Not all NBA Arenas are built the same way. Yes, in theory they all serve the same purpose, but there are some arenas that are much better than others and have a better overall feel and viewing experience.
Disclaimer: Just because your favorite team’s arena made it on this list doesn’t mean you can’t have a good experience watching a game there, it just means that they are in the lower third of NBA Arenas compared to the rest of the Association.
With that being said, let’s get into it!
10 – Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles Clippers)
Before you start typing how dumb this article is in the comments, this is regarding the CLIPPERS. Watch a Clippers game on TV and compare it to a Lakers game and you can absolutely tell a difference.
The stadium itself is fine, and many would argue it’s one of the best, but the atmosphere is way different when it’s the Clippers instead of the Lakers. And it isn’t in a good way.
9 – Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards)
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The Wizards have been stuck in mediocrity for years now, and their stadium is no different. Tune into a Wizards game and you’ll see plenty of empty seats and an atmosphere that is underwhelming.
The games are the 6th cheapest in the whole NBA and they still can’t fill all the seats. Not a good look.
8 – Little Caesers Arena (Detroit Pistons)
The Pistons moved into this arena recently, in 2017, and although it is considered by some to be “State of the Art”; It has mixed reviews.
There are complaints about the handicap mobility and how close together the seats are despite it being a new venue. Maybe fans can overlook these issues now, since they have a plethora of young talent and high hopes.
7 – Toyota Center (Houston Rockets)
The Toyota Center is widely regarded as one of the lowest rated stadiums in the NBA, and the attendance rankings show that. They rank 28th in the NBA in average attendance with only about 15,000 fans per game.
This number may go up this season after signing the likes of Dillion Brooks and Fred VanVleet and drafting Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.
6 – Moda Center (Portland Trail Blazers)
The Trail Blazers have been exciting on the court for the last few years, but fans constantly complain about the food in the venue. One fan one who reviewed the Moda Center said, “It was the worst stadium food I’ve ever had!” Others complained about the price of the food, and just how high the prices were even compared to other venues food.
5 – Golden 1 Center (Sacramento Kings)
One of the newest stadiums on this list, the Golden 1 Center is only rated 3 stars on Yelp! for a myriad of reasons. From bag policy, to seating, to rude staff, to the environment outside of the arena.
At least the Kings are one of the most fun teams to watch on the court, it makes up for some of the issues regarding the stadium and staff.
4 – Footprint Center (Phoenix Suns)
The Suns are star studded on the court, but not so much in the venue. The stadium is over 25 years old and is in need of a serious revamp.
Despite being one of the best teams over the last 3 years, they ranked just 24th in average attendance. You have to think at least a part of that is due to the outdated venue.
3 – Spectrum Center (Charlotte Hornets)
The Hornets were one of the teams that was being rumored to potentially relocate somewhere else because of low ticket sales and fan interest, ranking 23rd in average attendance. With new ownership in town, the odds of this happening now are unlikely.
Rejoice Hornets fans! Hopefully the Hornets can turn into a contender after being a perennial bottom-dweller for the last half decade.
2 – Smoothie King Center (New Orleans Pelicans)
This arena is one of the most depressing outside views of a professional sports stadium I’ve personally ever seen. It looks like a cinder block with a sign and some branding, a far cry from the Caesars Superdome that sits right next door.
Fans also aren’t jumping to go to a Pelicans game, as they sit 26th in the whole NBA in attendance. Maybe an updated stadium could get some fans in the seats? It’s worth a shot.
1 – Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Widely regarded as the worst arena in the NBA, the Target Center is just like the Smoothie King Center in the aspect of that it’s just boring. It looks (and is) clearly outdated despite going through a few major renovations.
There is hope though, with a new ownership group taking over last season. Maybe this new ownership group can spark some life into this fan base with an updated arena, because it is well overdue. The T-Wolves rank 27th in attendance despite having the lowest average ticket prices at $91. They need something to change in order to increase their attendance.
