NCAA Basketball: 30 best arena atmospheres in college hoops

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 20: North Carolina Tar Heels fans storm the court after a win over the Duke Blue Devils during their game at the Dean Smith Center on February 20, 2014 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 74-66. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – JANUARY 09: A general view of the Iowa Hawkeyes playing offense. (Photo by Chris Chambers/Getty Images) /

29. Purdue Boilermakers

Location: Mackey Arena (14,804) in West Lafayette, IN

Not many facilities in the country get louder than Mackey Arena. Home to the Purdue Boilermakers, this facility not only packs the building with the students and alumni but also a consistently great college basketball program. Boasting a 148-29 (.836) record at home over the past 10 seasons, the Boilermakers are more than just your average Big Ten program. Oh, and did I mention that Purdue is a ridiculous 12-4 at home against top-25 opponents over that stretch.

While many may hate on the Boilermakers for seemingly being unable to reach the Elite Eight, this should not distract from the incredible atmosphere in West Lafayette on gameday. Regardless of the opponent, date, or time, Mackey Arena will be rocking for all 40+ minutes of each contest. One of the most feared road destinations for most teams in the Big Ten, head coach Matt Painter always has a solid group sixth men in the stands.

With an aluminum-domed roof, Mackey Arena can reach deafening noise volumes. Seriously, you won’t need a hearing aid to catch the cheers in this building. However, you might need one afterwards.

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