Favorite MVC arena

[2bradleyfans]

I don't know if we have had any fun discussing venues in the MVC recently. Thought I would bring it up.

There really seems to be some good quality arenas in the MVC. This new JQH Arena in Springfield looks awesome. I personaly have only been to the Great Carver Arena and Redbird Arena (ScottTrade Center too for tourney). I had tickets to go to the SIU game last year but didn't make it.

I thought I might try to get over to Terre Haute this year, looks like that is not to bad of a drive from Peoria.

Who here has been to all of the Arenas and can rank them top to bottom?

Thanks, friends.

 

[bluedevils1]

The Qwest Center is amazing. It's like an NBA stadium.

 

[Braveman]

Horton Fieldhouse!

 

[Da Coach]

I have been to all except the Qwest and the Hammons Centers.

Evaluating arenas depends on what are the criteria that mean the most to you.

If you remove the subjective part regarding who plays there, and how often Bradley wins there, IMO the best arenas are the ones dedicated solely to basketball- Redbird Arena, SIU Arena, Indiana State, and Wichita State. SIU has mostly bleacher seating though, so I would not rate them nearly as high as the other 3. Indiana State is actually pretty nice, and it's made better by the fact that they never draw much over 3,000 in an arena that seats 10,000+, so it's nice for visiting fans.

I don't really like the on-campus arenas at Drake and UNI. They are relatively new and clean, but were underbuilt, and have poor restroom, concession, and parking availability. The seating also is a little cramped at these 2.

The multipurpose civic arenas like Carver, Qwest, and Roberts are pretty good, and the seats and aisles are roomier, but fans are a little farther away from the action. But these also have far better parking, concessions, and restroom facilities.