Fansided

15 best home-court advantages in college basketball

By Mike Phillips

EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 09: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans kisses the logo after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 75-63 at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 09: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans kisses the logo after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 75-63 at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ALBUQUERQUE, NM – DECEMBER 16: Jordan Hunter #03 of the New Mexico Lobos runs the ball up court as Rashawn Browne #10 of the New Mexico State Aggies gives chase during their game at The Wise Pies Arena on December 16, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. New Mexico won 79-61. (Photo by Aaron Sweet/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – DECEMBER 16: Jordan Hunter #03 of the New Mexico Lobos runs the ball up court as Rashawn Browne #10 of the New Mexico State Aggies gives chase during their game at The Wise Pies Arena on December 16, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. New Mexico won 79-61. (Photo by Aaron Sweet/Getty Images) /

11. New Mexico

  • Venue: Dreamstyle Arena
  • Location: Albuquerque, NM
  • Opened: 12/1/66
  • Capacity: 15,411
  • All Time Won-Loss Record: 647-151 (.817 Winning Percentage)

If you’re questioning why a building named Dreamstyle Arena is on the list, perhaps you know New Mexico’s arena by its well renowned nickname: The Pit. The Pit earned its nickname during construction, when the school made it a mission to ensure that every seat had a quality view.

In order to accomplish that goal, the arena’s famous roof was built at street level, with the lower bowl of the arena being excavated. As a result, the court is 37 feet below street level, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in college basketball.

As a result of its unique construction, the Pit is one of the loudest venues in college sports, with sound levels approaching 118 decibels on a regular basis. The Pit is also located 5,100 feet above sea level, forcing opponents not used to the thin air to compete in a loud venue where breathing is a bit more challenging.

That has combined to create a truly excellent home-court advantage for the Lobos, who dominate their opponents at home. The NCAA is also in love with The Pit, routinely staging tournament games at the venue.