Some of the most passionate fans in the world call the biggest NBA arenas and stadiums home, providing a unique atmosphere with each basketball game played. The more fans in a stadium, the bigger a game can feel with the chants and roars from the seats. The growing volume of chants can pump the players to perform way above their abilities, making magic on the court. Here are some of the biggest arenas in the NBA and everything you need to know about them.
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The United Center
Also known as The House that Jordan Built, the United Center is the stadium with the largest seating capacity of all the NBA arenas. The illustrious home of the Chicago Bulls, this iconic stadium can hold an incredible 20,917 spectators. Built in 1994, this stadium was a fitting tribute to the Michael Jordan era of the Chicago Bulls. It was constructed as a collaborative effort between Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls owners William Wirtz and Jerry Reinsdorf, who came together in 1988. Another tribute to the great Michael Jordan is the statue that sits outside the stadium. Known as 'The Spirit,' this is a popular place for fans to snap a photo before or after the game. Michael Jordan was one of the most decorated players with the best NBA odds to score every match; that is why Chicago was so compelled to build a stadium in his honor.
The Wells Fargo Center
The Wells Fargo Center is in the heart of Philadelphia and is the second-largest NBA arena. This monumental stadium is home to the Philadelphia Flyers and first opened its doors in 1996. It was formerly known as the CoreStates Center. The Wells Fargo Center can seat up to 20,478 fans, but these are not just basketball lovers. The stadium hosts various forms of entertainment, like hockey games, high-profile events, and concerts.
The Capital One Arena
Next on our list is the Capital One Arena, a multi-functional stadium in the nation's capital of Washington, D.C. This huge stadium opened its doors in 1997 and can seat over 20,356 basketball fans. Along with basketball, Capital One Arena is the home of the Washington Capitals, an NHL team, but the arena also hosts everything from concerts to esports events.
The Little Caeser’s Arena
Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Pistons, is a state-of-the-art, modern-day coliseum with a seating capacity of 20,332. Constructed in 2015 but officially opening its doors in 2017, this is the fourth-largest arena in terms of NBA seating. The arena’s contemporary feel and use of technology ensure that every fan has the best experience possible. Along with the Detroit Pistons, Little Caesars also houses the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL.
Madison Square Garden
Often referred to as the most famous arena in the world, Madison Square Garden is the fifth largest NBA stadium, with just short of 20,000 fans available to indulge in a sold-out crowd. Opening its doors in 1879, this is more than just a sports arena; it is a historical landmark that has hosted some of the most iconic gigs, sporting events, and more. The biggest and best boxing matches are synonymous with The Garden. Madison Square Garden is home to NBA giants and the New York Nicks.
The Scotiabank Arena
Scotiabank Arena, located in Toronto, Canada, is the sixth-largest NBA arena, with a seating capacity of 19,800. Home of the NBA's Toronto Raptors, this is the only Canadian team in the NBA, but like many other stadiums on this list, it is shared with an NHL team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for its star-studded crowds and electric atmosphere, Drake is a frequent visitor to the Raptors stadium.
The Kaseya Center
In sunny Miami, the Kaseya Center is the seventh-largest NBA arena, with a seated capacity of 19,600 fans. The center is the home of the Miami Heat, famous for its lustrous atmosphere and state-of-the-art design. It is located in the very heart of Miami's downtown, right where all the action is, adding even more to the experience for visitors and fans.
The Ball Arena
Found in Denver, Colorado, The Ball Arena is the eighth largest arena in terms of seating capacity, with a max fan base of 19,520. Home of the Denver Nuggets, this stadium offers a unique home-court advantage for the team as it sits at such a high altitude. Like other stadiums on our list, the Ball Arena also hosts NHL games and other sporting events.
The Rocket Mortgage Field House
The Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio, is the ninth-largest NBA arena in the world. It can accommodate 19,432 people. The arena has undergone significant renovations in recent years to make it an even more enjoyable venue and experience for Cavaliers fans.
The Moda Center
A final stop on the list is the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. With its 19,393 seats, the Portland Trail Blazers' home arena is the largest in the Pacific Northwest. As the first LEED Gold-certified arena in the world, the Moda Center is known for its eco-friendly design.
The NBA Fan Attendance
The stadiums that accommodate NBA teams are some of the biggest in any sport, and for good reason. The 2023–24 season is set to be the most decorated yet, with a total attendance of over 22 million, including 873 sellouts, up 82 from the previous season. As the NBA continues to grow, so will the stadiums, making more room for us to enjoy what is one of the greatest competitive sports ever.
