Getting your player ready...
With Colorado moving to the Pac-12 Conference next season, CU beat writer Tom Kensler takes a look at some well-known arenas in the Buffs’ new league:
Arizona: McKale Center (opened in 1973), 14,545 seating capacity — Recently retired coach Lute Olson turned it into one of the nation’s best home courts. Wildcats have led the conference in attendance for men’s basketball each season beginning in 1984-85.
California: Haas Pavilion (1933, reconstructed 1999), 11,877 capacity — Playing surface was simply called “Room 100” until 1987, when it was named Pete Newell Court to honor the coach of the Bears’ 1959 NCAA championship team.
Oregon State: Gill Coliseum (1949), 10,400 capacity — The south wall features a large painted mural of Oregon State greats including Gary Payton, Brent Barry, A.C. Green and Steve Johnson.
Stanford: Maples Pavilion (1968, renovation 2004), 7,392 capacity — For men’s basketball games the raucous student section is called “The Sixth Man.” Recognizable for permanent white volleyball court lines.
UCLA: Pauley Pavilion (1965), 12,829 capacity — In first game, Bruins freshman team led by Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) defeated UCLA varsity 75-60 in an exhibition. Will undergo $110 million renovation following the current season.
Utah: Jon Huntsman Center (1969), 15,000 capacity — Becomes largest basketball venue in new Pac-12 next season, supplanting Arizona’s. Remembered for legendary 1979 Final Four battle between Indiana State’s Larry Bird and Michigan State’s Magic Johnson.
Washington: Hec Edmundson Pavilion (1927, major renovation 1999), 10,000 capacity — Renovation increased capacity from 7,900 and removed 20 view-obstructing pillars. Venue hosted Final Four in 1949 and 1952.
