The game of professional basketball is as popular as it's ever been due to the sheer talent and personas that occupy today's rosters. Whether you're visiting a cold- or warm-weather state this winter or spring, be sure to allot a few hours of your time to head indoors and watch some basketball. All-stars like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Kevin Durant can be seen at some of the 10 Best NBA arenas below.
Barclays Center: Brooklyn Nets
The Barclays Center made this list because it's the newest arena in the league, and home to the newest NBA moniker: the Brooklyn Nets (formerly the New Jersey Nets). The court features a unique herringbone wood floor and black seats. It's easily accessible by MTA, aka subway, and has a ton of WiFi access points.
Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Nets
Pepsi Center: Denver Nuggets
The Pepsi Center is home to the Denver Nuggets. The building is new enough that it has some great amenities like a bar with beautiful outdoor view, reasonably-priced mixed drinks/beer and a full buffet. The Center does a great job of keeping fans involved during breaks with inflatable, beer can zeppelins floating around the rafters that drop prizes from the sky.
American Airlines Arena: Miami Heat
Visiting the American Airlines Arena is all about the product on the court. The Miami Heat have assembled one of the most dominant teams in the history of the game, led by superstars Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. The Heat usually play to sellout crowds, making the atmosphere here some of the best in the league.
Photo courtesy of Keith Allison
Amway Center: Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic spent over $500 million on this new arena, the Amway Center. It's a technological marvel with over 1000 high-definition televisions inside and a beautiful, beckoning exterior that makes it one of the most attractive buildings in the entire city. For those who enjoy a good soda while watching the game, the Magic offers a $6.25 bottomless drink option.
American Airlines Center: Dallas Mavericks
The American Airlines Center is often one of the most underrated arenas in the league. The fan experience is amazing here, with the Dallas Mavericks Dancers gaining praises as the best basketball "cheerleaders" in the league. A special train runs to and from the game, from Ft. Worth, making the commute super easy for travelers in the area.
Lively Mavericks owner Mark Cuban — Photo courtesy of Keith Allison
The Palace of Auburn Hills: Detroit Pistons
With affordable tickets, seats with plenty of legroom and a spacious concourse, The Palace of Auburn Hills is a great retreat; especially for those looking to watch some hoops while getting out of the downtown bustle of Detroit. The Pistons have a great history, and mementos displayed around the stadium help the greener fans with their knowledge.
Staples Center: Los Angeles Lakers
The reason to go to the Staples Center is to watch Kobe Bryant, perhaps the best basketball player today. The Los Angeles Lakers have a loyal bunch of of fans that includes celebrities like Jack Nicholson and Leonadro DiCaprio, making the stadium a great place for watching hoops, and people.
Photo courtesy of Keith Allison
United Center: Chicago Bulls
The United Center is where the one of the best players in the history of the game, Michael Jordan, made some of his illustrious shots and claimed six championship rings. The amazing statue of Jordan sits outside the Chicago Bulls arena and is a great place for a photo op.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse: Indiana Pacers
Bankers Life Fieldhouse is the home of the Indiana Pacers. The state of Indiana is often referred to as the birthplace of basketball, so the team took no shortcuts when designing this beauty, first opened for play in 1999.
Photo courtesy of Bill Stanley
Madison Square Garden: New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden is one of the oldest and most storied basketball venues in all of the NBA. Home to the New York Knicks, this basketball sanctuary has been in existence since 1968 and is well worth a visit during any trip to the Big Apple.