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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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May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors line up for the anthem against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors line up for the anthem against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

#7 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto Raptors

The Name: The stadium is named after the Canadian airline, the third of four airlines here, but I prefer to believe that it was named after Vince Carter. I also enjoy the idea that the only NBA stadium named after a former team legend is named after Vince Carter. It also used the British English spelling of “centre.” This is a bomb-ass name for a bomb-ass stadium. 10/10

The Aesthetics: It’s a shame about the banners. Too bad they’re all for the Maple Leafs, and too bad they’re all from before Woodstock. The fact that the center court design is not the velociraptor dribbling a basketball is appalling, but otherwise the court design is sharp and the seats are good outside the nosebleeds.

The Experience: Food may be expensive, and the Leafs’ banners might be depressing, but this is a well-organized arena that has comfortable seating and never feels too cramped. Even with this being said, the arena is always energetic, and it helps that the Raptors are heading towards their best season yet. Plus, Drake might be at the game.

Overview: This is a great basketball arena that serves as an even better hockey arena. It helps that the Raptors are more relevant than ever.

Next: #6

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