McKale Memorial Center - Arizona Wildcats (Volleyball)
- Richard Smith
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
McKale Memorial Center
1 National Championship Dr
Tucson, AZ 85721
Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 14,688
Bear Down at McKale
The McKale Memorial Center, the venue hosts men’s and women’s basketball for the University of Arizona, as well as volleyball and gymnastics. There are also many offices located throughout the venue for various Wildcats athletics.
The McKale Center opened in 1973 as a replacement for the Bear Down Gymnasium. Bear Down is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was the “Adams College” gym in the 1984 blockbuster film Revenge of the Nerds.
McKale Center was named after J. F. “Pop” McKale, who was the Arizona athletic director from 1914 to 1957. The court itself at McKale Center bears the name “Lute and Bobbi Olson Court” after the legendary Arizona head coach and his late wife.
There was a recent renovation to McKale that included the installation of the center-court scoreboard, two LED banners along each sideline, new seating and concessions areas, and relocation of bathrooms to the exterior concourse.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand for volleyball matches with a nice, but limited menu. Prices are fairly high.
Atmosphere 3
Although the venue is not the newest one out there, the renovations have made sure that the McKale Center is a perfect, modern venue for high-end sports. The scoreboard and other displays are what this level of play should have.
Volleyball matches will usually have part of the arena blocked off by a large curtain.
The venue is pretty interesting in terms of accessing the seating bowl. There is not one main entrance but a series of tunnels and hallways, often through office areas, to get you inside the venue.
Neighborhood 4
Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live.
McKale Center is located on the southeastern corner of the campus near Arizona Stadium, home of the university’s football team.
There are many restaurant options near the venue.
If you want to venture away from campus, we also recommend Mercado San Agustin and the MSA Annex. In that area, Seis Kitchen is a great Mexican restaurant.
The Aloft Tucson University is a hotel very close to the McKale Center. We can also recommend the Loews Ventana Canyon resort if you want to go a bit higher end.
Fans 4
The Arizona Wildcats boast one of the most dedicated and famously spirited fan bases in all of collegiate sports, and their passion for the volleyball program is evident from the first point. The crowds attending matches at McKale are consistently knowledgeable, demonstrating a sharp understanding of the tactical game and reacting with genuine excitement to critical defensive efforts and strategic plays.
Access 3
Being located on a crowded urban college campus, parking will be a bit difficult. There are many lots and garages, all at varying price levels. Please plan and either buy parking ahead of time or be very aware of your parking options before heading to the game.
There is a good public transportation option in Tucson's Sun Link Streetcar system that stops very close to campus. A good option is to park at the Mercado San Agustin mentioned above and take that option to the game.
Return on Investment 3
For a big-time program, the admission prices can vary by the match and are not the cheapest around. Concession prices are also fairly high.
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Extras 4
The unique and varied entrances to the seating bowl are an extra all on their own, but it also offers a fan a way to check out the various displays of past team successes for all the programs that play in the McKale Center.
Check out the Lute Olson statue and display.
The varied food offerings, especially southwestern items, are a nice touch.
The external concourse, added during recent renovations, allows a nice meeting spot for fans.
Final Thoughts
The University of Arizona Wildcats is a well-known program, and the McKale Center is a great venue for a high level of play.
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