Home-Court Advantage: Ranking the Top 10 Loudest NBA Arenas in 2013
NBA analysts can break down anything when it comes to a player.
They can study a spot on the floor a player loves to get to. Whether they’re most likely to drive left or right. Nowadays, they can even take into account how many average dribbles a player takes on every possession.
But you don’t often hear how well a player reacts to a home crowd. You don’t hear how a player reacts when 18,000-plus fans are screaming down your neck every time you touch the ball (Derek Fisher in Houston last night).
Nate Robinson, for example, is fueled by fans’ energy. The louder an arena is, the better the chance he’s going to hit a big shot and then do a cartwheel just to let you know he hears you. Crowd noise can make players do anything. If somebody hits a big shot and the entire arena lights up, why not do the Bernie (Ty Lawson)?
On the flip side, these arenas have the ability to get into opposing players’ heads. How about James Harden’s first return to Chesapeake Energy Arena in the regular season?
Here are the top 10 loudest arenas in the NBA this year.
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Hilarious Yelp Reviews of NBA Arenas
Most of the NBA arena reviews found on Yelp are honest, helpful looks at different arenas across the country. Needless to say, none of those will be featured here.
This is a place for the more…interesting reviews that Yelp has to offer. But helpful or not, they’re all sure to be entertaining. And that’s what really matters, right?
Not-So-Common Problems
TeaBoy A.—Sleep Train Arena—four stars
Everytime i come here i get lost.
All the doors look the same and the parking lot is so big!
The Sacramento Kings’ Sleep Train Arena forces TeaBoy A. to face two of the biggest NBA arena problems—too much parking and similar-looking doors.
I think I speak for everyone when I say that there’s nothing worse than showing up to an NBA game and having too many empty spots to park in. Nothing screams “basketball” like having to wedge your car in between two RVs because it’s the only space available. Poor TeaBoy is constantly being deprived of that privilege.
As for the similar-looking doors…okay, honestly, I don’t even have a joke for that one. No idea what that means. Either way, the surplus of parking and door-shaped doors were only enough for TeaBoy to dock Sleep Train Arena one star, so if you don’t mind those issues, it’s probably a pretty great place.
Brendan R.—US Airways Center—one star
How can you enjoy anything in this arena knowing US Airways brings so much frustration and misery to people around the country? This airline is the worst out there, consistently underserving customers, leaving people stranded, delivering the absolute lowest level of service. It’s a shadow hanging over every Suns game.
You know what, Brendan, somehow I’m guessing that most Phoenix Suns fans aren’t too worried about the frustration and misery US Airways is bringing to people across the country.
They’re too busy being worried about the misery and frustration that the Suns are bringing to them and asking questions like, “Is it bad that Kendall Marshall has a PER of seven?” and “Should I be excited that we now have both of the Morris twins?” (The answers to those questions are “yes” and “not at all,” by the way.)
Somehow I just don’t get the feeling that US Airways is their biggest concern. Unless US Airways’ lack of service was the reason that Steve Nash wanted to leave. But only then.
Chrissie G.—Oracle Arena—two stars
This place is no Giants stadium. Came here for an A’s vs. Giants game and all I wanted was some garlic fries but there was no stand to be found. Looked at the map and it was all the way to the other side. Tipsy girls don’t feel like walking alllll the way around, so we gave up
Either Chrissie G. didn’t mean to write a review for Oracle Arena, or she was so preoccupied with her garlic fries that she never stopped to think, “Hey, this isn’t a baseball game.”
In any case, Chrissie had to walk alllll the way around wherever she was and got so tired that she was never able to buy her fries.
Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson seems pretty concerned with the playoffs, but he should be thinking about how to get some garlic fries to every vendor in both Oracle Arena and the Oakland Athletics’ stadium. Priorities, Mark.
Outdoors Only
Nick J.—Madison Square Garden—three stars
Didn’t get to go inside. Just lookin at it is amazing. The World’s Most Famous Arena. Amazing Sports History.
Bold move to review an arena without ever being inside of it. Very bold.
The best thing about Nick J.’s review of Madison Square Garden is that he went on about what an amazing experience he had just looking at it from the outside and then proceeded to slap it with a three-star rating. Unless you’re packing X-Ray vision, three stars seems a tad unfair, Nick.
Kyle V.—Staples Center—four stars
Ever look up at the night sky in Los Angeles and wonder what the hell is going on with that over-the-top, acid soaked version of the Bat-signal? It’s the Staples Center.
Honestly, I don’t really see it. Sure, Staples Center has a lot of searchlights, but none of them really scream “Batman.” Plus, it’s hard for anything to be more over-the-top than a signal that summons a grown man in a bat costume. Just saying.
Packed with Information
Lauren C.—Amway Center—five stars
!!!
Lauren C. loved the Orlando Magic’s Amway Center so much that she couldn’t even type words, let alone say them. What you see here is five stars of pure, unfiltered emotion. As well as the least-informative review ever.
Phil M.—Staples Center—four stars
It’s nice here.
Meet Phil M., the Magic 8 Ball of the Staples Center. Phil’s review will pretty much cover all of the questions you have about the arena.
Hey Phil, what’s the food like there?
It’s nice here.
How about the bathrooms? They clean?
It’s nice here.
Well what are the seats like? Will we have a good line of sight?
It’s nice here.
Anything else we should know before we show up?
It’s nice here.
Thanks for the insight, Phil.
Janet P.—Quicken Loans Arena—four stars
I fad lun at th‘ barrrr!
I think!
Here’s all that Janet P.’s review of Quicken Loans Arena tells us:
- Quicken Loans has a bar.
- Janet “fad lun” there. She thinks.
And somehow, this is still by far the most informational review in this category. Way to use Yelp to its fullest extent, everybody.
Fun Stories
Adam P.—US Airways Center—three stars
Suns games. Good view from all areas. Beer. Pizza Hut. Gross popcorn. Watermelon slushy drinks gave me the runs. Not a whole lot else to say.
Believe it or not, Adam, I think you’ve already said too much. Way too much, in fact.
Alex S.—Palace of Auburn Hills—four stars
I saw AC/DC here when I was like 7. It was awesome. I fell asleep in the suite we were in and I woke up to hear them play Money Talks and there was money confetti falling from the roof. It was sweet, and now I tell everyone how I fell asleep at an AC/DC concert. Good stories…
Not so good, Alex. Not so good.
Personal Problems
Keith M.—Palace of Auburn Hills—two stars
This place is good in the dead of winter when there is no other place to have a concert, other then that they suck at everything.
Here’s a Palace of Auburn Hills pros and cons list (according to Keith M.):
Pros—Open in the Winter.
Cons—Sucks at everything except for being open in the Winter.
My list would look more like this:
Pros—Get to watch Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond play.
Cons—Might have to listen to one of Alex S.’s “good” stories.
But to each his own.
Steven C.—Philips Arena—three stars
I didn’t get any free stuff. And this isn’t the first time. I always hope to get a cow with a parachute, but I never do.
Their distaste for me aside, I think this is a great venue. Get good seats or bad. Doesn’t matter much to me. Just have a generally positive attitude.
To understand this review, it’s important to know that parachuting cow dolls are a Chick-fil-A promotion at some sporting events. Philips Arena isn’t giving out live cows at the door. Now that’d be a cool giveaway.
Anyhow, someone needs to explain to Steven that not everyone gets a cow. He’s not being targeted in any way. The cow-dropping guys aren’t calling up Philips Arena to make sure that one doesn’t come his way. Maybe don’t take this whole thing so personally.
Dan B.—United Center—three stars
“Anything can change in the blink of an eye.” Same goes for the fans. They’re a bunch of fair-weather fans so don’t be shocked to see Jordan jerseys everywhere and no jerseys of current players. These fans never watch the bulls unless they are winning championships. If you want atmosphere this is not the place to be. If you like basketball, this place rocks. I highly recommend checking out the magicians near the concession stands.
How dare you, Chicago Bulls fans. How dare you wear the jersey of Michael Jordan—the greatest player of all time—instead of supporting the 2004-05 Bulls squad (when Dan B. wrote this review). Those Lawrence Funderburke and Eric Piatkowski jerseys don’t wear themselves. For shame.
It’s also hilarious—and a little hypocritical—that Dan B. goes on a whole rant about how the fans at the United Center don’t care about basketball, and then talks about how important it is to check out the magicians by the concession stands.
Unless the magicians’ trick was to make Funderburke jerseys magically available. Then it makes sense.
Wow
Patrick H.—United Center—five stars
One time a man dressed as a clown punched my friend in the face here, for no reason. This is the only place where you can get punched by clowns AND see Brad Miller fool dudes with pump fakes. Five stars.
UPDATE: Brad Miller was traded to the Houston Rockets, so you’ll only get to see Brad Miller fool dudes with pump fakes a few times per year. Better than nothing!
Um…what?
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Gilbert Arenas loves China and won’t return to NBA
In North American NBA circles Gilbert Arenas will always be associated with the locker room debacle that tore down his career with the Washington Wizards.
After two fruitless stops with other NBA teams, he has finally found redemption.
Please click here to read this story.
The post Gilbert Arenas loves China and won’t return to NBA appeared first on Players View.
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Gilbert Arenas enjoying China, not looking to return to NBA
Gilbert Arenas has gone the way of many former NBA stars and turned to China to revive his basketball career. Things must be going pretty well for him, because he made the cover of SLAM China. Arenas’ interview with SLAM didn’t reveal a whole lot, except that he has gone back to wearing number zero, and he seems to be doing well. Gil even told SLAM that he’s not looking to get back to the NBA. From SLAM’s interview: SLAM: So do you have long-term plans in China? What do you see for yourself in the future here? GA: 32 games a year. Maximum 36 minutes. That’s all I need at this point in my career. So as long as China teams want me, I’ll be here. SLAM: Do you have any plans or hopes to tryout with the NBA again? GA: Nah! [Shakes head vehemently] Because after this season I can enjoy my family. You know my kids are getting older. Being in the NBA, you don’t really get to enjoy your family life because you’re always on the road, you’re always gone. So, no. After this season will be the first tim
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Gilbert Arenas fakes out Chinese defender
Talent-wise, Gilbert Arenas should still be playing the NBA. But outside factors (namely his immaturity) have resulted in him playing for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball League. In China, Arenas has to be considered, arguably of course, to be one of the most talented player in the league. Former NBA stars Tracy McGrady and Stephon Marbury also play in the CBL. This past weekend, Arenas put a defender on his backside. It wasn’t because of an elbow or a crossover dribble, but rather a simple jab step. Arenas let his man fall to the deck, stepped back and hit the jumper. Propers to Hoops Hype for the video
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Will NCAA soon put arenas back in Final Four lineup?
The NCAA is “actively discussing” moving the men’s Final Four back into basketball arenas
View full post on USATODAY.com Feed
Rob Gronkowski vs. Gilbert Arenas: Who Is Arizona’s Wildest Cat?
Rob Gronkowski is party. It’s in his very being, man. Just ask him.
Based on his well-publicized off-the-field exploits—the man’s not camera shy, and he’s usually running out of T-shirts—those words are scripture.
In the lore of Arizona Wildcats athletes, at a school that owns a top-shelf reputation for knowing how to do the damn thing, especially during the Gronk era, the New England tight end’s antics are nearly unrivaled in terms of media attention (h/t TucsonCitizen.com).
There’s really only one former Arizona star who can compete with him:
Gilbert Jay Arenas Jr.
Arenas was perhaps the most unstable basketball player to ever suit up under Lute Olson, his goofball nature—to an extreme degree—his most infamously lovable trait. It’s likely also part of the reason he’s had trouble finding work lately (h/t Yahoo!Sports).
There are plenty of other characters in Arizona football and basketball history, but these two are by far the most nationally visible.
Gronk vs. Gil: Examining who is Arizona’s wildest Cat of all time.
View full post on Bleacher Report – College Basketball
L.A. Lakers Must Avoid Toxic Gilbert Arenas to Keep Championship Dream Alive
The Los Angeles Lakers could add yet another big name to their roster in the near future, although Gilbert Arenas‘ name is much bigger than his game at this point.
And the chances of such a thing happening are as yet unknown. We really don’t even know that much about the veracity of the rumor, which suggests Arenas might also end up with the Clippers. Sure, most rumors leave something to be desired, but Larry Brown Sports reports that this one came straight from an auto-mechanic who just happened to chat it up with Arenas:
My mechanic tells someone who tells someone else who publishes the story on his basketball blog Hoops-Nation. From there, it ends up on a Lakers blog, and then our friends at Black Sports Online picked up on it, which is where I saw the story.
Like any rumor, take it with a grain of salt—or maybe even a teaspoon of salt this time.
After all, the Lakers have given Arenas a look before, so it wouldn’t be entirely shocking if they did so again.
The team does have some depth behind Steve Nash at the point, at least to whatever extent you consider Steve Blake and Chris Duhon to be depth. But it doesn’t have a guy who can shoot off the dribble and create his own offense.
In theory, that’s the first thing Los Angeles would want in the game when Steve Nash is sitting.
So yes, you can make an argument for bringing in Gilbert Arenas. It will sound a lot like the very same argument for signing Leandro Barbosa. There’s some merit to it.
But in this case, there are far more risks than rewards.
Before you even get to all that could go wrong, bear in mind that the Lakers really don’t need more scorers. Sure, it would be nice to have that traditional sixth-man spark plug, but it’s by no means essential.
If anything, it just means that head coach Mike Brown should try to leave either Kobe or Nash in the game at any given time. It’s what Phil Jackson did with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and it’s just not that hard to rig a rotation so that there’s always a playmaker in the game.
Maybe Blake isn’t good for much besides the occasional spot-up three, and maybe Duhon is little more than a solid perimeter defender at this point, but the Lakers will take it.
Besides, we’re talking about adding a guy who the Memphis Grizzlies only used for 12.4 minutes a game last season—it’s not 2006 anymore.
So, even in the best-case scenario, the rewards associated with adding Arenas are minimal.
Now about those risks.
No, Agent Zero probably won’t be pulling any locker-room gun stunts anytime soon, but this is also the guy who got in trouble with the NBA for comments made on Twitter in 2011. He’s probably not a bad guy—in fact, he’s probably one of the league’s more entertaining and harmless personalities.
But whether he takes this game seriously enough to fit in with the kind of locker room L.A.’s putting together is a different story. As Dwight Howard is transforming into a hard-nosed winner and leaving the care-free persona behind, the last thing you want hanging around him is a guy who borders on juvenile at times.
It’s also worth recalling that Arenas gave Stan Van Gundy guff for keeping him out of the starting lineup during his stint with Orlando.
Even if he’s over that by now—and he’d have to be if he wants to play for the Lakers, or anyone really—it’s an indication of what the Lakers would be getting themselves into.
Arenas may be entertaining, and he may even remain pretty talented, but he’s not a team-first kind of guy. For a roster that just added a seven-foot Dwight Howard along with his eight-foot ego, team-first guys should remain the Lakers’ priority for the foreseeable future.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
College Basketball: 15 Arenas You Don’t Want to Play in
Look, it’s hard enough to put a ball through a small hoop that is 10 feet off the ground with an athletic defender draped all over you.
Try doing it with tens of thousands of people, many of whom are college kids that are fueled by the consumption of certain types of liquid (I’m talking about soda of course), screaming their most intimidating and sometimes inappropriate chants at you.
Basically, it’s never easy to go on the road in college basketball. But, whether it is the passion of the fans, the creativity of the cheers or the sheer volume of the arena, certain road trips are just more difficult.
You may want to shield your eyes if your alma mater is playing at one of these 15 stadiums.
View full post on Bleacher Report – College Basketball
NCAA Basketball: The 13 Loudest Arenas
College campuses are where you find the loudest basketball arenas. Rowdy fans plastered with body paint create quite a ruckus, bouncing in unison while the visiting players can barely hear themselves think over the resultant roar.
Such an intimidating atmosphere creates an incredible home-court advantage for the teams lucky enough to have such a rabid following.
These are the rowdiest of fans.
And these are the 13 loudest arenas.
View full post on Bleacher Report – College Basketball
