The Arena Pulse: No. 8 - Assembly Hall (Indiana)

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: Assembly Hall

School Name: Indiana University

Location: Bloomington, Ind.

Capacity: 17,456

There was a time when Hall of Fame head coach Bob Knight was not too happy with the officiating. He responded by throwing a chair across the court. It is one of the more famous acts in college basketball history and it took place at Indiana’s Assembly Hall.

From sell outs to National Championship teams to an array of red and white that covers its 17,456 seats; Assembly Hall has been home to the Indiana Hoosiers since the 1971-1972 season.

Plenty of controversy has surrounded the Indiana team over the past few years. NCAA violations have brought shame to one of college basketball’s more traditional programs.

Players have transferred and moved on and recruits have backed away, but a new wave of better days may be in store for the Hoosiers and its fans.

After an NCAA Tournament berth in 2008, the drop off in 2009 was tough to watch for Indiana fans. However, despite little production in the win column, Hoosier fans showed continue passion throughout the season.

New head coach Tom Crean had always believed each game and the fight he has instilled back in the Hoosier program in just one year offers an opportunity for a brighter future.

It is not expected to happen overnight and the Hoosiers may be in for another tough year this season. However, Assembly Hall will be rocking as usual.

With visits from Big Ten rivals throughout conference play, Tom Crean and Hoosier fans will do everything they can to boost this team towards pulling off an upset or two this year.

Non-conference visits from Kentucky and Maryland give Assembly Hall a chance to witness their team match-up against some of the nation’s tougher opponents.

There has been plenty of big wins at home for Indiana in their past, and although they may be scarce for a program rebuilding itself right now, Assembly Hall will be packed again and Indiana fans will be ready to go.

From the red and white support that fills its seats to the NCAA banners that line its walls, Assembly Hall is one of the more intimidating venues in the country.