All 16 NBA Playoff Team Arenas, Ranked

This hebdomad the NBA begins its two - month march toward the Golden State Warriors winning their 2nd straightforward title . But countenance ’s be honest , in a league where the end result is only slightly less predictable than the last scene of a romantic comedy , the playoff are really more about the journey than the destination . And to help you enjoy said journey – since , you know , your team ’s probablynotgonna deliver the goods it all – we decided to rank the 16 playoff arenas .

We took into consideration everything from the buildings ' computer architecture and sightlines , to crowd intensity , food / drink , and the on - court entertainment during timeouts . In the end , you ’ll be felicitous to know , Golden State did n’t win .

16. Palace of Auburn Hills

Detroit PistonsAuburn Hills , MICoolest feature article : The West Atrium , which sheds lifelike light on the concourse and displays the Pistons ’ three Larry O’Brien trophy

When it open in 1988 , the Palace was the first modern arena build in the NBA , with a full level of suite , digital video board , and seats with genuine cushioning . That scantily suffices for a high schoolhouse gymnasium today , and while the Palace has gotten some rising slope , it ’s still right smart behind most of the league . Not only are the buttocks in the upper deck alooooongway from the court , but the scene of action itself is alooooongway from anything other than a pike offramp . There ’s nothing particularly WRONG with the Palace , it ’s just that in an epoch of more - modern arenas , it finger old .

15. Staples Center

LA ClippersLos Angeles , CACoolest feature : The scoreboard has MORE scoreboards on the bottom . believably put in so celebs sitting courtside at Lakers games did n’t have to crane their necks to see the grievance , but avowedly useful if you ’re sit around down low for the Clips as well .

The allure of the Staples Center is n’t its amenities or yielding , it ’s in the history . Of which the Clippers have none . surely , a game today might not be the mausoleum it was 10 years ago , but aside from Clipper Darrell and the occasional celebrity sighting , there ’s nothing too exciting about the place . Wait , we take that back : the Smokehouse Barbecue on the 300 level does make some miserly brisket and has a patio with view of Downtown LA .

14. Philips Arena

Atlanta HawksAtlanta , GACoolest feature : The entrance . Although the scoreboard from the previous Omni on display in the confluence is jolly cool too .

From an architectural standpoint , this is one of the most challenging arenas in the league : it looks like a nosepiece with a glass wall from a distance . And up closely , you bring in the support beams spell " Atlanta , ” make for a fairly coolheaded ingress . The food is n’t anything celebrated and the gang – while probably the good rooter in Atlanta – is still , well , made up of fan from Atlanta . The location Downtown does make it a great locale for a night out , though , and the team stock sells something for $ 10 … every day . So there ’s that .

13. AmericanAirlines Arena

Miami HeatMiami , FLCoolest feature article : There is no coolheaded feature film in Miami ! kid . It ’s belike the flaming - shot scoreboard and pyrotechnics during pre - game histrion unveiling .

Like a mess of folks from Miami , the city ’s stadium is jaw - droppingly beautiful from the outside but completely dreadful on the interior . The concourses are narrow-minded and lit in either red or yellow , sometimes create a surreal , cramped , confusing experience . And the sightlines from the upper deck are so pitiful that you may as well be see from Ft Lauderdale . Which is in all likelihood why during a lot of even time of year games , you ’ll regain half the fan purchase bottles at Hyde – the club under the stands – rather than enjoy the on - court action . The only saving state of grace for this place is the Pincho Factory stand , where you may get one ofMiami ’s best Warren E. Burger .

12. AT&T Center

San Antonio SpursSan Antonio , TexasCoolest feature of speech : The colorful art in the walkways . In stark contrast to the team ’s uniforms ( and general personality ) , the confluence are covered in bright local graphics and are worth getting to the game early on to watch out .

If an arena were ever a sodding reflexion of a team , it ’s the AT&T Center in San Antonio . It ’s not flashy , it ’s not particularly exciting , and you kind of forget it exists until the NBA Finals . But the spur ' post - Alamodome home is a b - mold protection to efficiency , an 18,000 - ass basketball game castle design more for viewing hoops than beget as much money as potential . There ’s only one level of suite , which keeps the upper deck close to the activity , and the arena is an octagon rather than an oval , so the sightlines from the corners are some of the effective in the league . away fromWhataburger , the solid food is n’t much to speak of , but there is a full - service daiquiri measure if you ’re into frosty drinks at indoor sporting event .

11. Oracle Arena

Golden State WarriorsOakland , CACoolest lineament : The ten - approach pattern that move around the outside and was kept entire from the original design in the seventies . It give the arena a retro look , despite the advanced interior .

Kind of like an average - looking person who hangs around really unattractive people to look better , the Oracle ’s a downright beauty next to its neighborO.Co Coliseum . stand alone , however ? Well there are reasons why the warrior are move to San Francisco next twelvemonth , and it ’s not just forthe burritos . While the stadium was updated in 1997 and assert a modern vibe , it ’s still small and the bottom can be cramp . On the insolent side , it offer a more familiar tone than at some newer field , and the crew is vivid and knowledgeable and has been long before Steph Curry come to Ithiel Town .

10. Chesapeake Energy Arena

Oklahoma City ThunderOklahoma City , OKCoolest characteristic : The art gallery on the lower concourse , full of works from Desmond Mason

Never listen that the former Sonics play about as unaired to the Chesapeake as they do to Seattle , naming right do n’t have geographic requirements . Everything about this orbit shout : " We ’re not trying to squeeze our fans , " and that is definitely something we can get behind . It started when the position was built for less than $ 100 million , and continues today : you could get beers for $ 7 ( Golden State , by comparability , charges $ 12.50 ) , souvenir sodas for $ 5.50 , and blistering hound for $ 3.50 . Although you may want to shell out a petty more for the footlong stuffed with jalapeno cheddar , it ’s worth it . Finally , despite the fact that parking can be a serious hurting , the surrounding Bricktown District makes this arena a fun destination for the dark .

9. Time Warner Cable Arena

Charlotte HornetsCharlotte , NCCoolest characteristic : Hugo ’s Boss Burger – an 8 lb , 14 - patty Warren E. Burger that costs $ 75 . costless T - shirt and possible coronary award if you terminate it .

Let ’s forget for a second this place is name after a society that most cable - subscribing Americans curse on an hourly basis . The scene of action itself is strikingly beautiful and modern from the outside , while full of artwork and strange , Hornets - themed décor inside . Past that , it ’s get about all the hullabaloo of a regional aerodrome terminal , as most fan in North Carolina use up their hoops enthusiasm on the college biz . The relatively quiet crowd is polite and often distracted , but kick the bucket there is n’t a abominable time either . And the 3D replica of one ofAmerica ’s best skylinesover the scoreboard is one of the coolest non - video characteristic in the NBA .

8. Quicken Loans Arena

Cleveland CavaliersCleveland , OHCoolest feature : The roof design , which is in reality the shape of the arena land site tilted 90 degrees

Like with a lot of thing in Cleveland , the arena cause an undeserved risky rap . Yes , it ’s filled with thousands of ego - pitying Cavs fan , but it ’s also filled with food from notable chef like Michael Symon ( B Spot for Warren Burger , brats , and beer ) and Greenhouse Tavern ’s Jonathon Sawyer ( pretzel and sausage stand ) . Past the culinary offerings , " The Q " has easily the comfortably - named scoreboard in basketball – the HD Humungotron – and a cool methamphetamine hydrochloride canopy which gives the arena a clean look from the front . It ’s also walk length from E 4th St and allthe first - pace restaurants and bars .

7. FedExForum

Memphis GrizzliesMemphis , TNCoolest feature : The ice - surround practice royal court next to the sphere where you could learn the Grizzlies play all season for free

The arena is a field glass - and - brick model of advanced architecture , and the interior is just as interesting . It ’s the odd sports sphere where you make out exactly what city you ’re in without having to look for a squad logo , with theme concourse named " Blues , " " Gospel , " and " Soul " that spotlight the city ’s storied melodious history . The food alternative are likewise Memphis , with names like " Juke Joint " and offerings like fried catfish . The walls are adorned with 1960s photos of sprightliness on the Delta , and are n’t excessively glamourise either . Unfortunately , it ’s also filled with fans who came up on college hoops and are about as passionate about the NBA as they are about artisanal cheese ; all the energy that should be in the arena is probably somewhere out on Beale St.

6. TD Garden

Boston CelticsBoston , MACoolest feature : Other than the parquet level , the Boston Sports Museum . Far more than the usual wall of squad memorabilia that adorn most arenas , this two - grade museum is devoted to all of Boston ’s pro sports , and even include clobber from local high school day .

The old Boston Garden might have been the good sports stadium in basketball story . It also had rats . And sometimes history has to give way to , ya bed , not dirty dog . The TD Garden , while advanced , still manages to capture some of the character of the old spot , right down to the perfectly duplicated parquet floor storey ( the pilot was replaced in 1999 ) . The sports stadium is decidedly comfortable and subject and has marvellous sightlines ( plus air conditioning ! ) , three eating place , concession from local favorites , and multiple trade beer streak . And its localization in an area of township with plenitude of sports barroom and pre / post - gamey action makes it a fun place to take in a plot .

5. Toyota Center

Houston RocketsHouston , TXCoolest feature : The scoreboard . In the most obvious pissing competition in summercater , it stands 25 ft tall , stretches 58 ft down the sidelines , and 25 ft behind the backboard . It ’s the largest area scoreboard IN THE WORLD . Houston ’s obvious answer to Jerry Jones ' monster in Dallas .

Though the main entering – with the monolithic glass walls and hulk Toyota logos – makes this look like the creation ’s expectant elevator car dealership , it actually offers one of the better plot experiences in the NBA . And there ’s barbecue EVERYWHERE – so even if the Rockets are n’t good , you know the three - inwardness platter and ironical - rubbed smoked brisket will be . The team also has history , so even in graft - heavy Houston , there are passionate , knowledgeable buff ( many of whom audition to baby-sit in the " superfan " part ) .

4. American Airlines Center

Dallas MavericksDallas , TXCoolest feature : The Dr Pepper Bottling Plant . It ’s not an actual bottle works , but if you make love this key signature Southwestern soda , they do a Dr Pepper BBQ brisket sandwich and a Dr Pepper Chicken Tender Smasher , neither of which you will get hold elsewhere .

If you dumped the Mavericks home on the tarmac at DFW , nobody would cream an eyelash – it could easy sink as an old airplane airdock . Mark Cuban has create an experience here that ’s both fan - friendly and sodding business genius : tickets bulge at about $ 10 , but the in - bowl offerings are so tempting you ’ll be hard - pressed to take the air out without droppinga lotmore immediate payment . There ’s a Texas beer ginmill ( that pours local front-runner like ZiegenBock , Saint Arnold ’s , and Firemans # 4 ) , a Woodbridge vino bar , and saloon that serve barbeque , steak , and even gourmet cooky . There ’s also an committed nightclub and extremist lounge , PIRA , which delay open until 2 am after game and is open to the world on non - game nights .

3. Moda Center

Portland Trail BlazersPortland , ORCoolest feature : The acoustical swarm . The Moda Center is the only sphere in pro sports with adjustable acoustics : 160 panels in the rafter that can be fine-tune depend on the event . When the Blazers require gang noise , the control panel face down . But if Andrea Bocelli come to town and does n’t want that kinda reverb , they can flip them over and create a first - rate concert G. Stanley Hall .

The exterior might be the coolest modern blueprint in basketball game , with a circular roof stay at an angle over the oval and total to a point like the bow of a boat . The food inside is , as you would gestate , reflective of one of America ’s best foodie cities : gestate fade from Sizzle Pie , chicken and waffles from Po ' Shines Café De La Soul , and Stumptown coffee bean . The fans , though , are what make the experience here so special . As Portland ’s only major pro squad ( sorry , Timbers ! ) , the Blazers have a hardcore following of fan who roll in the hay more about basketball than any human should .

2. Air Canada Centre

Toronto RaptorsToronto , ONTCoolest feature : The Drake Zone . We wish we were making this up .

Having watchedStrange Brewenough to know that Canadians ' two favorite thing on Earth are beer and hockey , the designers of Air Canada Centre ( also menage to the Maple Leafs ) put a Molson Brewery … IN THE FREAKIN ' STADIUM . So before the plot you could watch your Rickard ’s ruddy beer being brewed on the south side of the main throng . Or , hit the Crown Corner and you may assure out both the on - court actionandthe10th - best skyline in the world . The arena ’s also got fantastic sightlines – the last seat in the upper deck is only 165 ft from the sideline – and the solid food offer span the continent with everything from poutine to Tex - Mex .

1. Bankers Life Fieldhouse

Indiana PacersIndianapolis , INCoolest feature : The seating . There ’s not an sports stadium in pro play that order you on top of the activity like the Fieldhouse .

TD Garden