the words unique and college basketball and you have Memorial Gym.
#5 Thompson Bowling Arena-University of Tennessee 34.3/40
Has a pro arena look with a college atmosphere feel.
#6 Dean Smith Center-North Carolina 34.2/40
Home of one of the top hoops programs in the country, just look in the rafters.
#7 Fifth Third Arena-UC 33.5/40
Brand new renovations has brought this arena to another level.
#8 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 33.2/40
Great scoreboard, solid student section.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 31.95/40
How many outdoor concourse have you seen?
#10 Cintas Center-Xavier University 31.05/40
Built in 2000 and it hasn't aged a bit.
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 29.50/40
One of the more storied programs in the nation has a nice place to call home.
#12 Minges Coliseum- East Carolina 28.2/40
A low ceiling provides a loud environment for a program on the rise.
#13 BB&T Arena-NKU 26.35/40
One of the best Mid Major Venues
#14 Curb Event Center-Belmont 26.05/40
Open concourse concept with a sharp look.
#15 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 24.4./40
McKenzie Arena has an ideal capacity, but not enough fans to fill it.
#16 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 23.5/40
A good size arena for a mid major, but could use some renovations.
#17 Allen Arena-Lipscomb 23/40
5,000 seat arena featuring suites.
#18 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 20/40
Odd seating sections hurt the overall rating.
#19 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 15.8/40
Too small, no videoboards.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 13.6/40
Incarnate Word will need a new arena to compete.
#2 UD Arena-Dayton 35.2/40
A classic college basketball gym that should be on everyone's bucket list.
#3 Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 35.0/40
One of the true must see venues in College Basketball.
#4 Memorial Gymnasium-Vanderbilt 34.9/40
Combine the words unique and college basketball and you have Memorial Gym.
#5 Thompson Bowling Arena-University of Tennessee 34.3/40
Has a pro arena look with a college atmosphere feel.
#6 Dean Smith Center-North Carolina 34.2/40
Home of one of the top hoops programs in the country, just look in the rafters.
#7 Fifth Third Arena-UC 33.5/40
Brand new renovations has brought this arena to another level.
#8 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 33.2/40
Great scoreboard, solid student section.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 31.95/40
How many outdoor concourse have you seen?
#10 Cintas Center-Xavier University 31.05/40
Built in 2000 and it hasn't aged a bit.
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 29.50/40
One of the more storied programs in the nation has a nice place to call home.
#12 Minges Coliseum- East Carolina 28.2/40
A low ceiling provides a loud environment for a program on the rise.
#13 BB&T Arena-NKU 26.35/40
One of the best Mid Major Venues
#14 Curb Event Center-Belmont 26.05/40
Open concourse concept with a sharp look.
#15 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 24.4./40
McKenzie Arena has an ideal capacity, but not enough fans to fill it.
#16 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 23.5/40
A good size arena for a mid major, but could use some renovations.
#17 Allen Arena-Lipscomb 23/40
5,000 seat arena featuring suites.
#18 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 20/40
Odd seating sections hurt the overall rating.
#19 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 15.8/40
Too small, no videoboards.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 13.6/40
Incarnate Word will need a new arena to compete.
College Basketball Arena Rankings
Memorial Gym home of the Vanderbilt Commodores
#1 KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 9.5/10 Stunning arena on the outside and inside.
#2 Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 9.25/10 One of the oldest venues in College Basketball with a modern touch.
#3T Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 9.0/10 Elevated floor, unique hoop and benches on the baseline. Name me another arena like it?
#3T Thompson Boling Arena-Tennessee 9.0/10
Several renovations took Thompson Boling arena from average to great. The suites side is tough to beat in college basketball.
#3T UD Arena-Dayton 9/10
A unique design perfect for college hoops.
#6T Dean Smith Center-University of North Carolina 8.5/10
The rafters, mini dome top and Carolina Blue everywhere.
#6T Fifth Third Arena-UC 8.5/10
Renovations turn this venue into a great place to watch a game.
#8 Cintas Center-Xavier University 8.25/10
Many universities have visited this arena to get ideas for their own.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 8.2/10
Built into the Aztec bowl.
#10 BB&T Arena-NKU 8/10
Top Mid Major arena so far.
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 7.75/10
Not a bad seat in the house, banners everywhere.
#12 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 7.4/10
Edges McKenzie Arena with closer seating and nearly the same capacity.
#13 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 7.2/10
Great size of almost 11,000 seats, but lacked suites.
#14T Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 7.0/10
All 8,000 seats seem relatively close to the floor.
#14T Allen Arena-Lipscomb 7.0/10
Open concept concourse, hall of fame room, great views of the game.
#16 Curb Event Center-Belmont 6.75/10
Sits 5,000 fans comfortably with an open concept concourse.
#17 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 6.5/10
Has the bones to be a solid arena with a major renovation.
#18 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 4.5/10
The track, no name on the outside, lack of concourse, and bad set up.
#19 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 3.5/10
Seating is way too far away for an arena of its size.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 2/10
Will become a nice practice facility one day.
#2 Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 9.25/10 One of the oldest venues in College Basketball with a modern touch.
#3T Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 9.0/10 Elevated floor, unique hoop and benches on the baseline. Name me another arena like it?
#3T Thompson Boling Arena-Tennessee 9.0/10
Several renovations took Thompson Boling arena from average to great. The suites side is tough to beat in college basketball.
#3T UD Arena-Dayton 9/10
A unique design perfect for college hoops.
#6T Dean Smith Center-University of North Carolina 8.5/10
The rafters, mini dome top and Carolina Blue everywhere.
#6T Fifth Third Arena-UC 8.5/10
Renovations turn this venue into a great place to watch a game.
#8 Cintas Center-Xavier University 8.25/10
Many universities have visited this arena to get ideas for their own.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 8.2/10
Built into the Aztec bowl.
#10 BB&T Arena-NKU 8/10
Top Mid Major arena so far.
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 7.75/10
Not a bad seat in the house, banners everywhere.
#12 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 7.4/10
Edges McKenzie Arena with closer seating and nearly the same capacity.
#13 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 7.2/10
Great size of almost 11,000 seats, but lacked suites.
#14T Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 7.0/10
All 8,000 seats seem relatively close to the floor.
#14T Allen Arena-Lipscomb 7.0/10
Open concept concourse, hall of fame room, great views of the game.
#16 Curb Event Center-Belmont 6.75/10
Sits 5,000 fans comfortably with an open concept concourse.
#17 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 6.5/10
Has the bones to be a solid arena with a major renovation.
#18 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 4.5/10
The track, no name on the outside, lack of concourse, and bad set up.
#19 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 3.5/10
Seating is way too far away for an arena of its size.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 2/10
Will become a nice practice facility one day.
College Basketball Scoreboard Rankings
Scoreboard inside Thompson-Boling Arena
#1T Thompson Boling Arena- University of Tennessee 9/10
A nice center hung scoreboard/video board, ribbon scoreboards, and upper level video boards. It has all the bells and whistles.
#1T UD Arena-Dayton 9/10
The new center hung scoreboard takes UD Arena to another level.
#3 Fifth Third Arena-UC 8.75/10
4.4 million dollar center-hung scoreboard is perfect.
#4T KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 8.5/10
The arena was full of scoreboards but the center hung scoreboards did not match the arena.
#4T Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 8.5/10 The 2014 renovation was crucial to this rating.
#6 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 8.3/10
The scoreboard upgrades in 2010 take the arena to another level.
#7 Cintas Center-Xavier University 8.0/10
Have a great center hung scoreboard.
#8 Dean Smith Center- University of North Carolina 7.8/10
Four large video boards in the corners of the arena.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 7.75/10
A few LED boards and this climbs the list.
#10 Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 7.4/10
Center hung scoreboard/video board (recently updated).
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 7/10
Two video boards and center hung scoreboard.
#12 BB&T Arena-NKU 6.5/10
A few more additions and this will be an 8.
#13 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 5.5/10
Basic center hung scoreboard needs updated, two video boards in the corners and player scores and stat scoreboards in two lower level sections.
#14 Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 4.7/10
The video boards could use an upgrade.
#15 Curb Event Center-Belmont University 4.5/10
Four scoreboards and two video boards.
#16 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 4/10
Four scoreboards, two video boards, and center hung scoreboard. (a bit dated scoreboards)
#17 Allen Arena-Lipscomb 3.5/10
Lack of video boards hurts the rating.
#18 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 3.0/10
No video board and very basic scoreboards.
#19 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 1.75/10
At least the had a scoreboard for player stats.
#20 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 1.5/10
No videboards, scoreboards were basic. (Upgraded)
A nice center hung scoreboard/video board, ribbon scoreboards, and upper level video boards. It has all the bells and whistles.
#1T UD Arena-Dayton 9/10
The new center hung scoreboard takes UD Arena to another level.
#3 Fifth Third Arena-UC 8.75/10
4.4 million dollar center-hung scoreboard is perfect.
#4T KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 8.5/10
The arena was full of scoreboards but the center hung scoreboards did not match the arena.
#4T Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 8.5/10 The 2014 renovation was crucial to this rating.
#6 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 8.3/10
The scoreboard upgrades in 2010 take the arena to another level.
#7 Cintas Center-Xavier University 8.0/10
Have a great center hung scoreboard.
#8 Dean Smith Center- University of North Carolina 7.8/10
Four large video boards in the corners of the arena.
#9 Viejas Arena-SDSU 7.75/10
A few LED boards and this climbs the list.
#10 Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 7.4/10
Center hung scoreboard/video board (recently updated).
#11 CFSB Center-Murray State 7/10
Two video boards and center hung scoreboard.
#12 BB&T Arena-NKU 6.5/10
A few more additions and this will be an 8.
#13 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 5.5/10
Basic center hung scoreboard needs updated, two video boards in the corners and player scores and stat scoreboards in two lower level sections.
#14 Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 4.7/10
The video boards could use an upgrade.
#15 Curb Event Center-Belmont University 4.5/10
Four scoreboards and two video boards.
#16 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 4/10
Four scoreboards, two video boards, and center hung scoreboard. (a bit dated scoreboards)
#17 Allen Arena-Lipscomb 3.5/10
Lack of video boards hurts the rating.
#18 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 3.0/10
No video board and very basic scoreboards.
#19 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 1.75/10
At least the had a scoreboard for player stats.
#20 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 1.5/10
No videboards, scoreboards were basic. (Upgraded)
College Basketball Atmosphere Rankings
Student Section at UD Arena
#1 UD Arena-Dayton 9.2/10
It doesn't get much better than this fan base.
#2T Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 9.0/10
This arena was built to be loud!
#2T Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 9.0/10
Known for Memorial Magic the fans were loud and proud on my visit even with students on break.
#2T KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 9.0/10 Such a loyal fan base! The fans pack the arena all season.
#5 Fifth Third Arena-UC 8/10
The passion is back at Fifth Third Arena.
#6 Viejas Arena-San Diego State 7.8/10
I didn't even get to see "The Show" at full force.
#7 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 7.75/10
Student section was packed and brought the noise.
#8T CFSB Center-Murray State 7.5/10
Fans were passionate from the start. Solid fan base in Murray.
#8T Dean Smith Center-University of North Carolina 7.5/10
Crowd was OK for over 20K. Boston College isn't a big match-up, but an ACC game nonetheless.
#10 Thompson Boling Arena-University of Tennessee 7.3/10
Crowd for UK was amazing, crowd vs. Memphis was weak.
#11T Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 7/10
UCF came into town and the Minge Maniacs were out in full force.
#11T Cintas Center-Xavier 7/10
They sell the Cintas Center at least seven times a year.
#13 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 6.0/10
I saw one of the best crowds Tennessee Tech has had in over 20 years when they faced Murray State in 2012.
#14 Curb Event Center-Belmont University 5.5/10
A program on the rise and the fan base continues to get bigger.
#15 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 5/10
I missed the band, but I took them into consideration, here.
#16 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 4.8/10
Band was solid, some students were pretty vocal.
#17T Allen Arena-Lipscomb 4.75/10
Not of a lot fans at the game, but the fans there made some noise.
#17T BB&T Arena-NKU 4.75/10
#19 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 4.5/10
When you fill under half the arena the atmosphere level goes down.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 2/10
The Cardinals need more student support.
It doesn't get much better than this fan base.
#2T Hinkle Fieldhouse-Butler 9.0/10
This arena was built to be loud!
#2T Memorial Gym-Vanderbilt University 9.0/10
Known for Memorial Magic the fans were loud and proud on my visit even with students on break.
#2T KFC YUM! Center-Louisville 9.0/10 Such a loyal fan base! The fans pack the arena all season.
#5 Fifth Third Arena-UC 8/10
The passion is back at Fifth Third Arena.
#6 Viejas Arena-San Diego State 7.8/10
I didn't even get to see "The Show" at full force.
#7 Ferrell Center-Baylor University 7.75/10
Student section was packed and brought the noise.
#8T CFSB Center-Murray State 7.5/10
Fans were passionate from the start. Solid fan base in Murray.
#8T Dean Smith Center-University of North Carolina 7.5/10
Crowd was OK for over 20K. Boston College isn't a big match-up, but an ACC game nonetheless.
#10 Thompson Boling Arena-University of Tennessee 7.3/10
Crowd for UK was amazing, crowd vs. Memphis was weak.
#11T Minges Coliseum-East Carolina University 7/10
UCF came into town and the Minge Maniacs were out in full force.
#11T Cintas Center-Xavier 7/10
They sell the Cintas Center at least seven times a year.
#13 Eblen Center-Tennessee Tech 6.0/10
I saw one of the best crowds Tennessee Tech has had in over 20 years when they faced Murray State in 2012.
#14 Curb Event Center-Belmont University 5.5/10
A program on the rise and the fan base continues to get bigger.
#15 Gentry Center-Tennessee State 5/10
I missed the band, but I took them into consideration, here.
#16 UTSA Convocation Center-UTSA 4.8/10
Band was solid, some students were pretty vocal.
#17T Allen Arena-Lipscomb 4.75/10
Not of a lot fans at the game, but the fans there made some noise.
#17T BB&T Arena-NKU 4.75/10
#19 McKenzie Arena-University of Chattanooga 4.5/10
When you fill under half the arena the atmosphere level goes down.
#20 McDermott Center-Incarnate Word 2/10
The Cardinals need more student support.
College Campus Rankings
Vanderbilt's campus
#1 Vanderbilt University 8.5/10
With both vintage and modern buildings and all three big sport stadiums together makes for a great walk on campus.
#2 University of North Carolina 8.4/10
Have to see the Old Well and Bell Tower.
#3 University of Tennessee 8.0/10 Check out the new Student Union.
#4 Baylor University 7.75/10
Live Bears on campus! Doing a great job preserving old buildings on campus.
#5 East Carolina University 7.5/10
Though slightly off campus the Olympic Sports Park is great and campus buildings maintain a dark colored brick throughout
#6 Belmont University 7.3/10 The path from Belmont Mansion to the Bell Tower is tough to beat.
#7 San Diego State 7.2/10
Athletic Village, outdoor theater are great.
#9 University of Louisville 6.9/10 The athletic facilities were amazing.
#10 Incarnate Word 6.85/10 The campus has a very interesting history.
#11 Xavier University 6.8/10 This campus keeps on improving.
#12 Lipscomb 6.75/10 All the athletic facilities are in the same area, Bison Square is nice.
#13T Murray State 6/10
The "shoe tree" is a must see and if you like old arena's check out Racer Arena.
#13T University of Dayton 6/10
Historic section of the campus is the best part.
#15 Tennessee State 5.5/10
Nice location, athletic facilities in the same area.
#16 Butler University
Holcombs Garden is a must see.
#16 University of Chattanooga 5.2/10
Campus under construction, but a nice downtown location.
#17 NKU 5.1/10
Griffin Hall, must see.
#18t Tennessee Tech University 5/10
The area near Memorial Gym is the highlight of campus.
#18t UTSA 5/10
The campus has a bright future.
With both vintage and modern buildings and all three big sport stadiums together makes for a great walk on campus.
#2 University of North Carolina 8.4/10
Have to see the Old Well and Bell Tower.
#3 University of Tennessee 8.0/10 Check out the new Student Union.
#4 Baylor University 7.75/10
Live Bears on campus! Doing a great job preserving old buildings on campus.
#5 East Carolina University 7.5/10
Though slightly off campus the Olympic Sports Park is great and campus buildings maintain a dark colored brick throughout
#6 Belmont University 7.3/10 The path from Belmont Mansion to the Bell Tower is tough to beat.
#7 San Diego State 7.2/10
Athletic Village, outdoor theater are great.
#9 University of Louisville 6.9/10 The athletic facilities were amazing.
#10 Incarnate Word 6.85/10 The campus has a very interesting history.
#11 Xavier University 6.8/10 This campus keeps on improving.
#12 Lipscomb 6.75/10 All the athletic facilities are in the same area, Bison Square is nice.
#13T Murray State 6/10
The "shoe tree" is a must see and if you like old arena's check out Racer Arena.
#13T University of Dayton 6/10
Historic section of the campus is the best part.
#15 Tennessee State 5.5/10
Nice location, athletic facilities in the same area.
#16 Butler University
Holcombs Garden is a must see.
#16 University of Chattanooga 5.2/10
Campus under construction, but a nice downtown location.
#17 NKU 5.1/10
Griffin Hall, must see.
#18t Tennessee Tech University 5/10
The area near Memorial Gym is the highlight of campus.
#18t UTSA 5/10
The campus has a bright future.
The X-Factors
Basketball Museum at UNC
+3 Louisville-Athletic Complex
+3 Butler-History of Hinkle
+2 North Carolina-Tar Heel Basketball Museum
+2 NKU-Griffin Hall
+2 Dayton-Hosts the first four
+2 East Carolina-Olympic Sports Complex
+2 Belmont-Belmont Mansion
+2 Baylor-Live Bears on Campus
+1 Murray State-Practice Facility
+1 Tennessee Tech-Fans and Athletic Staff
+1 Vanderbilt-Memorial Gym as a memorial to those who fought in World War Two.
+1 Tennessee-Player entrance.
+1 Tennessee State-Court named after John McLendon.
+1 Lipscomb- The Bison Statue.
+1 Chattanooga- The UTC Band
+1 UTSA-The Roadrunners
+3 Butler-History of Hinkle
+2 North Carolina-Tar Heel Basketball Museum
+2 NKU-Griffin Hall
+2 Dayton-Hosts the first four
+2 East Carolina-Olympic Sports Complex
+2 Belmont-Belmont Mansion
+2 Baylor-Live Bears on Campus
+1 Murray State-Practice Facility
+1 Tennessee Tech-Fans and Athletic Staff
+1 Vanderbilt-Memorial Gym as a memorial to those who fought in World War Two.
+1 Tennessee-Player entrance.
+1 Tennessee State-Court named after John McLendon.
+1 Lipscomb- The Bison Statue.
+1 Chattanooga- The UTC Band
+1 UTSA-The Roadrunners