Orville Jennings, Senior Associate AD for Operations, went out of his way this weekend to recover my husband's lost cell phone. We attended the Women's Basketball game on Saturday and my husband left his phone in the cup-holder. There was a Men's game immediately after so we could not go back inside the venue that day. Orville was so responsive and quick to get on the lost phone! Apparently the phone made its way to the Hall of Champions where it was located on Monday. We were already on campus searching when Orville called me to say the phone had been located. We are so grateful to Orville for taking the time to help us. read more

Great place to catch a game, whether it's Basketball, Volleyball, or a Gymnastics meet! Plenty of concessions. A large water bottle and bag of peanuts will set you back $17! read more

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Went to a UofA basketball game today. Fun place. Nachos were good. Wildcats beat Colorado which made ourtime thereeven funner. read more

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Online tickets for tonight's Women's Basketball Game. Always a enthusiastic crowd , Lots of school spirit here. Wearing Red tonight!!! Update in a few hours... read more

The energy, sportsmanship, vibe, top notch. Best team to cheer on! Stop by and get yourself a team shirt , get ready to get lost in the game and Bear Down! read more

Great college venue... Saw the U of A men's basketball team over the weekend. It's not as big as I thought it would be. Capacity is about 14k. No suites in this arena ( only real fans). :) It's certainly not easy getting tickets, especially those conference games. For me, this was a bucket list item in things I wanted to do in Tucson. Certainly glad I did. PAC12 forever. Go Wildcats. read more

McKale Center - View from the cheap seats. :) - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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The McKale Center is a great place to see a basketball game! The facility is nice and clean. The staff are nice and the concession prices are reasonable. The seating area we were in had chairs that are pretty tight, but the view was still good. January 27th game was the first time U of A Cheer performed at home since the pandemic ! Amazing halftime performance! read more

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What a fantastic venue for basketball! We watched the Arizona women win today! Loved everything: the team, coach, band, team spirit and our souvenirs (UA cups and Pom poms.) We cannot wait to return!! read more

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The McKale Center hosts several U of A sports, including Wildcats basketball, and the Zona Zoo keeps it loud and proud, rooting on the home team. The rows are compact but comfortable enough, and the center could use a few updates (for restrooms, etc.), but overall it's a fun place to take sports energy to the max in Tucson. read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Whats not to like. #3 team in the country, great seats, great arena, great staff that wants to take care of you. Go 'Cats! read more

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The venue continues to improve over time. A few years ago they went backwards with the sound system but it seems to be improved now. Seats are ok! I am 6'4' so it is very relevant for me! Cup holders too! Concessions are fast and handy. Always a parking hassle but I just plan for it! Bathrooms are clean! Everyone is friendly! A good venue that can be raucous, which is fantastic! Creates a bond for all fans!!! read more

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I'm glad I got to finally see the McKale Center. If only if it had been a better game for UA basketball. Getting into and around this place was very easy, really better than at most sporting events. My husband and I had tickets 3rd row from the top, and were worried we wouldn't be able to see much of anything. To our surprise, we actually had a great view of the court. Biggest drawback of this place are the cozy seats. There's not much room in the seats or between them, so you get quite close to whoever is next to you. They've got all the regular concessions and my husband and I each got a hot dog ($4) at half time. Not bad. Even though UA lost (embarrassingly) we still had a great time. The vibe is fun and relaxed and everyone beams with the Bear Down spirit. read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Bear Down! I've been to two men's basketball games now, we've never paid for our seats, always somehow found ourselves with free tickets. We've always had a great time, although our seats haven't always been close, we still felt like we had a great view of the court, seems to be designed well for everyone to get a decent view. If you're not petite, the seats are SUPER tight-ha. We always feel like sardines, but still seem to enjoy ourselves. The timeout and halftime entertainment is always fun. They've always got different games going and activities giving the audience a chance to win free stuff. Food as you can expect, is pretty pricey. $6 hot dog, $7 polish dog-- a little higher than movie theatre concessions. They have a pretty wide variety of options at the different concession stands from the standard hot dogs to quesadillas and fully loaded nachos. Local high school groups rotate running the different concession stands, which gives me peace of mind to know at least I'm giving to a good cause when I buy that overpriced hot dog. You can take water bottles in IF it is a sealed water bottle. Purses not allowed, must take clear bags. Security will look through your bag at the gates. read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

McKale appears mismanaged and Head of Events/Security needs to be either coached, or relieved of duty. Drove from Phoenix for a funeral Saturday and decided to go a night early for a date w my gf to see Adia and the Cats beat Oregon. Got the W, nice work team! Parked far due to needing to charge an EV, and upon walking 20 minutes in the cold, girlfriend was told no normal purses (it was not large at all) were allowed in. What?! Metal detectors don't work anymore? Ok we are all just petrified with fear and woman can't even carry a purse now? Cowards. Cool, we're afraid of our shadows as well, why not provide limited lockers to rent for $5 or something, make some money, and don't force people on a date from Phx (to explore Tucson) to walk all the way back to their car in the cold. VERY frustrating. I had to go pee in Q3 but the bathrooms were amazingly confusing. Outside, ok, but I noticed the doors to the main south side bathrooms were locked. Once you left you couldn't get back in. What?? So I wandered to go find other bathrooms. Uh uh, other ones are 4 miles away it seems. Back to the first bathrooms: in great shape, big, nice work, afterwards DOORS STILL LOCKED AND I COULDN'T GET BACK IN. Why in God's name are the main re-entry doors from the main bathroom complex locked? Every single one too, none were unlocked, I checked. On a cold night. This was in the third quarter and I missed the main run the Cats went on cause the some genius locked the bathroom doors during a game. How does that go unnoticed by staff? I told a staff member who also appeared confused but helpful, I don't think he had the solution tho and neither did a Sheriff who knew of the problem but, told no one? Beer on site is amazing, McKale looked great, Cats won and will continue to but why the eff are purses not allowed in? Come on, or fine we're terrified of even leaving our homes and women can't carry purses anymore ok, why aren't small lockers available so trudging back to the car isn't mandated? Awful, awful treatment of guests. Unbelievable to treat the fans like that. UNLOCK THE BATHROOM RE-ENTRY DOORS DURING GAMES. It is insane that I need to type this. Quite disappointed in the logistics of my recent visit. Quite. read more

Went to annual red blue men's b-ball scrimmage at McKale Center. Newer padded seats w cup holders , seats a little tight as to squeeze in more people & $? The do have cup holders. Great lighting & scoreboard . Big news they are trying g to get liquor license to increase revenue with 13$ Beer? Good show & saw Shaq who's son is a recruit. Hope the team survives the $ scandal they were fun to watch in newer mckale digs. Go cats! read more

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2019-2020 Arizona Women's Wildcats Basketball season is going to be outstanding! So far their energy, 3 pt plays and teamwork has been impressive. It is Native American Heritage Night, the American Anthem was sung in the Tohono O'odham language and then in English. The seats are full with Alumni and patrons. Great turn out by all! Half-time was presented by Tohono O'odham Student Association performing an instrumental native song. read more

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Great facility. We were only there for a college graduation but facility seemed very clean and modern. (Air conditioning was working great which is a plus for Tucson.) read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This is a super great venue that has improved with age. When I first came here more than 10 years ago, it was a bit run down and not the most fun place to watch a game. Since then it has become an awesome place to visit. The sound here is less deafening than it used to be. Kudos to the school for improving upon that. In addition, the seating is a lot more comfortable. Getting concessions are no longer the chore that they used to be, but going to the box office is still a pain if you do not purchase in advance. I love the new LED screens here, and it's a great place to take in a UA game. I look forward to coming back. read more

How can a Wildcat for Life give Mckale anything lower than 5 stars??. Well the answer is you don't!! I recently went to my first UofA came in nearly 15 years! I regularly go to football games but decided to make a trip down for basketball this time. Mckale is big for a college arena, over 14,000 seats. Yes it could use some updating but you don't really have a bad seat in the house. Lots of bathroom areas and you can walk outside for fresh air and stretch and come back in. Overall a great place to watch a basketball game! read more

What a special place that I hold close and dear to my heart. Named after Pop McKale, this arena is just electric, anchored by the Zona Zoo student section when the Wildcats are playing (and winning I might add!!). I had the great opportunity to step onto the court, play some pickup games, and coach an ASUA inner youth basketball team through my years at UA, and it was the most rewarding experiences I could possibly ask for. Basketball in its purest form and when playing the game the right way, is an art; camaraderie, teamwork, friendship, enthusiasm, team spirit, skill, and achieving competitive greatness is what is starting to define the Arizona Wildcats in the Sean Miller era. Anyways, enough reminiscing. When you step onto the actual basketball court, it feels like a pretty compact court compared to other basketball gyms, but it's purposely designed that way. If there is a knock on the arena, it's that some of the equipment in the arena is a little outdated, but just recently they did install a new scoreboard with plenty of other new renovations in the coming years. Can't wait to come visit again to watch the Cats in action. A Player's Program. BEAR DOWN Arizona! read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

McKale does it right! The Wildcats are an institution. They have been so good for so long, and even with a new coach the team is just a lot of fun. I am proud of this school and team. And McKale is just a great place for basketball. The hall of fame type section of former athletes and teams from the UA (all sports) is great, and worth looking at. What's best about McKale, though? It's that during the day they open it up and you can walk around it. Yeah. Want some exercise during your lunch break? Or get out of the heat? Walk around McKale. Get a bunch of laps in on the walk-way. That is cool. That gives it a high rating. Good amount of restrooms, vendors and well set up. This center ranks up there with other college venues for teams, and considering the success of the UA since 1988 and the championship of 1997, this team ranks among the elite, and so does the center. There is even decent parking next door in the garage. I find nothing to dislike about this place. read more

Always fun to cheer the U of A basketball team! Good time with friends! Popcorn definitely could use a no-salt or at the very least lesser salt option read more

McKale Center - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Ok I get it. We need the clear bag. Safety issue. So we are vegan. For HEALTH PURPOSES. We normally bring our vegan sandwiches in. And today added a bag of Fritos usually not a problem. If husband brings a bottled water or a Vega drink he carries it on the inside pocket of his jacket. Never stopped. Never checked. Today he CARRIES IT IN HIS HAND. Security told him, "hey man you can't just roll in with your single sized bag of chips!" I tell him, "we're vegan and there's no vegan food sold here and we always bring our sandwiches in." He tells us yes that's fine in your clear bag "but he can't just ROLL IN with a bag of chips in his hands. But you can take it in if you put in your bag." Security policy??? Unopened Fritos. Mmmmhmmm. Yeah. And my bag is so full you don't even know what's in it. If we were trying to sneak an item that would concern security, since you don't check boots, jackets, socks, etc, THAT is where the item would be. Not clear to see holding it. Stupid ass. #NotSecurity #JustBullies read more

Best effin gym in America! Going to a basketball game here is one of the most electrifying experiences ever! There's a lot of spirit, energy, and just straight up good vibes from the fans. Men's games are fun to watch, and the women's team has become serious contenders now. Looking up at the banners and seeing all the success as well as the names of players who've gone through UofA make me proud of going to school here! read more

The center is a great experience for basketball here in town. They have good food, plenty of bathrooms (which are clean), and the staff was super friendly when I had a question. The only thing that I hate, which is true for most sporting venues is that the seats are really really small. So unless you are tiny, or are willing to fork over a lot of money, expect to be a little cramped. All in All it was a great time! read more

McKale Center - Great seats! - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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What's not to love about McKale. I'm no Wild Cat, but certainly consider myself an "honorary" member, or at least my fiancé does. I love watching a game at McKale- the crowd is mostly fun, the student section beams with eccentric dancing, body suits, gumby has made an appearance, but I think the person dressed up as a Lego wins. Aside from the crowd sourced entertainment, I think McKale is a great venue and now they finally updated the jumbo tron from 1989... It's looking serious in there! GO CATS! read more

BEAR DOWN! McKale center is one of the elite college sports complexes. It has a great competitive atmosphere, great fans and is obviously home to the greatest college basketball team in the world. But really, it is a nice arena. It could use a few updates but overall its a great place to watch some college basketball. All it needs is a new head coach! read more

Great place to catch a basketball or volleyball game! Recent renovations are great. Seats can be a little crowded if the cup holders are installed. Curtain is lowered to create a more intimate atmosphere for women's basketball and volleyball. Affordable rates being a stadium. Gets only a 4 star because WiFi is horrible. I can't access email, Yelp or Facebook while at the game. Even Tex messaging is difficult. read more

This is the place you need to be when the UA Wildcat Basketball team is in town. McKale has so much history throughout the building and more is being added to it all the time. When there isn't a game or competition being held in the arena, its usually open to walk in and walk through. A lot of people use the upper arena/ stairs to workout, run, and/or walk. On gamedays, expect McKale to be crazy! The front of the building is the ticket office and has a lot of entrances to the game here. If you don't want to pay for parking in any of the lots and garages, be prepared to walk a little ways. We all love our Arizona basketball, young and old, so if you aren't a fan of deafening crowd noise, stay away from the ZonaZoo section. Other areas are tolerable, but in general, don't ever expect a U of A game to be quiet. However, ZonaZoo takes noise to a whole new level. Love it!! Food is decently priced. If you are a student, you can use your meal plan. Be sure to try the kettle corn!! Expect to have a great time in this building whether there is a game going on or not. The rich history of athletic successes are written all over this building and its fun to find the familiar names we know from professional sports and see their pictures from their days as a Wildcat! Bear Down!! read more

I worked at McKale 100 years ago when I went to U of A. What a great place to watch college bball. A few too many representatives of the geriatric demographic, but they're rabid fans so I'll cut them some slack. BEAR DOWN!!!!!!!!!! read more

Although this stadium may be old, the ambiance of the center is first class. Any true sports fan can appreciate the history that the arena has seen. All of the seats are folding seats complete with a back rest. If you feel like splurging to the lower bowl seats you will get a cushioned seat. The food is always warm from a chicken tender basket to the classic burger. You can not forget about the zoo, however. The zona zoo itself is a reason to make a game night. The students of the University of Arizona make up the most loyal, die hard, and supportive fans you'll see in the NCAA. You can't go wrong when you make a visit to McKale. read more

McKale Center - Kerr - Stadiums & Arenas Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Home of the Cats! 14,000 fans most of the seats are awesome. pretty easy access to bathrooms and concessions. go catch a game here! read more

U of A athletics DOES NOT care about people with disabilities! Tamara Alexander is unsympathetic and uncooperative to assist me in any way to accommodate my softball seats to help assist me with getting a seat accessible for me! read more

An acceptable venue for college basketball, but with a lot of improvements that could be made along the interior. I've been to dozens of Arizona basketball games in my nearly 15 years in this city. I grew up in Sacramento and attended Kings' home games back in the Mitch Richmond / Spud Webb era as well as the Chris Webber era. Now there is the general rule of thought when it comes to college basketball and its atmophere in contrast with the NBA, but the crowd at McKale Center tends to fall in lulls throughout isolated moments during the game. Not that there isn't a rowdy student section or nights where the atmosphere is nothing short of fantastic, but in comparison to games at the place formerly known as Arco Arena, the environment today doesn't match well with the NBA crowd that I grew up with. This isn't the fault of the modern passionate Arizona fan. There is a big problem keeping alumni in town. A large percentage UA graduates (not sure of the exact figure today) tend to find their careers elsewhere and modern technology makes it much easier to view a game through a television or computer if you don't live in Tucson. So, the incentive of coming to town for a game against NAU doesn't really coincide with the amount of cash one would drop on a trip to Tucson. So what does that have to do with the atmosphere? Well, for one, a lot of the alumni between the ages of 25 and 50 simply do not live in Tucson. Many of the people in the city that fit that age profile are transplants from other cities due to Davis Monthan AFB and companies like Raytheon. So most of the fans you see in the stands are what are typically referred to as "blue hairs" (senior citizens) and there is a large percentage of which who never went to Arizona nor have any real fan allegiance to them. Sure, they applaud and cheer but they just don't match the passion of the alumni, regardless of the age of the former Wildcat patron. So, aside from the students, I -- at 32 years old -- still feel pretty young at Arizona basketball games. Now, the Zona Zoo is passionate, but they need to be re-positioned to put more students closer to the floor. Having a student section stretch into the upper-deck as opposed to other sections near the floor really takes away from the atmosphere; especially at games that start at 8:00 p.m. or later. As far as aesthetics, the center jumbotron needs to be knocked down and replaced completely. It's something out of a basketball game from 1987. However, I am really glad to report that the scoreboards at the north and south ends of the arena received a serious upgrade over the past few years and look fantastic. The redesign of the halls to include commemorative art and pictures of former Arizona basketball greats. I no longer feel like as if I am pacing down a dungeon when I am on my way to my seats and I get the impression that they have an athletic director in Greg Byrne that understands how to connect with today's average fan and make the games more of an experience; something Jim Livengood could never do. Thankfully, there will be upgrades and renovations coming in the next few years. Hopefully these include concessions, more accommodating bathrooms and more space to walk. Arizona basketball is one of the best programs in the country and should present itself as such. A more intense atmosphere, upgraded technology and a broader selection of of food would make this a five-star basketball venue. read more

I agree with Stacy C...GREAT place to watch basketball...and she's so right! Lots of rabid geriatric fans in attendance on any given night...but like USC...they make the world go 'round and ya just have to love the spirit. My fondest memories of McKale? Funny you should ask... 1) being drunk off my ass and sitting in my little (ok...HUGE) Media Arts section on graduation day!! So cool to sit in the center and toss your hats all at once...you feel accomplished. 2) standing on the court in my spandex. Yes, you heard me correctly! I took a few aerobic classes (my effort to take an easy athletic class for the units!) and they took place center court. Kind of odd to be standing in the middle of the center, jumping around like an idiot, and having the occasional athlete sit up in the stands cheering you on. Nothin' makes ya feel more stupid! Well...almost. read more

One of the best college arena's around. McKale Center is great place to watch U of A sports, not a bad seat in the arena. Really looking forward to seeing McKale when the renovations are completed. read more

BEAR DOWN ARIZONA! Parking here, and the rest the University of Arizona is a pain. But, this is the place to be during the basketball season. read more

This has to be one of the worse arenas I have been to. They rigged the seats into the aisles and barely left any room for people to walk by. I really hope nothing serious happens here, like a fire, because I am sure the fire code is pushed to the limit in this venue. Some of the seats were so close, my knees were hitting the guy in front of me. Wow. With all the money that this damn basketball team makes I cannot believe this is how they treat their fans. read more

Great place for the awesome UA games. So much fun. Would have easily been a five star experience except for the snack bar food. Stale and old and just anti appetizing. Too bad for this day and age of healthier and better foods to have such a poor quality and worst freshness of the old items hot dogs pizza soggy pretzels... Ugh say no more. Food ruins the experience so just go for the game and avoid the food and drug is there.. read more

Been lucky to take in some quality games and performances in this place which is a solid basketball facility. Only USC's is better. Pauley is a dump. Oregon's place is large locker room. OSU's place is a great...nuclear fallout shelter. Cal will give you vertigo. Stanford is decent. Anyway, the greatest exhibition of shooting skill I've ever seen, college or pro was Michael Dickerson in his senior season against the Huskies: an 11-11 shooting performance in the second half. That's good for a center. But he was a guard. And all his shots were beyond 15 feet, usually fading way, and never uncontested. And then Jason Terry hitting a buzzer beater a couple years later to beat Stanford when that was the top rivalry in the PAC. The space between was due to the fact tickets were hard to get when I went to school here. Now they have a student section and the times that I have been the student turnout has been lacking. Odd since for years the students decried we want tickets! But then they got them; and then nothing. That's ok, I've realized it's an American tradition to blame your problems and failures on a vague "other" in this case "the old people" or "the school" and then when people actually get what they want...they say I want something else. Maybe they are following Soupault's axiom: choosing is dying. But I doubt it. I will be going back for the Cal game. I expect more. The best sight lines, oddly at this place and for arenas of this era, are the corner lodge seats, unless of course, you can get center court. Of course. read more