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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
17 of 25
Next
NCAA basketball bucket list
(Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

9. Step in The Pit at New Mexico

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, we are big believers in unique arena experiences on the college basketball bucket list. One of the most interesting places to check out a college game in America is in Albuquerque, where the University of New Mexico plays its games at The Pit.

Formally known as Dreamstyle Arena, The Pit first opened in 1966. Unlike traditional arenas, which are built from street level up, New Mexico ended up making The Pit a subterranean arena.

The floor itself is officially 37 feet below street level, largely due to a desire from university officials to provide all fans an unobstructed view of the court. The Pit’s design has succeeded in that regard as there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The way the floor is situated does give rise to an incredibly loud atmosphere, with sound levels measuring as high as 125 decibels at one point. That amount of sound can cause damage to the human ear, so those with sensitive hearing may need to bring earplugs to The Pit with them.

Much like Memorial Gymnasium and Jadwin Gymnasium, The Pit defies the mold as a truly original venue to witness college basketball in. That atmosphere makes a trip to Albuquerque a must for the ultimate college basketball bucket list.