Who Has the Best Arena in College Basketball?

ABFM_NCAAheader_500x247.jpgIf you're like me, your bracket is a mess and you're finally getting your head around the fact that Florida Gulf Coast University not only exists, but is actually in the Sweet 16. So maybe you're not the best at predicting the winner of these games, but we're offering you hope.

Rather than pick the winner on the court, we're asking you to pick which team left in the NCAA Tournament has the best home arena. An outstanding home facility can make all the difference in college hoops. Take Missouri, my alma mater, for example: A perfect 17-0 at home this season; a painfully disappointing 2-8 on the road. And these days, facilities are more impressive than ever as they become a major weapon in the recruiting arms race.

At Athletic Business, athletic facilities are what we know best. They're the focus of our magazine. We even devote every June issue to honoring the finest ones.

With the NCAA Tournament narrowed down to the Sweet 16, we're launching AB Facility Madness, a combination of two things we love: athletic facilities and the madness of NCAA Tournament time. As sports analysts try to figure out who will win on the court, we're asking you to vote for who has the best actual court (and entire facility).

Here's how it works: Our bracket begins with the 16 home facilities corresponding to each of the teams that make up the NCAA's Sweet 16. Vote on our Facebook page for the facilities you like best. Even if the team loses on the court, their facility can still advance. Will the NCAA Champions also lay claim to the best arena in the country?

AB Facility Madness tips off today. Voting for our first round will last until Thursday. Check out the matchups and research the facilities below, then head over to our Facebook page and cast your vote. Join the discussion on Twitter using the #ABTourney hashtag. Finally, be sure to check back here as we update the bracket as winners are determined. May the best facility win.

Vote HereTweet: #ABTourney

For more information on the facilities, click these links:

Louisville - KFC Yum! CenterOregon - Matthew Knight Arena

Michigan State - Breslin CenterDuke - Cameron Indoor Stadium

Wichita State - Charles Koch ArenaLa Salle - Tom Gola Arena

Arizona - McKale Memorial CenterOhio State - Value City Arena

Kansas - Allen FieldhouseMichigan - Crisler Center

Florida - Stephen O'Connell CenterFlorida Gulf Coast University - Alico Arena

Indiana - Assembly HallSyracuse - Carrier Dome

Marquette - BMO Harris Bradley CenterMiami - Bank United Center