The Old-School Region: College’s basketball’s classic cathedrals, — these facilities have endured the test of time. Tell us which venues deserve to move on to the next round of Facility Madness.
(1) Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium vs. (8) Utah State's Smith Spectrum
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The Old-School Region: College’s basketball’s classic cathedrals, — these facilities have endured the test of time. Tell us which venues deserve to move on to the next round of Facility Madness.
(1) Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium vs. (8) Utah State's Smith Spectrum
Duke's Cameron Indoor Arena eeked out a one-seed from our committee. Will voters agree?
Cameron Indoor Stadium
Opened: 1940
Capacity: 9,314
Construction Costs: $400,000
Special Features: New video scoreboard added in 2008, LED ribbon boards added in 2009, historic charm and those Cameron Crazies.
Smith Spectrum doesn't get they hype of some of the other facilities in the bracket, but its atmosphere is one of college basketball's best.
Smith Spectrum
Opened: 1968
Capacity: 10,270
Construction Costs: $3 million
Special Features: An under-the-radar eight-seed, what Smith Spectrum lacks in flashy features, it makes up for in game day atmosphere. Utah State is 194-37 at home under head coach Stew Morrill and Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall called the atmosphere at Smith Spectrum "clearly the best I've seen."
{module Old-School Region 1 vs 8 matchup}
(4) Indiana's Assembly Hall vs. (5) Minnesota's Williams Arena
Assembly Hall will receive major renovations soon, but for now it qualifies for our Old-School Region.
Assembly Hall
Opened: 1971
Capacity: 17,472
Construction Costs: $26.6 million
Special Features: A new video board was added in 2005 and by next year, Assembly Hall would qualify for our "Renovated Region," as the facility is currently undergoing a $40 million renovation to update the concourse area.
In a matchup of Big Ten venues, can Williams Arena garner more votes than Assembly Hall?
Williams Arena
Opened: 1928
Capacity: 14,625
Construction Costs: $650,000
Special Features: "The Barn" as it's called is known for its distinct raised playing floor, with benches below court level. Luxury lofts were added in 1997 and a new HD video board was installed in 2012.
{module Old-School Region 4 vs 5 matchup}
(3) Kentucky's Rupp Arena vs. (6) Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse
Rupp Arena will get a $250 million facelift starting this year.
Rupp Arena
Opened: 1976
Capacity: 23,500
Construction Costs: $55 million
Special Features: Kentucky's historic home will soon qualify for the "Renovated Region," as it is set for a $250 million update that will begin this year and not be finished until 2018. In its current state, Rupp Arena earns a three-seed due to its size (originally called the "largest sporting arena in the country") and its history (UK has won 88% of its home games there.)
In the basketball-crazed state of Indiana, no venue has more history than Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Opened: 1928
Capacity: 10,000
Construction Costs: $750,000
Special Features: Nothing says "old-school" like being a National Historic Landmark, which Hinkle is.
{module Old-School Region 3 vs 6 matchup}
(2) Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse vs. (7) The Palestra
If you listen closesly you might be able to hear the Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk chant from here.
Allen Fieldhouse
Opened: 1955
Capacity: 16,300
Construction Costs: $2.5 million
Special Features: Kansas Added the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and a new video board to the facility in 2005. Then in 2009, KU installed new locker rooms, training rooms and player lounges. But what makes Allen Fieldhouse special is its tradition — Kansas has won 10 straight Big 12 Championships — and the echoes of the "Rock Chalk" chant.
No venue has hosted more college basketball games than The Palestra.
The Palestra
Opened: 1927
Capacity: 8,722
Construction Costs: Unknown
Special Features: Sports Illustrated called it, "arguably the most important building in the history of college basketball," and said it "changed the entire history of the sport for which it was built." The Palestra has hosted more games than any other facility in college basketball.
{module Old-School Region 2 vs 7 matchup}
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