UPDATE: Congratulations to the University of Michigan's Crisler Center, the winner of the 2013 AB Facility Madness competition. While the Wolverines may have fallen short in Monday's NCAA Championship, their home arena was a clear winner in our bracket, edging out Ohio State's Value City Arena by nearly 20 votes.
The Crisler Center has been the home of Michigan basketball since its completion in 1967. However, in recent years, the facility underwent major renovations at a cost of more than $50 million. Michigan's home venue now includes a state-of-the-art player development center, expanded concourses, premium seating areas, and high-definition video boards. The arena has a capacity of 12,693.
Thank you to everyone who voted and made Facility Madness a success.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: 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. When the NCAA Tournament narrowed down to the Sweet 16, we launched AB Facility Madness, a combination of two things we love: athletic facilities and the madness of NCAA Tournament time.
Here's how it works: Our bracket began with the 16 home facilities corresponding to each of the teams that make up the NCAA's Sweet 16. You voted on our Facebook page for the facilities you like best, and four arenas have advanced to the next round.
AB Facility Madness' championship tips off today. Will it be Michigan or Ohio State's facility that lays claim to the crown? Check out the matchup 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 the winner is determined. May the best facility win.
