INGLEWOOD, Calif. — James Harden has by no means described a preseason recreation the best way he did final Monday.
“It is cracking in right here,” Harden mentioned. “Simply the display, the followers, the lights on the seats — it may be season for us. I am simply enthusiastic about the entire environment on this constructing. I feel town of LA is happy about it as effectively.”
From the biggest double-sided Halo Board show in an area setting to “The Wall” of seats and the state-of-the-art know-how designed for a seamless fan expertise, Steve Ballmer’s $2 billion area is able to make its grandebut within the NBA’s 79th season.
“There’s lots of people who’ve put each ounce of every part they have into delivering this for the folks of Los Angeles,” mentioned Gillian Zucker, CEO of Halo Sports activities and Leisure. “And we hope they find it irresistible.
“Actually from the second you stroll in, it is simply vitality, pleasure, enjoyable. It provides a character to this constructing that is very Steve.”
Whereas the Intuit Dome guarantees to disclose much more with the Halo Board and fan expertise than it has proven to this point in concert events and two preseason video games, the addition of the league’s thirtieth area has rustled up plenty of pleasure from followers, groups and media.
Forward of the Clippers’ Intuit Dome regular-season debut, we ranked the 29 NBA arenas, from the New Orleans Pelicans’ Smoothie King Heart to the Los Angeles Lakers’ Crypto.com Enviornment.
We requested our NBA Insiders to attain every area on a scale of 1-5 in 4 classes: accessibility/location, meals/concessions, facilities, and total fan expertise. We averaged these scores to provide every area a last rank.
With unbiased analysis and data supplied by NBA Insiders, right here is the 2024-25 NBA area rank from high to backside that will help you plan your subsequent go to for this season.
— Ohm Youngmisuk
Soar to a crew:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTA| WAS
Location: Sacramento, California
Capability: 17,608
Opening 12 months: 2016
Small market, elite area. There won’t be a extra underrated area within the league than the Golden 1 Heart. It does not have the nostalgia of Arco Enviornment, which closed in 2022, however it makes up for it with top-notch meals, facilities and fan expertise. This area claims the No. 1 spot in our rankings after scoring within the high 5 in all 4 classes and No. 1 in accessibility and placement. Within the coronary heart of downtown, the sector is surrounded by eating places, and the meals choices inside the sector are price writing dwelling about as effectively. The native eating places and breweries inside supply 90% of their elements inside a 150-mile radius of the sector, and there is even a devoted espresso bar to maintain followers throughout these late-night video games. With a fan base nicknamed “Cowbell Kingdom,” the gang is among the loudest within the league — a purpose it ranked fifth in fan expertise. Let’s not overlook the sector’s most defining attribute: the iconic purple beam that is lit from the highest of the constructing after each Kings win.
Location: New York
Capability: 19,812
Opening 12 months: 1968
Madison Sq. Backyard is the mecca of basketball, and because the oldest area within the NBA, it is stuffed with historical past. The legendary sound-absorbing ceiling, iconic organ music and a juiced-up New York crowd are just some causes MSG ranked No. 1 in fan expertise. Celebrities usually dot the courtside seats alongside Knicks loyalists like Spike Lee and Ben Stiller, including to the glamour of the New York nightlife. Proper above Penn Station, one of many busiest transportation amenities within the Western Hemisphere, “The World’s Most Well-known Enviornment” ranked second in accessibility and placement. Residence to New York classics like a stuffed pastrami sandwich and even a 5-pound hotdog, MSG got here in fourth in meals and concessions. In one of many busiest touring cities within the nation, Madison Sq. Backyard is a New York attraction that is onerous to overlook.
Location: San Francisco
Capability: 18,064
Opening 12 months: 2019
Although it’s going to by no means replicate the recollections and environment of Oakland’s Oracle Enviornment, the $1.4 billion Chase Heart, situated on the bayside of San Francisco, lives as much as the hype. For one, the sector’s meals — which incorporates the NBA’s first absolutely plant-based restaurant, amongst different Bay Space staples — claimed No. 1 in our concessions rankings together with facilities. Moreover, In a partnership with Adobe, there are 87 unique items of artwork, together with one in all Stephen Curry consuming popcorn, and 250 items of images within the Chase Heart artwork assortment across the area. In downtown San Francisco with views of the Bay Bridge, “Dub Nation” is available in at eighth for total fan expertise. Regardless of taking the highest spot in two classes, the Warriors’ area took a success within the accessibility/location class (twenty third total), in the end touchdown Golden State’s dwelling within the No. 3 spot.
Location: Boston
Capability: 19,600
Opening 12 months: 1995
From the enduring parquet ground to the 18 championship banners overhead, each element of TD Backyard provides to the Celtics’ simple home-court benefit. The house of the Celtics has seen strong upgrades, however the distinctive and basic environment stays. Ranked second total in fan expertise, the Boston crowd erupts at each phrase spoken by the PA announcer’s distinctive voice, and the playoff environment is like no different. With the T operating proper by way of the sector, it ranks fourth in accessibility, location and facilities.
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Capability: 19,800
Opening 12 months: 1999
Scotiabank Enviornment in Toronto, the one area outdoors the U.S. to host an NBA All-Star Sport, gives a various and vibrant setting that must be on each basketball fan’s radar. Even in an older venue, town’s vitality is mirrored within the area’s environment. From full of life in-game leisure from the crew’s mascot aptly named “The Raptor” to the viewing space outdoors the sector known as “Jurassic Park,” it is a enjoyable place to expertise basketball in Canada. This explains why voters ranked it fourth in total fan expertise — its highest putting in every of the classes. Regardless of being on the harbor with views of the Toronto islands, Scotiabank scored tenth in accessibility and placement and decrease in meals, concessions and facilities. The venue won’t have the glitz of some newer arenas, however it’s a vacation spot spot with a loyal fan base.
Location: Detroit, Michigan
Capability: 20,332
Opening 12 months: 2017
Come to Little Caesars Enviornment for the basketball, keep for the meals. Regardless of some voters commenting on the venue being higher fitted to a Detroit Crimson Wings match (citing a steep higher bowl and seats that do not present the perfect views for basketball), the sector ranked second total in meals/concessions and sixth in facilities. If you may get previous the shortage of nostalgia in comparison with the Palace of Auburn Hills, the sector’s downtown location can also be a significant improve. The 5,100-square-foot scoreboard is among the largest on this planet and gives wonderful visuals. And did we point out the meals? The choices — which embrace a slice of Little Caesars pizza — can’t be overstated. It got here in twenty sixth in fan expertise, its lowest rating, however that is possible because of the Pistons’ rebuilding period. The sector’s structure and design make it a promising venue because the crew improves.
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Capability: 17,732
Opening 12 months: 2012
Within the middle of Brooklyn, the Barclays Heart is situated proper subsequent to a subway station, making it simply accessible from all elements of town, so it is no marvel it is available in sixth in accessibility and placement. Rating fifth in each meals and facilities, Barclays’ leisure is powerful, and the venue has a number of the finest meals within the NBA, bringing collectively tastes of genuine Brooklyn staples below one roof. Whereas Madison Sq. Backyard has the historical past, Barclays gives a extra inexpensive possibility in the identical metropolis, and the courtroom design is among the coolest within the league, with enjoyable lighting results making a theater-like environment. Regardless of rating twenty third in fan expertise, Barclays has sufficient upside to make it a top-10 area whereas providing a unique taste of New York.
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Capability: 17,341
Opening 12 months: 2018
Voters opined that Fiserv Discussion board gives a mix of NBA and school basketball vibes. Followers can obtain a basic bratwurst by way of the “Bratzooka” — a cannon that launches scorching sausage into the gang. Who wants the basic T-shirt providing when you may get tossed a bratwurst? The menu inside the sector, which ranked fifteenth in meals and concessions, displays the tastes of town with choices equivalent to “state-fair type” cream puffs. Within the coronary heart of downtown Milwaukee, the Fiserv Discussion board is available in third in accessibility and placement. It is not flashy, however it’s a fantastic spot to catch high-level basketball and two-man motion from famous person duo Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Location: Los Angeles
Capability: 19,079
Opening 12 months: 1999
Nonetheless recognized to many L.A. locals as Staples Heart, Lakers video games at Crypto.com Enviornment are sometimes seen as a full-blown occasion fairly than a basketball recreation. This season would be the first time the Lakers have the venue all to themselves, with the Clippers shifting to the brand new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. Ranked seventh in fan expertise, the “Laker Lighting” and iconic Laker Women contribute to the distinctive basketball-viewing setting. Did we point out the celebrities? The VIP expertise was described as hit and miss — most notably, there aren’t sufficient bogs. In years previous, Kim Kardashian and different celebrities have had to make use of media room restrooms, although that is modified with latest renovations. Regardless of its downtown location, Crypto.com ranked Twelfth in accessibility and placement, a decrease rating than it obtained in meals/concessions (ninth) and facilities (tenth) The Lake Present nonetheless gives a top-tier environment, and having LeBron James on the roster does not harm.
Location: Indianapolis
Capability: 17,274
Opening 12 months: 1999
Constructed with the basketball fan in thoughts, Gainbridge Fieldhouse — additionally dwelling to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever — delivers a nostalgic and one-of-a-kind game-day expertise. There’s not a nasty seat in the home, and the sky deck above the balcony gives a incredible view behind the banners of franchise legends, which is why it is ranked sixth in fan expertise. Current renovations — a part of a $360-million, three-phase undertaking — have elevated the sector with new premium areas, an enormous LED display, and up to date lower-bowl seating. The brand new standing-room-only part fosters a full of life environment and brings much more followers to the video games. Positioned within the coronary heart of Indianapolis, Gainbridge ranked fifth in accessibility and placement.
Location: Chicago
Capability: 20,917
Opening 12 months: 1994
The “Home that Jordan Constructed” is one other must-visit for NBA followers. The charged crowd, legendary pregame intro and iconic Michael Jordan statue create a buzz that few arenas can match. Sport operations are top-notch, with Benny the Bull entertaining followers and basic traditions just like the Dunkin’ Donuts race protecting the vitality excessive which is why it is ranked third in fan expertise. The sector’s location is a bit faraway from downtown Chicago, rating it close to the underside of this class. Nonetheless, this does not detract from its total Jordan-era Bulls nostalgia.
Location: Minneapolis
Capability: 18,798
Opening 12 months: 1990
Goal Heart is the second-oldest area within the league. Regardless of having been renovated in 2017, there have been discussions amongst Timberwolves followers about changing it altogether. Facilities and fan expertise ranked on the decrease finish of our scale. Voters attributed this to the shortage of decrease bowl seats, with the vast majority of seats being within the higher deck farther from the courtroom. Nonetheless, the venue ranked seventh total in accessibility and placement with an especially walkable space outdoors the stadium.
Location: Dallas
Capability: 20,000
Opening 12 months: 2001
The Mavericks’ house is situated within the coronary heart of Dallas with a Texas crowd recognized to get rowdy through the playoffs, making it one of many extra entertaining arenas within the NBA. It additionally touts first-class facilities, claiming the eight spot in that class. Dallas has been recognized to indicate highlights on the jumbotron even when its personal participant is the one getting posterized. After the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown dropped Luka Doncic on a crossover throughout final season’s Finals, the Mavericks ran the replay on the jumbotron, a lot to the dismay of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Markieff Morris. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon later mentioned this has been a pattern for years spearheaded by Mark Cuban, and this leisure issue possible contributes to the eleventh total fan expertise rating. Generally, it actually be your individual folks.
Location: Miami
Capability: 19,600
Opening 12 months: 1999
Latin music pulses by way of the Kaseya Heart, contributing to the social gathering environment that is onerous to seek out anyplace else within the NBA. To not point out it is a celeb scorching spot, including to the venue’s star energy. The South Seashore aptitude and the sector’s electrical vitality make for a enjoyable and memorable expertise. Nonetheless, Kaseya ranked thirteenth in meals/concessions and facilities. The crew’s eye-catching “White Scorching” marketing campaign coordinates followers to create a sea of white all through the stands and is a long-standing custom. Total, it is a distinctive mixture of basketball and vibrant native tradition.
24 hours till the 305 is White Scorching. Convey the noise, #HEATNation 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/PhsxtbR2GI
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 26, 2024
Location: Salt Lake Metropolis
Capability: 18,206
Opening 12 months: 1991
The Delta Heart has a premier location in Salt Lake Metropolis, proper subsequent to the Gateway Mall and a number of transit strains, which is why it is ranked eighth in accessibility and placement. In contrast to others, the sector is constructed extra vertically than vast, guaranteeing that nearly any seat in the home shall be one. The Delta Heart has one of many extra futuristic luxurious suites within the league — not more than 50 folks may be in there at a time and there is a sweet buffet that spans a whole wall. This season the sector is providing $2 to $3 concessions, which might bolster its present rating of 18th in meals and concessions. Who does not love a deal?
Location: Atlanta
Capability: 16,888
Opening 12 months: 1999
The Hawks’ recreation expertise is among the NBA’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing followers a singular and immersive environment that displays town’s tradition. Courtside, “Gucci Row,” because the space the place celebrities have a tendency to take a seat is referred to, attracts the wealthy and well-known. In the meantime, behind one basket, a bar and suites styled like Southern shotgun properties elevate the vibe. Hip-hop music inside the sector usually energizes the native crowd, and Killer Mike’s in-arena barbershop provides to the native taste. State Farm ranked sixth total in meals and concessions, which is headed by award-winning chef and Atlanta native, G. Garvin. Nonetheless, regardless of antics from mascot Harry the Hawk and performances from ATL BOOM, the sector’s drumline squad, fan expertise was nonetheless ranked seventeenth.
Location: Phoenix
Capability: 18,422
Opening 12 months: 1992
It is inconceivable to think about the Footprint Heart and never bear in mind the “previous cheese” and “stale chip” accusations from Suns legend Charles Barkley almost a decade in the past. It is unclear, although, how correct that take is, as the sector is ranked 14th in meals and concessions. The Footprint Heart, nicknamed “The Purple Palace” attributable to its purple seats, is the fourth-oldest area within the league, however underwent a $230 million renovation in 2021 that included the state’s largest sports activities bar and 70,000 sq. ft of latest amenity area. Phoenix has a strong area with a loud playoff environment — and no different area can declare the staple mascot Suns Gorilla.
Location: Portland, Oregon
Capability: 19,393
Opening 12 months: 1995
A basketball-driven metropolis, Portland followers generate a raucous environment at Moda Heart, previously generally known as the “Rose Backyard,” a moniker that also stays amongst die-hard Blazers followers. Subsequent to the Willamette River, it sits simply north of downtown Portland and public transportation makes attending to the venue an efficient journey. Regardless of being this low within the total rankings, Moda Heart got here in at sixth in meals and concessions — choices embrace Oregon-based distilleries and breweries in addition to Portland-based chains. Ranked sixteenth in facilities, Portland has the oldest NBA area to not bear a significant renovation, although earlier this 12 months the metropolis agreed to do precisely that.
Location: Oklahoma Metropolis
Capability: 18,203
Opening 12 months: 2002
If the environment inside Paycom Heart wasn’t electrical sufficient behind MVP hopeful Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the barking custom began final season by ahead Jalen Williams convinces that OKC followers are devoted. The colour coordination of T-shirts by the gang that creates a sea of blue, white and orange through the Thunders’ deep playoff runs is one more reason, regardless of being nineteenth within the total rankings, Paycom Heart got here in at ninth in fan expertise. Whereas meals, concessions and facilities ranked on the decrease finish of the size, it won’t even matter for Oklahomans if the Thunder proceed on their meteoric rise within the West.
Location: Cleveland
Capability: 19,432
Opening 12 months: 1994
Located proper in the course of downtown Cleveland, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse was ranked thirteenth total in accessibility and placement. Initially recognized to native Ohioans as Gund Enviornment, the venue gives a modernized NBA expertise, because of a $185 million renovation in 2019 that reworked the ageing venue right into a state-of-the-art facility. The sector’s updates embrace a refreshed design and new know-how. The scoreboard nicknamed “Humongotron” — the fourth largest scoreboard within the NBA — is among the essential latest additions to the sector. Sadly, it is not giant sufficient to distract from the mediocre concession choices, which ranked twenty fourth.
Location: Denver
Capability: 19,099
Opening 12 months: 1999
Previously generally known as the Pepsi Heart, the Nuggets promote the results of mile-high altitude of their area — and it is no joke. At 5,280 ft above sea degree, it’s the highest area within the NBA, creating a singular expertise for visiting groups and an simple home-court benefit for Denver. Even when the house crew is having a down night time, Corridor of Famer SuperMascot Rocky can steal the present himself with acrobatics and comedic skits — putting Ball Enviornment’s fan expertise at thirteenth. Nonetheless, the Ball Enviornment’s concessions scored close to the decrease finish for groups within the West, so there’s work to be accomplished within the meals division.
He is the perfect mascot within the NBA for a purpose 🤫
SuperMascot Rocky’s 5310-foot ladder shot from all of the angles 📹 pic.twitter.com/Oe6U2mKx9v
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) Could 4, 2023
Location: Houston
Capability: 18,500
Opening 12 months: 2003
The Toyota Heart was recognized to get rocking throughout Houston’s profitable James Harden-led period, however in latest seasons attendance has dipped, resulting in a rise in empty seats — even within the decrease bowl. The lower than stellar turnout does not assist with the venue’s Twenty fifth-ranked fan expertise. However the Twelfth-ranked facilities — one spot above Miami’s Kaseya Heart — really feel price a point out. Spanning six metropolis blocks in the course of downtown Houston, followers have credited Houston’s MetroRail as a method for public transportation and a easy journey expertise to and from the sector.
Location: Orlando, Florida
Capability: 18,846
Opening 12 months: 2010
A parking storage subsequent door and a brief strolling bridge makes attending to the Kia Heart a breeze. The Kia Heart ranked low in nearly each voting class. Regardless of providing inexpensive upper-level tickets, meals costs are excessive and the fan expertise (ranked twenty fourth) is a regular NBA one. The environment and facilities (ranked twenty third) could possibly be enhanced. Whereas the sector’s options depart room for enchancment, there’s all the time the crew’s theme tune to get the folks going. With the Magic’s elevated success over the previous couple of seasons, chants of “play the tune!” can now be heard from the stands — a reference to the crew’s unique theme tune, now remixed and revitalized for this Paolo Banchero-led squad.
Location: Philadelphia
Capability: 21,000
Opening 12 months: 1996
The passionate Philly crowd creates one of many liveliest environments within the NBA, although some facets of the venue could really feel missing in comparison with different arenas. Positioned within the Philadelphia sports activities advanced alongside Lincoln Monetary Area and Residents Financial institution Park, Wells Fargo Heart advantages from the Xfinity Stay leisure district close by. The sport-day expertise is enhanced by Philly’s famend sports activities tradition, making each recreation really feel like an occasion. Whereas the Sixers’ area got here in at an underwhelming rank of nineteenth in meals/concessions, you continue to cannot go unsuitable with a basic Philly cheesesteak contained in the venue. The 76ers’ dwelling base did not crack the highest 10 in any class, however we doubt the Philly devoted care.
Location: Washington
Capability: 20,000
Opening 12 months: 1997
Positioned close to the Nationwide Portrait Gallery and conveniently close to a Metro station, the sector gives quick access for followers across the DMV. That’s till you issue within the excessive parking charges, which dropped the sector’s accessibility rating to No. 17. The venue can also be beginning to present its age, however luckily a $500 million renovation undertaking was authorised earlier this 12 months to modernize the area and maintain it in downtown D.C.. Meals choices are typical for a sports activities venue — first rate, however overpriced — which is why concessions ranked among the many backside tier at No. 26. Whereas being in the course of our nation’s capital provides to the general game-day expertise, Capital One area is much from distinctive.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Capability: 18,200
Opening 12 months: 2004
FedEx Discussion board, which has come to be generally known as the Grind Home, does a wonderful job of leaning into all issues Memphis. This contains nods to its robust music scene. There is a Rock n’ Soul museum situated inside the sector and it even has its personal in-house band and drumline aptly named the Memphis Grizzline. Regardless of housing the ever-popular Rendezvous BBQ Nachos, FedEx Discussion board ranked twenty third in meals and concessions. Positioned proper beneath downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River, it obtained low marks for facilities, location and fan expertise. As with their on-court efficiency final season, there’s room for enchancment.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Capability: 19,077
Opening 12 months: 2005
Catching a Hornets recreation at Spectrum Heart will not empty your pockets, particularly on weekdays. Nonetheless, the meals inside the sector leaves a lot to be desired. Rating fifteenth in accessibility and placement, parking proper by the sector is costly. However in case you’re up for a brief stroll in uptown Charlotte, free avenue parking is commonly out there just a few blocks away. The Spectrum Heart ranked final in fan expertise and facilities, and the game-day expertise is fairly easy in line with followers. Additionally, it does not assist that the Hornets have not had a profitable report since 2022.
Location: New Orleans
Capability: 18,500
Opening 12 months: 1999
New Orleans has an area in disaster. Close to the underside of our rankings, it earned the second-lowest rating for meals and concessions and tied for final in facilities. It additionally has one of many smallest capacities within the league. Stationed in between the Caesars Superdome and practice tracks, there is not ample room for growth, and it ranked twenty sixth in accessibility and placement. The one different logical reply is for the franchise to tear it down and rebuild it. After all, that is simpler mentioned than accomplished.
Location: San Antonio
Capability: 18,418
Opening 12 months: 2002
Finest recognized for the Manu Ginobili bat incident and a number of championships, the Frost Financial institution Heart has a sophisticated legacy. It is stationed removed from downtown San Antonio, with voters rating it final in accessibility. Meals and concessions had been additionally ranked the bottom. However fan expertise, regardless of being ranked twenty first, must be on the rise, as Spurs followers are a number of the most loyal within the league. In addition they have so much to sit up for with one other French phenom in up-and-coming star Victor Wembanyama on the helm of the crew. It is also onerous to discover a purpose to dislike the Coyote mascot … one other legendary Spur who has battled with bats on the courtroom.
To be decided…: Intuit Dome, LA Clippers
Location: Los Angeles, California
Capability: 18,000
Opening 12 months: 2024
The Clippers, after years of sharing an area with their crosstown rival Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings, are lastly getting their very own area. Proprietor Steve Ballmer invested $2 billion to construct Intuit Dome within the Inglewood part of Los Angeles.
Certain, there have been some glitches that wanted to be smoothed out, however Ballmer is hoping his technologically savvy area will present for a seamless fan expertise.
Most notably, the 38,375 sq. foot Halo Board will show 4K pictures of replays, statistics and analytics all through the sport. Additionally, it is able to firing T-shirts from cannons, internet hosting interactive video games that followers can take part in from a console on their seats, and even makes use of software program that may slender the audio degree down to every particular person seat.
There’s a full courtroom to hoop outdoors, and on the seventh-floor terrace, followers can check their taking pictures and passing abilities on the Shoot 360 immersive competitors stations. On the concourse, there’s an exhibit showcasing a jersey from each highschool basketball crew in California. Every little thing concerning the venue is by design, from the 1,100 bathrooms to the touchless concessions meant to mitigate typical lengthy strains.
Even the opponents are in awe.
“The locker room space — Golden State [Chase Center] has what I assumed was the nicest, however that is Golden State occasions 10,” one Mavericks assistant mentioned after Dallas was the primary crew to go to Intuit Dome for a preseason recreation on Oct. 14. “That is the perfect area within the NBA. It was spectacular. Ballmer’s doing issues that different folks aren’t going to do to create a fantastic fan expertise.”
— Youngmisuk
