Fansided

25 NCAA basketball bucket list items every fan must experience before they die

By Mike Phillips

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 07: The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs during the first half of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 07: The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs during the first half of their game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 07, 2020 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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NCAA basketball bucket list
(Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

14. Attend a game at Pauley Pavilion

One key aspect of the college basketball bucket list is the chance to experience some history. The opportunity to take in some hoops at some of the nation’s most historic venues is key, and there may not be many more buildings in the country with more magic than UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

The arena was opened in 1965, shortly after UCLA won its first national championship under John Wooden. Pauley Pavilion was a necessity for the men’s basketball team due to a rise in demand for tickets thanks to the program’s success.

UCLA quickly established a winning tradition at Pauley Pavilion, going a dominant 149-2 between 1965 and 1975. The Bruins won another nine national championships in that span, meaning 10 banners were raised to the rafters before Wooden retired.

Seeing basketball being played on the same floors that greats like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Luke Walton played on is definitely a special feeling. UCLA is well aware of that aura, making it very clear that only national championships will be recognized with banners in Pauley Pavilion.

Most programs hang a banner for occasions like conference championships, NCAA Tournament appearances, or trips to the Final Four. UCLA will only display its 11 national championship banners, a sign of how winning it all is the top priority for the Bruins.