McKale Center

Capacity: 14,688

Home Teams: Arizona Wildcats (NCAA College Basketball)

McKale Center Events

McKale Memorial Center, most commonly known simply as McKale Center, is located in Arizona’s second largest city, Tucson, on the University of Arizona campus. McKale Center’s primary role is hosting the home games of the Arizona Wildcats men’s and women’s college basketball teams as well as providing athletic training and physiotherapy facilities to student athletes. The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team rose to the nation’s attention starting in the early 1980s led by legendary coach Lute Olson, under whom the Wildcats, previously a rather obscure regional team in the eyes of most college hoops fans, started winning conference championships and thus turned into regular participants in the NCAA postseason March Madness tournament. Despite only qualifying three times before the 1980s, the Wildcats have now appeared in March Madness 37 times, progressing to the Sweet 16 on 20 occasions, the Elite 8 on 11, and the Final Four on 4. From those Final Four appearances, the team has made it to two NCAA championship finals, defeating the Kentucky Wildcats 84-79 in a dramatic overtime victory to win their first-ever NCAA championship in 1997, before falling 82-72 to the Duke Blue Devils in 2001. Along with collective successes as a team, the Arizona Wildcats basketball program has produced a high number of top players who have gone on to star in the NBA. Quite a number of these have been point guards, including Steve Kerr, Damon Stoudamire, Khalid Reeves, Mike Bibby, and Jason Terry, leading to the University of Arizona acquiring the moniker Point Guard U to honor its particular success at this position. Kerr went on to become one of the most decorated NBA players and coaches of all time, winning 5 NBA titles as a player (including one with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in 1997 when he sunk a last minute title-winning shot) and 4 more as the coach of the Golden State Warriors (where Kerr remains in the job to this day). Visitors to McKale Center will be amazed by the passion of the team’s basketball fans, who stand for the game to cheer their team along with the marching band, which splits up into four groups to surround the court with sound. The crowd and the band are also known for their many ways of distracting and taunting the opposition, including a rousing rendition of “Another One Bites the Dust” whenever an opposition player fouls out as well as chants of “Go start the bus!” if the Wildcats are winning by a large margin. As well as Wildcats basketball games, McKale Center has also hosted the NCAA March Madness tournament on numerous occasions. Concerts and other similar events are not common at McKale Center, but have occurred from time to time. Hungry visitors to McKale Center will find many tasty snacks at the venue’s concessions, including local specialties such as Sonoran dogs, burritos, and nachos, along with delicious craft beer. Those looking for Wildcats merchandise can check out shops and kiosks at McKale Center or around campus.

How can I find the cheapest tickets to games and events at McKale Center?

Wildcats men’s basketball games are without a doubt the biggest draw at McKale Center, with hoops fans from all over Arizona driving many miles to come cheer on the team. While this makes for a great game day atmosphere, it can render tickets a bit difficult to find. What can you do? Check the TicketX listings on this page right now to search for all the cheapest tickets to Wildcats basketball games and use our handy TicketX seating chart to compare different seating options in terms of price and location. You can purchase tickets with the lowest commission fees from TicketX with just a single click!

McKale Center Seating Chart

McKale Center is a large venue that offers its visitors many different seating options. Those interested in an exclusive game day experience can opt for premium seating areas such as courtside seats or club seats, though these are fairly limited at McKale Center. The majority of the venue is devoted to general admission seating, where you can plunge right into the midst of one of the most active crowds in college basketball. If you show up, you’d better be supporting the Wildcats!

Getting to McKale Center (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the McKale Center via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to McKale Center via public transportation

Four local Tucson bus routes pass close enough to McKale Center to be useful to those wishing to travel to the venue via public transportation. Taxis or ride-shares are an easier and more convenient option, especially for visitors to the city. If you will be located on or near campus, walking or cycling could also be possible.

Getting to McKale Center by car

Driving to McKale Center in your own vehicle is fairly straightforward if you plan your route in advance and arrive early enough to negotiate game day traffic. McKale Center’s official website has helpful driving directions based on the route you will take into the city. 

Does McKale Center have on-site parking?

Yes, there is plenty of parking near McKale Center and in campus lots easily accessible on foot from the venue. Detailed parking information and maps can be found on McKale Center’s official website. Note that some of the lots closer to the arena tend to be reserved for Wildcats Club Members. 

How much does McKale Center parking cost?

Parking at South Stadium Garage and Cherry Ave Garage near McKale Center costs $20 on a first come, first served basis. Cheaper options include the Arid Lands Marshall lot and 2nd Street Garage, which charge $15. Check the McKale Center’s official website for more information on parking and parking prices.