NBA All-Star Game: The 10 Best Venues to Host the Game in the Future

NBA All-Star Weekend is, in my opinion, the best All-Star event in sports. 

Filled with celebrities, former greats, exciting games and a whole lot of advertising, it is a place that thousands of NBA fans flock to in order to see the sport's biggest names compete.

And the city that hosts the game has a big hand in creating the vibe of the whole weekend.

This year, Orlando has the honor, and next it will be Houston.

Because the venue plays such a crucial role in determining the success of the game, it is crucial that the NBA picks the right one.

These arenas should be on their radar.

10. Air Canada Centre-Toronto

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Air Canada Centre: NEVER

Capacity: 19,800

Sending the game to one of North America's biggest markets is a no-brainer. 

While the Raptors don't exactly stand out as one of the NBA's best teams, the city itself has a lot to offer. And the Air Canada Centre is an extremely comfortable arena that has a great atmosphere. 

With three upscale restaurant, two bars and over 1000 club seats, the arena is more than ready to handle all the NBA fans that flock to the All-Star Weekend. 

After years of waiting, I think it is time for the NBA to consider sending the All-Star Game up north.

9. FedEx Forum-Memphis

Last All-Star Game Hosted in FedEx Forum: NEVER

Capacity: 18,119

Not only is the exterior of the FedEx Forum a wonderful sight, but the inside is something to behold.

There really isn't a bad seat in the house, and to go along with it, the fans have a new-found love for their team, which enhances the environment.

Along with the great atmosphere, The Forum has a distinct "Memphis" theme all around the arena. Because people consider Memphis to be the "Home of the Blues" and the birthplace of rock n' roll (see Elvis), all around the venue there are guitar shaped ceilings and art depicting the history of the music. 

Additionally, Memphis is an all-around great and entertaining city.

8. American Airlines Arena-Miami

Last All-Star Game Hosted in American Airlines Arena: NEVER

Last All-Star Game in Miami: 1990 (Miami Arena)

Capacity: 19,600

Decked out in red and orange and lined with a flame going across all the seats, American Airlines Arena is one of the top arenas in the league. 

Now that it is occupied by LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, the atmosphere inside is electric for every game. 

Located right next to the ocean and lined with palm trees, it has that tropical feel that people flock to Florida in order to see. The stadium has consistently gotten rave reviews for being fan-friendly.

And for what it's worth, in 2009 it was awarded the LEED certification, which means that it is one of the "greenest" venues in basketball.

Miami is a prime spot for celebrities and athletes to have a relaxing weekend.

The last time the All-Star Game was in Miami, Magic Johnson won MVP. It is past time for another showdown among the best in basketball.

7. Pepsi Center-Denver

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Pepsi Center: 2005

Capacity: 19,155

Although it was only seven years ago that the Pepsi Center hosted, I feel that they need to get it another time around.

If Houston can do it, why can't they?

The arena is filled with things to do, including upscale restaurants like the Blue Sky Grill. 

The fanbase in Denver is as knowledgeable and devoted as anywhere else in the NBA, and the city is great. 

Don't be surprised to see the All-Star Game swing back to Denver soon.

6. Key Arena-Seattle

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Key Arena: NEVER

Last All-Star Game in Seattle: 1987 (Kingdome)

Capacity: 17,072

Just because Seattle no longer has an NBA franchise shouldn't mean that they can't host. In fact, Las Vegas hosted the 2007 All-Star Game, and they don't have an NBA team. 

Ever since 2008 when the lights were turned off on the SuperSonics, the city has been waiting for the NBA to return. Hosting the All-Star Game seems like a good opportunity for the NBA to do right by Seattle.

Key Arena provides a solid place to host the NBA All-Stars. Activities around the arena are endless and exciting, creating the perfect environment for NBA fans.

Plus, if it is true that the NBA is looking to put a team in Seattle again—this would be a good experiment to see how much the fans really want basketball.

5. Rose Garden-Portland

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Rose Garden: NEVER

Capacity: 21,401

It's time to bring the All-Star Game to Portland. 

The Rose Garden, time and time again, has been known as one of the best arenas in basketball. Along with its atmosphere, the arena itself is a marvel. It is famous for its red seats and always been an excellent venue to watch a game.

With the Garden placed in the city's center, the NBA can't go wrong sending Portland their first NBA All-Star Game.

4. Chesapeake Arena-Oklahoma City

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Chesapeake Arena: NEVER

Capacity: 18,203

Known to have one of the best atmospheres in the NBA, David Stern should be interested in Oklahoma City.

While the city may be a bit anemic in options outside the arena, inside, it is a whole different story. 

With seven restaurants and quite a few high-end clubs, the venue is prepared to host a big event such as an All-Star Game. And considering it got some big renovations starting in 2008, the arena is state-of-the-art.

If it's good enough for Kevin Durant, it's good enough for the NBA.

3. Madison Square Garden-New York City

Last All-Star Game Hosted in Madison Square Garden: 1998

Capacity: 19,763

Having another All-Star Game at MSG in the future is a must for the NBA.

"The World's Most Famous Arena" is filled with NBA history and has one of the best atmospheres in the game—not to mention some of the most dedicated fans in basketball.

Because it's in the middle of an 850-million-dollar renovation that includes a new LED video system, HD TVs, new seats and a ton of more dining options, fans can have the time of their lives inside.

And obviously, all a person needs to do is step outside, and they have millions more activities to do.

With Michael Jordan winning the last All-Star MVP in the Garden, fans should hope the NBA doesn't skip over it in years to come.

2. TD Garden-Boston

Last All-Star Game Hosted in TD Garden: NEVER

Last All-Star Game in Boston: 1964 (Boston Garden)

Capacity: 18,624

Considering the City of Boston hosted the first two NBA All-Star Games in the old Boston Garden, it should be a no-brainer that the NBA send it back once again.

The new TD Garden is a great sports venue. It includes three private high-class restaurants and over 1100 club seats. And it is no secret that Boston loves its basketball, so the NBA should have no problem selling tickets.

After not hosting the All-Star Game for 48 years, Bostonians are more than ready for another one.

1. United Center-Chicago

Last All-Star Game Hosted in the United Center: NEVER

Last All-Star Game in Chicago: 1988 (Chicago Stadium)

Capacity: 21,711

"The House that Jordan Built" and second biggest arena in the NBA deserves to host a future All-Star Game.

Not only is the arena the biggest in the United States and fully capable of hosting a huge event, it is absolutely prepared as well. With the newly refurbished 300-section that includes countless bars and clubs, even the fans in the nosebleeds will have the entertainment and style of those sitting courtside.

Along with its BMO Harris Club, Ketel One Club and the Bud Light Lounge, fans who want to take a break from the action won't be bored.

The basketball community in Chicago is arguably the most intelligent and devoted group when it comes to their hometown Bulls, and they are the ones that the NBA craves.

Unfortunately, Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf is having none of it. He doesn't want the All-Star Game in Chicago. 

But that shouldn't stop David Stern.

Attending Bulls basketball games have been a long standing tradition for fans in Chicago; I'm sure they won't mind breaking the tradition in order to attend an All-Star Game.