The NBA has worked extremely hard to perfect its game day formula and fan experience. No sports league in the world has the game day environment of the NBA. From the popcorn, the pregame fireworks, or half-time activities, going to an NBA game is two hours of fun and basketball.
The NBA stadium experience literally has something for everyone, in the 2016 NBA Finals, in the old Oracle Arena, for example, there were two stations per each concession stand where fans could virtually take pictures with members of the Golden State Warriors.
Championship teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Boston Celtics are remembered as much as the arenas where the magic happens. Sit back and enjoy our ranking of each NBA arena!
29. Smoothie King Center – New Orleans Pelicans – 16,867 capacity
Smoothie King Center (Getty)
Smoothie King Center opened in 1999 and in 2002 the Pelicans arrived, and they played their first game against the Utah Jazz. Since then the arena went through a significant renovation in 2013, the stadium updated the suites, Club Levels, and added Loge Boxes and a Party Perch.
In 2014 when the team hosted the NBA All-Star Game, the arena was again renovated to play host to the event with new entrances, upgraded concession stands, and a new LED lighting system outside.
28. Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee Bucks – 17,500 capacity
Fiserv Forum (Getty)
Home to the Milwaukee Bucks the Fiserv Forum opened in 2018, it is a hub for entertainment in downtown Milwaukee. In the next 30 years, the area will have entertainment, residential and commercial spaces to bring more life to the area.
The Bucks set attendance records on February 22, 2020, of 18,290 fans for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers which they won119–98. The following week 18,412 watched the team defeat the Thunder 133–86 to set an all-time record.
27. Golden 1 Center – Sacramento Kings -17,583 capacity
Golden 1 Center (Getty)
The home of the Kings, the Golden 1 Center opened in 2016 and it has an array of technological features. The main scoreboard that is hung over the center court is 84 feet long. The arena also has two 25- foot video screens to welcome home fans and around 600 HD displays around the entrances.
The arena is built by using regional source materials that range from glass to recycled aluminum. The wood the arena uses is FSC- certified, there are also solar rooftop panels that can generate up to 1.2 megawatts.
26. Barclays Center- Brooklyn Nets – 17,732 capacity
Barclays Center (Getty)
Home to the Nets the Barclays Center opened in 2012 and it has no external parking lot, but, it is extremely accessible via public transportation , as it has a connection hub. There areonly two entrances to the arena for fans to get to the games.
On the outside there is a Diary of Brooklyn mural which features words like “immigration,” “Brooklyn is” and “Big Daddy Kane.” In total, the arena is adjustable to hold the capacity for 17,732 NBA, 15,795 for NFL, and up to 19,000 seats for concerts and events.
25. FedExForum- Memphis Grizzlies – 17,794 capacity
FedExForum (Getty)
The arena is round and with a dome, and at full capacity can be expanded to sit 18,119 fans. The FedExForum includes 27 courtside suites, 32 club suites, 4 party suites, and 80 club boxes.
It is the first arena to have a “see-through” shot clock which lets fans seated behind the basket see what is going on without the shot clocks interfering with their view of the court.
24. Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers -17,923 Capacity
Bankers Life Fieldhouse (Getty)
Bankers Life Fieldhouse first opened in 1999 and went through a major renovation in 2019 which included a new outdoor entry plaza, new indoor gathering areas, and various interior enhancement and as a result, the Pacers will host the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse was ranked the No. 1 venue in the NBA according to the Sports Business Journal/Sports Business Daily Reader Survey in 2005 and 2006. The arena also hosts important concerts as Metallica and Billy Joel played their shattering attendance records.
23. Talking Stick Resort Arena – Phoenix Suns – 18,055 capacity
Talking Stick Resort Arena (Getty)
Opened in 1992 known as the “The Purple Palace” it is the wild home of the Suns and it will be going through a huge renovation project in the coming years with significant upgrades.
The arena is also home to the WNBA Mercury, NHL Coyotes, among others. Artists such as Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Depeche Mode, Fleetwood Mac, and the legendary Frank Sinatra all gave concerts there.
22. Toyota Center – Houston Rockets – 18,055 capacity
Toyota Center (Getty)
The Toyota Center opened in 2003 and it has over 100 luxury suites and 2,900 club seats. The clubs feature upscale concession stands and wider seating. It has a full private bar with upscale beverages and service.
On the floor, the floor level has three private club lounges and access to courtside seating. The famous Lexus Lounge has pool tables and multiple flat-screen televisions, bars, restrooms, and upscale seating.
21. Chase Center – Golden State Warriors – 18,064 capacity
Chase Center (Getty)
The Chase Center opened in 2019 as the new home of the Golden State Warriors, with the NBA’s largest scoreboard with over 9,500 square feet which was developed in collaboration with Samsung. The arena also has eight kitchens each with its own food program.
The first-ever event was a Metallica concert and other artists such as the Janet Jackson, Elton John, Dave Matthews, Eric Clapton have played there. The Warriors played their first regular-season game there against the Los Angeles Clippers a 141–122 defeat on October 24, 2019.
20. State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks – 18,118 capacity
State Farm Arena (Getty)
The State Farm Arena is home to the Atlanta Hawks and while it seats over 18,000 the Hawks did draw over 20,000 fans for their game against the Celtics in the playoffs in 2008. The arena has 92 luxury suites, 9 party suites, and 1,866 club seats.
The arena went through a renovation process in 2018 which removed all upper levels of the suites and created new premium seating all over the arena. The upper-level suites became standard seating when the renovations were finished.
19. Chesapeake Energy Arena – Oklahoma City Thunder – 18,203 capacity
Chesapeake Energy Arena (Getty)
It’s not the nicest arena in the NBA actually it was built with minimum NBA and NHL specifications. When it was constructed there were no luxury amenities since there was no major league sports team in Oklahoma City to play in the arena. When the Thunder moved there the stadium received a facelift
The new upgrades include upscale restaurants, clubs, suites, office space, Kid’s Zone, additional concessions, flooring upgrades, and a video and scoring system.
18. Vivint Smart Home Arena – Utah Jazz – 18,306 capacity
Vivint Smart Home Arena (Getty)
The long-time home of the Utah Jazz, the arena has gone through various renovations to maintain its status as an NBA facility. The first game played there was a pre-season loss against the New York Knicks, 101–95.
Outside, the arena has statues dedicated to two of the Utah Jazz best players, John Stockton and Karl Malone. The Stockton statue was unveiled in 2005, while the Malone statue was unveiled a year later in 2006. The arena played hosts to the 1993 NBA All-Star Game and two finals in 1997 and 1998.
17. AT&T Center – San Antonio Spurs – 18,418 capacity
AT&T Center (Getty)
The AT&T Center has seen some magical moments with Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili, and company. The arena includes a brand-new upgraded scoreboard, televisions inside and outside of the arena, Wi-Fi that covers about 90% of the area.
The retired numbers that fly over the arena are 20 (Manu Ginóbili), 21 (Tim Duncan), 50 (David Robinson), 32 (Sean Elliott), 44 (George Gervin), 9 (Tony Parker) to name a few of the best players in NBA history.
16. TD Garden – Boston Celtics – 18,624 capacity
TD Center (Getty)
The TD Garden may have certain elements of the old Boston Garden, but it took the Celtics a long time to win a championship in the new arena. When it opened in 1995 the Celtics did not win a title until 2008.
None the less the arena is recognized as one of the top arenas in the United States, it has won several awards like the 2008 EPA Award. It was nominated as Sports Facility of the Year by Sports Business Journal in 2009.
15. Amway Center – Orlando Magic – 18,846 capacity
Amway Center (Getty)
One of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world , the Amway Center has luxury seats and club seating. The arena includes1,100+ high-definition monitors, 60 Private Suites, 68 Loge Boxes (328 seats), and 1,400 Club Seats.
The arena also has 2,100 feet of digital ribbon boards, and outside there is a 46 feet by 53 feet video display system that is visible to motorists as they pass by on Interstate 4.
14. Target Center – Minnesota Timberwolves – 18,978 capacity
Target Center (Getty)
The home of the Timberwolves the Target Center is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and has greeted over 36 million fans since opening in 1990. In 2009, it became the first arena in North America to install a green roof, it is the 5th largest extensive green roof in the nation.
The Target Center was the first arena in the nation to completely ban smoking and prohibit the posting of tobacco ads . The administration of the arena also participates with other arenas on environmental best practices for venues. The arena tracks its environmental performance on a monthly basis, measuring energy consumption, water usage, and waste diversion.
13. Staples Center – Los Angeles Lakers/ Clippers- 18,997 capacity
Staples Center (Getty)
Home of two NBA franchises the Staples Center is best known for the Los Angeles Lakers than the Clippers. The Lakers have won NBA titles at the Staples Center in 2000, and 2010. It has also hosted games of the following NBA finals: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, and 2009.
Recently the arena was the venue of the funeral of legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant who was killed in a helicopter crash. Members of the NBA community as well as the world of entertainment and politics showed up for the event.
12. Spectrum Center – Charlotte Hornets – 19,077 capacity
Spectrum Center (Getty)
The Hornets home court is a state-of-the-art facility that has been designed to maintain the city’s heritage, as the steel and brick are made to have an urban fabric that represents strength, stability, and foundation. The renovated scoreboard is twice the size of the original board and among the NBA’s largest.
The arena is also home to important artwork that is displayed all over the facility. The artwork represents the rich sports, industry, and commerce history of the state. There is also a team shop where fans can get the latest gear.
11. American Airlines Center – Dallas Mavericks – 19,200 capacity
American Airlines Center (Getty)
The American Airlines Center was opened in 2001 and the design is intended to be the heart of a new urban, commercial area to bring life to the city of Dallas. The area is called Victory Park, and the arena features sweeping brick façades and smooth arches.
The American Airlines Center was the epicenter of the Mavericks victory party in 2011 after the team won the NBA Championship. The arena also hosts NHL games and important concerts and even appeared in an episode of The Simpsons called “The Burns and the Bees”.
10. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – Cleveland Cavaliers – 19,432 capacity
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Getty)
LeBron James’ original home, the arena has 2,000 club seats and 88 luxury suites. There are also two main levels of suites and five “platinum suites”. There are two main concourses, and 60 upper suites and club seating.
LeBron James hosted an event in 2008 for a viewing of then-Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama’s 30-minute American Stories. The event gathered almost 20,000 people as Jay-Z closed out the evening with a free concert.
9. Moda Center – Portland Trail Blazers – 19,441 capacity
Moda Center (Getty)
The Moda Center opened in 1995 and has 14,000 permanent seats arranged in two bowls, the arena has 70 suites and 8 skyboxes that can hold 22 guests each. The Suites include a wet bar, catering, a private restroom, multiple television monitors, and a sound system.
The arena has a roof made up of skeletal steel, but none the less the arena is considered one of the ugliest buildings in the city as per a survey of local architects and planners that was done by the Portland Tribune.
8. Pepsi Center – Denver Nuggets – 19,520 capacity
Pepsi Center (Getty)
The home of the Nuggets, the cost of the court is a whopping $105,000.00! The floor is made up of 233 pieces each weighing approximately 185 pounds. The total weight of the entire basketball floor is 41,625 pounds.
The arena has luxury suites, theater boxes, which have full catering and plush sitting and VIP parking. At Club Level there is a restaurant and bar for fans to enjoy the game.
7. American Airlines Arena – Miami Heat – 19,600
American Airlines Arena (Getty)
Home to the Heat, the arena is a cool place to spend those hot Miami days, the arena has 2,105 club seats, 80 luxury suites, and 76 private boxes.
The arena has hosted two NBA finals in 2006 and 2011, the 2020 final was not held in the arena due to the CODVID-19 pandemic.
6. Scotiabank Arena -Toronto Raptors – 19,800 capacity
Scotiabank Arena (Getty)
The home of the Raptors, Scotiabank Arena opened in 1999, it was built on the location of the Canada Post Delivery Building and still retains the east and south walls.
The arena has a Party Suite that can host up to 40 people, on the 200 level there are 64 separate executive suites, while the 500 and 600 level suites can host up to 14 guests.
5. Madison Square Garden -New York Knicks – 19,812 capacity
MSG (Getty)
A cathedral of important events at the heart of Manhattan, MSG is iconic, from memorable concerts, and the legendary boxing match between Mohammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1974. Anyone who is anyone performs at the Garden.
The Knicks may not be having the best seasons, but the arena cannot be blamed, it has everything you can imagine for the fan and the athlete. One of American sports most iconic buildings MSG is a museum of history.
4. Little Caesars Arena – Detroit Pistons – 20,332 capacity
Little Caesars Arena (Getty)
The Pistons home was opened in 2017, and has a clear plastic roof and a “deconstructed design”, in June of 2018, the arena was named “Sports Facility of the Year” by the Sports Business Awards.
The arena has a 5,100 square foot scoreboard and the arena has 45 LED displays covering almost 13,500 square feet. The arena hosts the NBA, NHL, and various other sporting events and concerts
3. Capital One Arena – Washington Wizards – 20,356 capacity
Capital One Arena (Getty)
Opened in 1997, Capital One is at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. The arena has hosted the 2001 NBA Finals series as well as the WNBA final series along with various college basketball tournaments.
The arena has various lounges and restaurants for fans to enjoy while also having private suites and Player’s Club which has fine dining and leather seating.
2. Wells Fargo Center -Philadelphia 76ers – 20,478 capacity
Wells Fargo Center (SI)
The home of the 76ers, Wells Fargo Center has 126 luxury suites, 1,880 club-box seats, and private and public restaurants and clubs. There are also offices, studios, and television production facilities used by NBC Sports.
It will also be one of the few sports buildings to have legalize gambling inside the venue as the arena as two sportsbook lounges will open to all visitors, which will feature a bar and seating areas, televisions, and odds boards, with the planned new renovations.
1. United Center – Chicago Bulls – 20,917 capacity
United Center (Getty)
Michael Jordan played there and won championships… The end. (LOL) Besides that enormous detail, the United Center opened in 1994 and includes a variety of menu items for fans to choose from to grab a bite to eat.
There is a new video system that features photography, video, and animation on the concourse walls, which create images that will be distinct to all the individual events held in the arena. There is also a Michael Jordan statute at the front of the building.
