On NBA courts, passion for the “orange ball” runs high, and in the world’s premier basketball league, arenas inspire awe, while empty seats are a rare sight.
The Novibet Blog presents the largest arenas in the NBA.
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United Center: Chicago Bulls (capacity 20,917)
The home of the legendary Chicago Bulls of Michael Jordan, it opened its doors in 1994, and its construction cost reached $175 million at the time. It remains to this day the largest-capacity arena in the NBA, able to host up to 20,917 spectators.
The iconic statue of Michael Jordan stands prominently at the United Center.
In addition to the Bulls, it also hosts the Chicago Blackhawks (an NHL ice hockey team), while the United Center stages more than 200 events every year (including cultural and music events).
Since its opening, it has been visited by over 57 million fans.
Wells Fargo Center: Philadelphia 76ers (capacity 20,478)
The home arena of the Philadelphia 76ers, with a capacity of 20,478 spectators, ranks among the top venues on the other side of the Atlantic. It was built in 1996, and the construction cost at the time reached $175 million.
Since opening its doors, it has become one of the city’s most attractive tourist destinations, while also serving as the home of the Philadelphia Flyers (ice hockey).
Capital One Arena: Washington Wizards (capacity 20,333)
The home of the Washington Wizards, which can host up to 20,333 fans, first opened in 1997 and cost $260 million to build.
Of course, it does not only host Wizards games, as it is a multi-purpose venue where major and highly significant events take place every year (over 220 of all kinds), making it one of the arenas with the highest footfall.
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Little Caesars Arena: Detroit Pistons (capacity 20,332)
One of the most “fresh” arenas in the NBA, it is home to the Detroit Pistons and opened its doors in the 2017–18 season. It has a capacity of 20,332 spectators and its construction cost amounted to $870 million.
It stands out for its high-tech environment as well as its impressive interior design. Naturally, it also hosts dozens of other sports and city events.
Madison Square Garden: New York Knicks (capacity 19,812)
The historic home of the New York Knicks, it is the oldest arena in the NBA, dating back to 1968, with a construction cost of $123 million (over $1 billion in today’s money).
The NY Knicks are still chasing a championship in the modern era at this iconic venue, having last celebrated a title there in 1973.
With a capacity of 19,812 seats, it sits in the heart of New York City.
Thousands of tourists visit it daily, while countless artistic events have made history at the world-famous Madison Square Garden.
Scotiabank Arena: Toronto Raptors (capacity 19,800)
The “home nest” of the Toronto Raptors, with a capacity of 19,800 seats, is considered one of the loudest and most intense arenas in the NBA. The stands seem ready to overwhelm any visiting opponent, and the atmosphere in the image above fully confirms this reputation.
It opened in 1999 (originally as the Air Canada Centre and was renamed in 2018) and, in addition to the Canadian basketball team, it also hosts the Toronto Maple Leafs (ice hockey).
The Scotiabank Arena has received more than 40 awards from the sports and entertainment industry.
Kaseya Center: Miami Heat (capacity 19,600)
The home of the Miami Heat ranks 7th among NBA arenas by seating capacity (19,600). It was built in 2000 and is located in the heart of the city, in a prime spot that makes it easily accessible for any visitor.
According to American experts, the Kaseya Center is the number one entertainment choice for residents and tourists in always-sunny South Florida.
Ball Arena: Denver Nuggets (capacity 19,520)
The home of the Denver Nuggets was built in 1999 and has a capacity of 19,520 spectators. The arena, home to the “Nugs,” hosts dozens of activities for all ages every year (over 250 events), representing the state of Colorado in the best possible way.
It is also home to the Colorado Avalanche (ice hockey) and the Colorado Mammoth (lacrosse).
At Ball Arena, the Nuggets celebrated the first NBA championship in their history in 2023, led by Nikola Jokić. With their remarkable run, they managed to step out of the group of teams that had never reached an NBA Finals appearance.
Moda Center: Portland Trail Blazers (capacity 19,411)
The home of the Portland Trail Blazers has a capacity of 19,411 and was built in 1995 (at a cost of $267 million).
It was originally named the Rose Garden, and it is still referred to by that name by many long-time and loyal Blazers fans.
One thing is certain: since the day it opened, it has remained one of the city’s key landmarks, attracting a large number of visitors every day. It also serves as the home of the Portland Winterhawks (ice hockey).
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse: Cleveland Cavaliers (capacity 19,432)
The final entry in the top ten NBA arenas by capacity is the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, located in the not-so-touristy state of Ohio.
The steep seating design at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse creates a unique and intimidating atmosphere, turning the arena into a volcano when it gets going, making life difficult for any visiting opponent.
The Cavs have also celebrated their only NBA championship in history there in 2016, led by LeBron James.
It was built in 1994 and can accommodate up to 19,432 spectators.
Each year, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse welcomes over 2 million visitors across 200 events, as well as more than 1,400 private and high-profile corporate events.
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