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Power Rankings: NBA Arenas

By Luke Dahlgren

Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Members of the military display a flag during the singing of the National Anthem before game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Members of the military display a flag during the singing of the National Anthem before game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center. Brooklyn Nets won 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

#13 – Barclays Center – Brooklyn Nets

The Name: As far as recent names for stadiums go, this is classy. It reminds people of the English Premier League, and of English bankers. In a way, the Barclays Center is the antithesis of the Smoothie King Center. I would see an opera here, whereas the SKC would host a monster truck rally. 7/10

The Aesthetics: Unlike the Magic, this version of black on the court is menacing. The alternating light/dark wood paneling gives the floor a distinctive touch. Otherwise, the Barclays center is a beautiful, well-lit arena – something that doesn’t translate well to TV – without the vile touch of over-advertisement.

The Experience: Try to divorce the pathetic Brooklyn Nets (and the debacle of their reinvention) from the new arena. It’s impossible; the arena is inextricably linked to the re-branding. The food is overpriced, it’s difficult to get to and the atmosphere is lethargic, much like the team.

Overview: I would never encourage someone to go to a Brooklyn Nets game, but that has nothing to do with the arena itself. Go see the Islanders instead.

Next: #12

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