Your NCAA Tournament bracket may be in shambles, but it’s not too late to help us decide ours. For the second straight year we’re launching AB Facility Madness — our tournament of the finest home facilities in college basketball.
This year our selection committee seeded the facilities and organized them into the following four “regions”:
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First round voting is closed. Click here to vote in our Sweet 16.
Your NCAA Tournament bracket may be in shambles, but it’s not too late to help us decide ours. For the second straight year we’re launching AB Facility Madness — our tournament of the finest home facilities in college basketball.
This year our selection committee seeded the facilities and organized them into the following four “regions”:
- The New-School Region (Scroll down to vote): With the latest and greatest amenities for players and fans alike, these arenas are among the finest basketball venues at any level.
- The Old-School Region: College’s basketball’s classic cathedrals — these facilities have endured the test of time.
- Renovated Region: Historic charm with a new-school twist. Major financial investments turned these facilities from pretenders to contenders in college basketball’s facilities arms race.
- At-Large Region: The best of the rest. Whether it’s unique design, incredible size or outstanding college basketball tradition, these venues have earned their place among college basketball’s best.
Determining “the best” facility is college basketball is always a subjective matter. Some fans and architects love the classic venues that have stood for decades. Others want all the newest bells and whistles one can possibly imagine.
Our selection committee took everything into consideration, weighing these factors (some more heavily than others):
- Architectural design
- Scale and cost
- Fan and player amenities
- Game day atmosphere
- Facility tradition and history
- Additional functionality
You might have criteria of your own. So vote in our polls below and let your voice be heard. Spread the word and help us determine who has the best facility in college basketball.
The New-School Region:
(1) Nebraska's Pinnacle Bank Arena vs. (8) Memphis' FedEx Forum
Nebraska's Pinnacle Bank Arena opened in 2013.
Pinnacle Bank Arena
Opened: 2013
Capacity: 15,147
Construction Costs: $180 million
Special Features: 36 luxury suites, two private club lounges, high-definition video board, plus home crowds at the new arena helped Nebraska make the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998.
FedEx Forum is home to the Memphis Tigers and the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.
FedEx Forum
Opened: 2004
Capacity: 18,119
Construction Costs: $250 million
Special Features: 27 courtside suites, 32 club suites, four party suites, and 80 club boxes. While home to the University of Memphis Tigers, FedEx Forum is not strictly a college venue as it is also home to the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.
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(4) Auburn's Auburn Arena vs. (5) Missouri's Mizzou Arena
Auburn Arena is the newest basketball venue in the SEC.
Auburn Arena
Opened: 2010
Capacity: 9,121
Construction Costs: $92 million
Special Features: Two-court practice facility, on-site athletic museum, high-definition video board
Mizzou Arena replaced the historic Hearnes Center in 2004.
Mizzou Arena
Opened: 2004
Capacity: 15,061
Construction Costs: $75 million
Special Features: 26 luxury suites, club lounge, 24-hour practice gym, basketball-specific strength and conditioning areas
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(3) Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena vs. (6) Creighton's Century Link Center
Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena is the most expensive on-campus basketball arena in the country.
Matthew Knight Arena
Opened: 2011
Capacity: 12,364
Construction Costs: $227 million
Special Features: Largest hanging scoreboard in college sports and that unmistakable court design
Located in downtown Omaha, CenturyLink Center is home to the Creighton Bluejays and other community events.
CenturyLink Center
Opened: 2003
Capacity: 18,320
Construction Costs: $291 million
Special Features: Received a $5.7 million expansion in 2006 to increase seating by 1,500. Located in downtown Omaha, the venue also is home to University of Nebraska-Omaha hockey and hosts community events and concerts.
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(2) Louisville's KFC Yum! Center vs. N.C. State's PNC Arena
KFC Yum! Center reached the semifinals in last year's Facility Madness bracket.
KFC Yum! Center
Opened: 2010
Capacity: 22,090
Construction Costs: $238 million
Special Features: 72 luxury suites, two club lounges, a 8,760 square foot sports bar
PNC Arena is home to N.C. State but also the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
PNC Arena
Opened: 1999
Capacity: 19,722
Construction Costs: $158 million
Special Features: 66 luxury suites, 300-seat restaurants, also home to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
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— Click here to vote in the Renovated Region —
