Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Mid-Major fans and fans across the country.
We’ve seen some pretty unique locations for college basketball games. Aircraft carriers, a baseball stadium, Lake Tahoe. So, that led us to ask the question….
What outdoor location should host a college basketball game?
Rucker Park, Venice Beach, White House lawn, Churchill Downs, Arthur Ashe Stadium, or an aircraft carrier?
Rucker Park
Rucker Park
is one of the most historic basketball locations in the country. Located right across the street from where the Polo Grounds stood, it is a hotbed for pickup games and has featured numerous NBA players. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Willis Reed, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Stephon Marbury, Allen Iverson, and more have made appearances. Games at the park draw a who’s who of celebrities, too.
But perhaps the most famous game in Rucker Park history never happened. Fat Joe and Jay-Z gathered LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Iverson, Mike Bibby, and Zach Randolph for a game, but a blackout hit New York City, canceling the game. So, why not have college basketball head to this hallowed ground?
Venice Beach
You want to talk about majestic backdrops? Right along the coast in the Los Angeles area, it features canals and a promenade that’s reminiscent of where it gets its name from: Venice, Italy. It’s full of amusement and pizza right along the coast. Think Atlantic City but better.
White House lawn
We’ve had a UFC card on the White House lawn, so why not bring the best sport on the planet to the home of the President? It’s America’s 250th birthday. Let’s celebrate by lacing up the sneakers and jumping the ball up at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Churchill Downs
Iconic sports venues? Churchill Downs has to be on the list. The location of the Kentucky Derby is located in one of the states that is most passionate about basketball. The court can be placed on the infield with temporary bleachers and more fans in the grandstand. The winner gets roses.
Arthur Ashe Stadium
Sticking with historic sports venues, Arthur Ashe Stadium has hosted some of the biggest moments in tennis at the US Open. Serena vs. Venus Williams in the final. Pete Sampras going out on top. Roger Federer’s dominance. John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka. Time to put some basketball greats on that list.
An aircraft carrier
We’ve already seen four games on aircraft carriers, but those games were so cool that we should do it again (albeit dangerous and a bit impractical). The first came in 2011 when North Carolina beat Michigan State on the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego with President Barack Obama in attendance. There were two games the following year: Notre Dame beat Ohio State in women’s basketball, and Syracuse topped San Diego State in men’s hoops. The Carrier Classic returned 10 years later in 2022 when Gonzaga edged Michigan State.
