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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 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; General view outside the American Airlines Center before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; General view outside the American Airlines Center before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs in game three of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

#10 – American Airlines Center – Dallas Mavericks

The Name: Here is the other arena sponsored by American Airlines. The airline must have been happy that in both 2006 and 2011, the NBA Finals were held in American Airlines-exclusive venues. Unlike the American Airlines Arena, there is no alliteration bump in this grade. 4/10

The Aesthetics: The octagonal video screen is a bit too much, and the lighting tends to give the stadium an inorganic feel. Combine that with a very early-00s “flashy” court design and the American Airlines Center is rather is rather headache-inducing. Good thing you can see how it’s headache-inducing; most seats give a great view of the court.

The Experience: The Dallas Mavericks are currently third in NBA attendance, and it’s evident in the game experience. Like the Chesapeake Energy Arena, the AAC is one of the NBA’s loudest arenas, and with easy access to parking and public transit, going to a Mavs game is fairly easy to do. It is a bit pricey, though.

Overview: The AAC doesn’t have the history or cultural importance of the NBA’s best arenas, but it’s golden in everything else.

Next: #9

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