The Big 12 conference, known for its iconic basketball arenas like Phog Allen Fieldhouse and Hilton Coliseum, will be showcasing four new venues in the upcoming season. With the addition of Arizona, Arizona State, Utah, and Colorado to the conference, fans can expect to witness some thrilling basketball action in these new arenas.
Starting off with the McKale Memorial Center, a historic venue that has been home to the Arizona State Sun Devils since 1974. Formerly known as the ASU Activity Center and Wells Fargo Arena, this arena has a seating capacity of over 14,000 fans. One of the most memorable moments at this arena was when over 5,000 students packed the stands to watch the Sun Devils take on UCLA in 2023. Despite its rich history, Arizona State has only gone unbeaten once at home, back in the inaugural season. With an average attendance of over 8,000 fans per game in recent years, the McKale Memorial Center is sure to provide an electric atmosphere for college basketball fans.
Moving on to the Huntsman Center at the University of Utah, a 15,000-seat venue located in Salt Lake City. This arena has been the home of the Utes basketball team for over 50 years and has hosted the NCAA Tournament 12 times. In 1979, the Huntsman Center was the site of a historic Final Four matchup between Magic Johnson’s Michigan State and Larry Bird’s Indiana State. With 81 NCAA Tournament games hosted, the Huntsman Center has a rich basketball tradition that continues to attract fans from all over the country.
The Desert Financial Arena, formerly known as the CU Events Center, is another exciting addition to the Big 12. With a seating capacity of over 11,000 fans, this venue has hosted numerous thrilling basketball games and concerts over the years. One standout moment was in 2011 when the Kansas Jayhawks visited and drew a record crowd of 11,363 fans. Featuring roof-mounted retractable hoops similar to Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke, the Desert Financial Arena promises to provide a unique and exhilarating experience for fans of college basketball.
As the Big 12 gears up for another exciting season of Men’s Basketball, the addition of these four new teams and their impressive arenas is sure to elevate the level of competition. Fans can look forward to witnessing some unforgettable moments in these iconic venues as the conference continues to solidify its reputation as one of the premier basketball leagues in the country.
