The roar of the crowd, the electrifying atmosphere, and the larger-than-life presence of the players – watching an NBA game live is an unparalleled experience. And a big part of that experience is the arena itself. Some NBA arenas stand out for their iconic history, architectural marvels, or simply their sheer size.
Here's a look at the top 12 biggest NBA arenas in terms of seating capacity:
|
Arena |
Location |
Team(s) |
Capacity |
Opened |
|
United Center |
Chicago, IL |
Chicago Bulls |
20917 |
1992 |
|
Wells Fargo Center |
Philadelphia, PA |
Philadelphia 76ers |
20478 |
1996 |
|
Capital One Arena |
Washington D.C. |
Washington Wizards |
20356 |
1997 |
|
Little Caesars Arena |
Detroit, MI |
Detroit Pistons |
20332 |
2017 |
|
Madison Square Garden |
New York City, NY |
New York Knicks |
19812 |
1968 |
|
Scotiabank Arena |
Toronto, Ontario |
Toronto Raptors |
19800 |
1999 |
|
American Airlines Center |
Dallas, TX |
Dallas Mavericks |
19200 |
2001 |
|
Smoothie King Center |
New Orleans, LA |
New Orleans Pelicans |
19000 |
1999 |
|
State Farm Arena |
Atlanta, GA |
Atlanta Hawks |
18114 |
1999 |
|
Fiserv Forum |
Milwaukee, WI |
Milwaukee Bucks |
17500 |
2018 |
|
Chase Center |
San Francisco, CA |
Golden State Warriors |
18064 |
2019 |
|
Ball Arena |
Denver, CO |
Denver Nuggets |
19520 |
1999 |
1. United Center - Chicago Bulls (20,917)
The reigning champion in terms of size, the United Center in Chicago boasts a whopping 20,917 seats, making it the loudest and most intimidating arena for visiting teams. It's home to the legendary Chicago Bulls and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in NBA history.
2. Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia 76ers (20,478)
Nicknamed "The Big House," the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia is another behemoth with a capacity of 20,478. The passionate Philly fans create an electric atmosphere, making it a tough place for opponents to play.
>> Cheap Philadelphia 76ers Tickets
3. Capital One Arena - Washington Wizards (20,356)
Formerly known as the Verizon Center, the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. is another contender with 20,356 seats. It's home to the Washington Wizards and has hosted numerous concerts and other events besides basketball games.
>> Buy Washington Wizards Tickets
4. Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Pistons (20,332)
Opened in 2017, the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is a modern marvel with a capacity of 20,332. It features state-of-the-art facilities and a unique transparent roof, making it a fan-favorite destination.
>> Buy Detroit Pistons Tickets
5. Madison Square Garden - New York Knicks (19,812)
No list of iconic arenas is complete without Madison Square Garden in New York City. Though not the biggest in terms of capacity (19,812), it's arguably the most famous, with a rich history and an unmatched atmosphere.
>> Cheap New York Knicks Tickets
6. Scotiabank Arena - Toronto Raptors (19,800)
Formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto is another legendary venue with a capacity of 19,800. It's home to the NBA champion Toronto Raptors and boasts a vibrant and passionate fanbase.
>> Buy Toronto Raptors Tickets
7. American Airlines Center - Dallas Mavericks (19,200)
The American Airlines Center in Dallas is a modern masterpiece with a capacity of 19,200. It features unique architectural elements and cutting-edge technology, making it a popular venue for various events.
>> Buy Dallas Mavericks Tickets
8. Smoothie King Center - New Orleans Pelicans (19,000)
Formerly known as the New Orleans Arena, the Smoothie King Center is a vibrant venue with a capacity of 19,000. It reflects the city's unique culture and provides a lively atmosphere for Pelicans games.
>> Buy New Orleans Pelicans Tickets
9. State Farm Arena - Atlanta Hawks (18,114)
Formerly known as the Philips Arena, the State Farm Arena in Atlanta is a modern arena with a capacity of 18,114. It features a retractable roof and a unique design, making it a popular attraction in the city.
>> Cheap Atlanta Hawks Tickets
10. Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee Bucks (17,500)
Opened in 2018, the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee is a state-of-the-art arena with a capacity of 17,500. It features a unique design and cutting-edge technology, making it a premier venue for various events.
>> Buy Cheap Milwaukee Bucks Tickets
11. Chase Center - Golden State Warriors (18,064)
Opened in 2019, the Chase Center in San Francisco is a modern marvel with a capacity of 18,064. It features a unique design and breathtaking views of the city, making it a premier venue for Warriors games and other events. The arena boasts a technologically advanced roof and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a fan favorite.
>> Buy Golden State Warriors Tickets
12. Ball Arena - Denver Nuggets (19,520)
Formerly known as the Pepsi Center, the Ball Arena in Denver is a high-altitude haven with a capacity of 19,520. Despite its elevation, the arena is known for its electric atmosphere, especially during Denver Nuggets playoff games. The arena features a unique mountain-themed design and has hosted numerous concerts and other events besides basketball games.
These 12 arenas offer a unique and unforgettable experience for basketball fans. From the historic charm of Madison Square Garden to the modern marvels of Chase Center, each arena has its personality and contributes to the excitement of the NBA. So, if you ever have the chance to attend a game at one of these behemoths, be sure to soak up the atmosphere and the electrifying energy of the crowd!
