When you think of the NBA, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the electrifying games played in iconic arenas.
These arenas are the heart and soul of basketball, serving as the battlegrounds where NBA teams compete for victory.
One crucial aspect that defines these arenas is their seating capacity, which determines how many spectators can be accommodated during games and events.
The more seats available, the more fans can attend games, resulting in a higher demand for tickets. The electric atmosphere created by a packed arena can greatly impact player performance and enhance the sense of camaraderie among fans.
Moreover, a larger seating capacity allows teams to generate higher revenue from ticket sales, concessions, and sponsorships, contributing to the financial stability of the franchise.
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of NBA arenas and rank them based on their capacity.
United Center serves as the home venue for both the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Situated on the Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois, it was inaugurated in 1994 and holds the distinction of being the NBA's largest arena in terms of capacity, accommodating 20,917 seats for basketball events.
The arena served as the venue for the Bulls' second three-peat of consecutive championships, where the NBA Finals of 1996 and 1997 were clinched in the sixth game on their home turf.
Apart from basketball, United Center is a multi-purpose arena that has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, ice shows, and rodeos.
Capital One Arena, affectionately known as "The Phone Booth" by locals, is not just a venue for sports events; it represents the beating heart and soul of Washington, D.C.'s vibrant sports culture.
Located in the bustling Chinatown neighborhood, this iconic arena has left an indelible mark since its inauguration in 1997 and stands as a proud home to the NBA's Washington Wizards.
Beyond the roar of the crowd and the flashing lights, Capital One Arena boasts a wide range of amenities for fans. From premium seating options and luxury suites to a variety of concessions and restaurants, the arena offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Little Caesars Arena, situated in Midtown Detroit, Michigan, is a cutting-edge, versatile venue inaugurated in September 2017.
It took over the roles of Joe Louis Arena and The Palace of Auburn Hills, becoming the new residence for the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and Detroit Pistons (NBA).
The arena, with its impressive seating capacity, can accommodate 19,515 fans for ice hockey games and 20,332 for basketball matches. For concerts, the versatile venue can host between 15,000 to 22,000 enthusiastic spectators.
Besides, Little Caesars Arena has achieved LEED Gold certification, indicating that its design and construction were focused on environmental sustainability.
Location: South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Opened: August 12, 1996
Wells Fargo Center, situated in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, stands as a versatile and dynamic multi-purpose indoor arena.
It proudly hosts the spirited home games of the Philadelphia 76ers in the fast-paced world of NBA action.
Additionally, it provides an impressive stage for showcasing the remarkable talents of both the Philadelphia Flyers within the thrilling realm of National Hockey League competitions.
It also accommodates exhilarating matches for the Philadelphia Wings within the electrifying domain of National Lacrosse League (NLL) encounters.
The arena opened on August 12, 1996, and was originally named the Spectrum II. It was renamed the Wachovia Center in 2003, and then the Wells Fargo Center in 2010.
Location: Pennsylvania Plaza, New York City, New York
Opened: February 11, 1968
Madison Square Garden fondly referred to as "The Garden" or "MSG," holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers and sports fans.
This iconic multi-purpose indoor arena, situated in the buzzing Midtown Manhattan of New York City, is a testament to sporting history and entertainment prowess.
Since its grand opening in 1968, it has stood tall as the oldest major sporting facility in the broader New York metropolitan area.
Notable for being home to the famed NBA team, the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden exudes an unparalleled legacy that resonates within each corner of its hallowed grounds.
Scotiabank Arena, located in downtown Toronto, operates as the home arena for the NBA team Toronto Raptors.
Formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, the venue underwent a name change in 2018. With a seating capacity of over 19,800 for basketball games, it stands as one of the premier sports and entertainment facilities in Canada.
The Raptors' success on the court, including their historic NBA Championship win in 2019, has further solidified Scotiabank Arena's reputation as a spirited and iconic home for Toronto's beloved basketball team.
Moreover, the arena hosts a wide range of events beyond basketball, including hockey games, concerts, and other entertainment spectacles.
Miami Heat home court, Kaseya Center, is a versatile and dynamic multi-purpose arena situated on the picturesque Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida.
Since its opening in 1999, this iconic venue has experienced multiple name changes, having previously been recognized as the American Airlines Arena until 2019 and then rebranded to FTX Arena until 2023.
Starting from April 2023, Kaseya possesses the naming rights to the arena through a 17-year contract valued at $117.4 million.
The venue can accommodate a total of 19,600 basketball fans, comprising 2,105 club seats, 80 luxury suites, and 76 private boxes.
Ball Arena, situated in the heart of Denver, Colorado, stands as a vibrant symbol of the city's sports culture and entertainment scene.
Since its grand opening in 1999, this iconic venue has been pulsating with energy, accommodating over 21,000 spectators for a diverse range of events including captivating sporting showdowns, electrifying concerts that reverberate through its walls and thrilling live performances.
In an eventful turn of events in 2020, the arena embraced a new identity following a change in naming rights; rebranding itself as Ball Arena.
Presently the arena boasts a seating capacity of 19,520 for basketball games.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is the home arena of the Cleveland Cavaliers, located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Formerly known as Quicken Loans Arena, it underwent a major renovation and rebranding in 2019. The arena, with a seating capacity of over 19,000, hosts not only NBA basketball games but also a variety of events, including concerts, ice shows, and other entertainment performances.
Launched in October 1994 under the name Gund Arena, it underwent subsequent name changes to Quicken Loans Arena in 2005 and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in 2019.
Location: North Center Court Street, Portland, Oregon
Opened: October 12, 1995
Moda Center, previously named the Rose Garden, stands as the main indoor sports arena in Portland, Oregon, United States.
The venue is possessed by Vulcan Inc., a holding company that belongs to the estate of Paul Allen. The key occupant is the NBA team, the Portland Trail Blazers.
The basketball configuration of the arena allows for a seating capacity of 19,393 spectators.
Besides, the seating capacity for basketball games at the Moda Center has changed over the years:
The 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks play its home game at American Airlines Center located in the Victory Park vicinity in downtown Dallas, Texas.
The AAC features a dedicated practice court for the Mavericks, which they utilized for their regular training sessions until 2017 when a new facility was established in the Dallas Design District, adjacent to the arena.
Since its opening in 2001, the AAC has garnered acclaim for its impressive seating capacity of over 21,000 during special events. This makes it one of the largest and most state-of-the-art arenas in the United States.
TD Garden has served as the home ground to the NBA's Boston Celtics and NHL's Boston Bruins since its opening in 1995.
The arena opened as a replacement for the original Boston Garden and has undergone several name changes, being known as FleetCenter and TD Banknorth Garden.
Situated directly above the MBTA's North Station, it is not only an iconic sporting venue but also a thriving entertainment hub that attracts nearly 3.5 million visitors annually.
The arena's naming rights agreement is set to persist until June 30, 2045, following an extension of the deal by TD Bank and Delaware North on January 12, 2023.
Location: East Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina
Opened: October 21, 2005
Spectrum Center, a multifaceted arena situated in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, is the proud home of the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association.
This remarkable venue first opened its doors in 2005 and boasts an impressive capacity of 19,077 for basketball and 17,500 for hockey events. Notably, it can be expanded to accommodate up to 20,200 spectators during college basketball games.
Throughout its history, Spectrum Center has been more than just a host to NBA and AHL teams; it was once home to both the WNBA's Charlotte Sting and ECHL's Charlotte Checkers.
Home Team: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers
Location: South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California
Opened: October 17, 1999
Crypto Arena is owned and operated by the Arturo L.A. Arena Company in collaboration with Anschutz Entertainment Group, making it a significant and iconic venue in Los Angeles.
It serves as the home for both the renowned Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association.
Moreover, the facility can accommodate 19,067 spectators for basketball, 18,145 for ice hockey, and approximately 20,000 for concerts or other sports gatherings.
Additionally, there are 160 upscale suites, including 15 event suites, spread across three levels situated between the lower and upper seating sections.
Amway Center, nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Orlando, Florida, stands proudly as the revered home arena of the NBA's Orlando Magic.
Since its grand opening in 2010, this renowned and award-winning sporting venue has welcomed throngs of enthusiastic fans with its impressive seating capacity of 18,846 for NBA and a cutting-edge architectural design that sets it apart as a true marvel.
The 2012 NBA All-Star Game took place at the Amway Center. Additionally, the venue served as the host for certain matchups in the round of 64 and round of 32 during the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament in 2014 and 2017.
Location: First Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Opened: October 13, 1990
Target Center has been the proud home of the Minnesota Timberwolves, a prominent team in the National Basketball Association, since its inauguration.
Adding to its legacy, it also serves as the current residence for the Minnesota Lynx, an esteemed team in the Women's National Basketball Association.
The Target Center ranks as the NBA's second-oldest arena, preceded only by Madison Square Garden, constructed in 1968.
The Timberwolves and Warriors game on March 10, 2017, holds the record for the highest confirmed attendance at a single event in the arena's history, with 20,412 attendees.
Location: Frost Bank Center Drive, San Antonio, Texas
Opened: October 18, 2002
Frost Bank Center, located on the eastern side of San Antonio, Texas, serves as the residence for the San Antonio Spurs, a five-time NBA champion.
Initially, the arena had a seating capacity of 19,217 for basketball games. However, this number was gradually reduced over the years, first to 18,797 after the 2002–03 season, then further down to 18,581 before the start of the 2009-10 season.
Subsequently, its current seat capacity stands at 18,418 and has remained unchanged since 2015. Additionally, the venue is equipped with 2,018 club seats, 50 luxury suites, and 32 bathrooms.
Delta Center, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an iconic indoor venue that has been a home to the NBA's Utah Jazz since its opening in 1991.
Boasting a seating capacity of 18,306 for basketball games and 14,000 for ice hockey and indoor football matches, as well as accommodating up to 20,000 enthusiastic fans during concerts.
Additionally, it features 56 luxury suites and an impressive 668 club seats to provide top-notch comfort and amenities for attendees.
Delta Center has gained a reputation as one of the most challenging venues for opposing teams in the NBA. A survey conducted by Sports Illustrated on February 11, 2008, among NBA players, labeled the arena as the "most intimidating arena in the NBA."
Paycom Center, formerly known as the Ford Center, stands tall as a multi-purpose arena nestled in Downtown Oklahoma City.
Since its grand opening in 2002, this iconic venue has been at the heart of sports and entertainment in the city. Home to the NBA's renowned team, the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2008, it holds an impressive capacity with 18,203 seats for basketball events and 15,152 for hockey games.
For concerts and other special performances, it can accommodate up to 16,591 spectators. Notably from 2005 to 2007, a period marked by resilience, the arena graciously hosted the New Orleans Hornets of the NBA temporarily.
FedExForum, which serves as the home for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA and the University of Memphis' NCAA Division I men's basketball program, was inaugurated in September 2004 at a construction cost of $250 million.
This arena, characterized by its round shape and domed structure, deviates from ground level as the playing floor is situated below.
It has a seating capacity of 18,119 for basketball, including 1,000 premier courtside seats. Additionally, the facility features 27 courtside suites, 32 club suites, 4 party suites, and 80 club boxes.
The Grizzlies and the University of Memphis previously held their home games at the Memphis Pyramid before moving to FedExForum.
