Kristian Ferrell
The University of Arizona's basketball team, the Wildcats, play at the McKale Center, which opened in 1973 and has a capacity of 14,688 spectators. The McKale Center is also used for physical training and therapy and has been renovated several times since its opening, with the Arizona Athletic Department spending $80 million on improvements from 2014 to 2017. The arena is named after James Fred Pop McKale, Arizona's first famous coach, who led the basketball team from 1914 to 1921 and achieved a career-winning average of .803. Arizona State University also has a $115 million multi-purpose arena with 5,000 seats that is home to the Sun Devil hockey, wrestling, and women's gymnastics teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | McKale Memorial Center |
| Location | Tucson, Arizona |
| Address | 1721 E. Enke Drive Tucson, AZ 85721 |
| Year Opened | February 1973 |
| Capacity | 14,688 spectators |
| Teams | Arizona Wildcats basketball team |
| Renovations | 2014-2017 ($80 million) |
| Other Uses | Physical training, therapy, hockey, wrestling, women's gymnastics, concerts, conferences, youth competitions |
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What You'll Learn
The McKale Center can host 14,688 spectators
The McKale Center, located on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, is an athletic arena that serves as the home of the university's Wildcats basketball team. The arena, which opened in February 1973, is named after J.F. "Pop" McKale, who was the head basketball coach at the university from 1914 to 1921 and led the football team from 1914 to 1930. McKale Center has a capacity of 14,688 spectators and is recognised for its iconic place in college basketball. It has undergone renovations in recent years, with a majority of the work being done outside of the basketball season to minimise disruption. The Arizona Athletic Department chose AECOM to plan and design the renovation project, which is estimated to cost $80 million and be completed in phases from 2014 to 2017.
The Wildcats basketball team has a rich history, with former head coach Lute Olson (1983-2007) establishing the program as one of America's elite. The team has produced successful guards, including notable names such as Steve Kerr and Damon Stoudamire. The McKale Center replaced the outdated Bear Down Gymnasium and became the main arena for Arizona basketball. It is not just a basketball venue, though, as it also houses physical training and therapy facilities, as well as offices and locker rooms for various sports teams.
The McKale Center is an important part of the University of Arizona's athletic programme and has contributed to the success of its basketball team over the years. With a capacity of nearly 15,000, it provides a significant home-court advantage and an electric atmosphere for the Wildcats during their games. The arena has undergone necessary renovations to modernise its facilities and improve the overall experience for both athletes and spectators.
While the McKale Center is primarily focused on basketball, it also serves multiple purposes for the university's athletic department. The physical training and therapy facilities are utilised by various sports teams, and the arena has also hosted other events, contributing to its versatility and importance within the university's sports infrastructure. The size and capacity of the McKale Center make it a significant asset for the University of Arizona, providing a suitable stage for their basketball team's success.
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The arena cost $80 million to renovate
The University of Arizona's basketball arena, McKale Center, is located in Tucson, Arizona. The arena, which opened in February 1973, has a capacity of 14,688 spectators and is primarily used for basketball. It is also equipped with physical training and therapy facilities.
In December 2012, the University's athletic department received approval from the Arizona Board of Regents to select an architect to renovate the arena. The renovation was expected to cost $80 million and be completed in several phases from 2014 to 2017. The McKale Center remained operational during the renovation process, with most of the work being done outside of the basketball season.
The renovation included the addition of a new HD video scoreboard, a concourse with restrooms and concessions, a club area, luxury seating, and expanded office space for the athletics department. The project aimed to modernise the arena and enhance the overall experience for spectators and athletes.
The McKale Center is named after James Fred "Pop" McKale, who was the University's Athletic Director and coach of various sports, including basketball, from 1914 onwards. McKale elevated the University's athletics programme and left a lasting legacy, including an undefeated basketball record during his tenure. The basketball team, the Wildcats, also bears his name.
The arena has been recognised as an iconic part of college basketball for decades and has hosted notable events such as a memorial service for the 2011 Tucson shooting victims, with President Barack Obama as the keynote speaker.
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It opened in 1973
The University of Arizona's basketball arena, McKale Memorial Center, officially opened in February 1973. The arena is located on the university's campus in Tucson, Arizona, and is named after James Fred "Pop" McKale, the university's first famous coach. With an official capacity of 14,688 spectators, the arena has been the home of the university's Wildcats basketball team since its opening.
The opening of the McKale Center in 1973 marked a new era for the Wildcats basketball team. The previous venue, Bear Down Gymnasium, had been recognised as outdated and in need of replacement during the 1960s. Planning for a new, larger, and more modern facility began in 1966, and construction started soon after. During this transition period, the team considered playing some of their 1971-1972 home schedule at the Tucson Convention Center but ultimately remained at Bear Down Gym until the McKale Center was ready.
The McKale Center has been an iconic part of college basketball for decades and is considered the epicentre of Arizona Athletics. It has been frequently used for games in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament and has hosted other notable events, such as a memorial service for the 2011 Tucson shooting victims, with President Barack Obama as the keynote speaker.
The arena has undergone renovations to modernise and expand its facilities. In 2012, approval was given to select an architect to renovate the arena, with work planned in phases from 2014 to 2017, at a cost of $80 million. The McKale Center remained open during this process, with the majority of the work taking place outside of the basketball season.
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It's named after James Fred Pop McKale
The McKale Memorial Center, the home of the University of Arizona Wildcats, is a multi-purpose arena with a rich history and a capacity that can accommodate vast crowds. The venue, named after the influential James Fred Pop McKale, honors his legacy and contribution to the university and its athletic programs.
James Fred Pop McKale, often referred to as Pop, was a pivotal figure in the early development of the University of Arizona's athletic programs. McKale served as the university's first football coach from 1914 to 1917 and again from 1919 to 1921. During his tenure, he also coached basketball and baseball, laying the foundation for the university's sports programs. McKale's impact extended beyond the field of play. He was a beloved figure on campus, known for his dedication to his students and his commitment to the university. He embodied the spirit of Arizona athletics and played a crucial role in fostering a sense of community and pride among the student body.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the university named its new basketball and volleyball arena after him when it opened in 1973. The McKale Memorial Center became a testament to his legacy, honoring his dedication to the university and the impact he had on generations of students and athletes. The arena has since become a staple of the university's athletic facilities, undergoing expansions and renovations to accommodate growing crowds and modern amenities.
Today, the McKale Memorial Center stands as a symbol of the university's proud athletic tradition and a tribute to the man who helped shape it. With a capacity of 14,655, the arena buzzes with energy during basketball games, with passionate fans cheering on the Wildcats. The venue has witnessed countless memorable moments in Arizona sports history and continues to be a source of pride for the university and its alumni.
The legacy of James Fred Pop McKale lives on not only in the arena that bears his name but also in the spirit and tradition of Arizona Wildcat athletics. His influence continues to inspire generations of students and athletes, ensuring that the university's athletic programs thrive and that his memory remains an integral part of the university's identity.
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It's also used for hockey
The McKale Memorial Center is an athletic arena located on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. With a capacity of 14,688 spectators, it is primarily used for basketball and is the home of the university's Wildcats basketball team.
The arena is also occasionally used for hockey. Arizona State University's hockey team, the Sun Devils, played their first game at the McKale Center against Colgate University on October 14, 2022. The McKale Center has also been a temporary venue for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.
While hockey is not the primary use of the arena, it has become a key venue for ASU athletics and community events, showcasing its versatility and importance to the university and its surrounding community.
In addition to hockey and basketball, the McKale Center has hosted a range of other events, including memorial services, concerts, comedy shows, conferences, and youth competitions. The arena is named after James Fred "Pop" McKale, who was the university's first famous coach and athletic director in 1914. He coached basketball, football, baseball, and track, and under his leadership, the university's athletic teams became known as the Wildcats.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Arizona's basketball arena, McKale Center, has an official capacity of 14,688 spectators.
The McKale Center opened in February 1973, replacing the outdated Bear Down Gymnasium.
The McKale Center is primarily used for basketball and is the home of the University of Arizona Wildcats basketball team. It also has physical training and therapy facilities, and has been used for events such as a memorial service for the 2011 Tucson shooting victims.
