The Arena Pulse: No.19-Gampel Pavilion (Connecticut)

It’s never easy to go on the road in college basketball. This is a top 25 breakdown of some of the toughest and most intimidating venues in college basketball.
 
Venue: Gampel Pavilion
 
School Name: Connecticut
 
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
 
Capacity: 10,167
 
It has seen National Championship caliber teams. It has seen players that have moved onto the NBA. The University of Connecticut is well aware of its college basketball and Gampel Pavilion has seen it all.
 
At No.19 in the countdown, Gampel Pavilion is home to the Connecticut Huskies. Considered one of the top programs in the Big East, the Huskies have had plenty of success on the national stage. From some of the top players in the nation through many seasons with NCAA Tournament appearances, Connecticut fans are always prepared when it comes to their hoops.
 
As one of the more intimidating venues today, Gampel Pavilion would have been ranked higher if it hosted more home games for the Huskies. However, UConn will travel to the XL Center in Hartford, a bigger venue, for many of its home games. However, it is highly apparent UConn fans do not mind the difference.
 
Located in the center of the Storrs campus, Gampel Pavilion opened in 1990 and has been the on-campus home for the University of Connecticut ever since. Holding over 10,000 fans per night, Huskies supporters have plenty to be excited about.
 
With legendary head coach Jim Calhoun running the show and national attention overlooking each season, there is no doubt college basketball brings out the best in UConn fans. While they enter the season with one of the nation’s better recruiting classes, along with the return of Kemba Walker, Stanley Robinson, and Jerome Dyson, the expectations at UConn are set high yet again.
 
Although Gampel Pavilion only hosts eight home games this upcoming season, you can be assured that it will be packed each time. With visiting Big East opponents Seton Hall and Louisville coming to the Pavilion, along with a big non-conference game against Texas on the schedule, Gampel Pavilion will have plenty to look forward to this season.
 
With yet another Top 25 ranking expected for the Huskies heading into the season, fans will be on task to root their beloved team on. From Storrs to Hartford, UConn fans are always prepared to show their passion, proving how it is never an easy test to play on the road against the Huskies.