College Basketball's Craziest Courts
Blame Boise State. The Broncos blue football field is patient zero for strange playing surfaces in college sports. No other major college football teams have gone to the extremes Boise State football did, though Eastern Washington and Central Arkansas join Boise in the creativity department.
College basketball is a different story. The classic design you’d see at Indiana’s Assembly Hall is out. Huge logos and fanciful court-wide designs are in. The addition of new courts this season inspired a look at the more unique, modern and some may say ugly new courts in college basketball.
Boise State's Taco Bell Arena
Compared to the football field, two of Boise State’s new Bronco logos at each end of the court show remarkable restraint.
Buffalo's Alumni Arena
In a new design for 2013-14 season, Buffalo is suggesting we more closely associate the Bulls with their full name, SUNY-Buffalo. Because nothing says New York like MAC basketball.
Cal's Haas Pavilion
Cal recently redesigned its bear logo and wants to make sure you know about it with this massive midcourt logo. The script “Cal” still makes an appearance inside each 3-point line.
Cal State Bakersfield's Icardo Center
Did the NCAA know about the garish blue court when Cal State Bakersfield was allowed to move up to Division I? Only complaint: The court takes away from an already distinctive Roadrunner mascot logo. Also, the McDonald's logo.
Colorado State's Moby Arena
A good look ... from this side of the arena. Can't imagine it's as impressive from the other side of the court. But who can argue with success? The Rams have had their best teams on this court.
FIU's U.S. Century Bank Arena
From the school that thought hiring Isiah Thomas to coach the basketball team, FIU brings you a court designed like a beach towel in 2013-14.
George Washington's Charles E. Smith Center
Why visit the national mall when you can see some Atlantic 10 hoops played on its likeness? This is a new design for 2013-14.
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Idaho State's Holt Arena
Anytime the free throw lane can look like Cincinnati Bengals’ helmets, you’ve got to do it.
James Madison's Convocation Center
From the university named after the Father of the Constitution comes the grandaddy of all crazy court designs in 2013-14.
Long Beach State's Walter Pyramid
Long Beach State has had a steady mid-major program for several seasons. Reminding recruits the program is literally miles away from “The Beach” may be a reason why.
Memphis' FedEx Forum
The Tigers’ new court was selected by fans. Memphis has blues and barbecue, but the skyline and bridge backdrop reminds us how big basketball is for the city.
Northwestern's Welsh-Ryan Arena
The massive midcourt logo and purple paint is a departure from the typical classic designs in the Big Ten.
Oregon's Matthew Knight Arena
Open since 2011, Oregon’s Matthew Knight Arena still has one of the most distinctive floors in college basketball and the floor that launched a few parodies.
San Jose State's Event Center Arena
An oversized logo, school logo, the “300”-esque mascots, shaded three-point line, yellow paint in the free-throw lane: Every ill-conceived design on a basketball court finds a home in San Jose State.
UCF's CFE Arena
The Knights recently faced NCAA sanctions in its basketball program. This court was not one of the reasons.
UTEP's Don Haskins Center
Other than the faded pickaxes, UTEP goes with a classic single-tone design.
