10 highest capacity arenas of the NBA

Fans are the lifeblood of any sport and sure enough, team owners in the NBA ensure they are always in the good graces of the fans.

NBA arenas are now not just a basketball court, but an entertainment complex full of numerous food joints and entertainment options for the fans to have a proper match experience.

The association is full of teams that have worked very had to modernise their playing arena to help both their players and fans enjoy the best possible facilities.

Apart from modernisation, the size of the arenas also matters as the higher the number of fans, the better the support for the home team.

Here's a look at the 10 highest capacity arenas in the NBA:

#10 American Airlines Arena (Miami Heat)

The home of the Miami Heat, the American Airlines Arena has a capacity of 19,600 and houses one of the most passionate fan bases in the NBA.

With a team that gives their all on the court every night, the American Airlines Arena provides one of the best game atmospheres. The facilities for the fans are top notch as well, with many believing the arena to have the best food in the association.

Easy access to the arena and an enjoyable environment make it a great fan experience, even for the casual attendee. The arena is always sold to capacity during the playoffs, thanks to the team's success in the last decade.

#9 Air Canada Centre (Toronto Raptors)

Air Canada Centre has made The North a tough destination for visiting sides

With a capacity of 19,800, the Air Canada Centre is one of four arenas in the NBA to be named after an airline carrier.

Thanks to the team's performance of late, and the modern facilities in the arena complex itself, the Air Canada Centre provides some of the best in-game experience, with comfortable seating and a great view.

The Raptors share the arena with their more illustrious NHL co-tenants, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and have a star fan in the form of popular rapper, Drake, who is an ever-present and wears his heart on his sleeve.

#8 Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)

A venue that has seen great sporting events, MSG provides great support for the Knicks

"The Garden" as it is popularly known, is a multi-purpose indoor sports complex, that hosts basketball, hockey, boxing, professional wrestling events, as well as concerts.

Madison Square Garden has a capacity of 19,812 and has some extremely passionate fans, who are boisterous in support of the Knicks, despite their last few seasons being quite poor.

The oldest arena in the NBA, MSG has a lot of history and tradition, despite having modern facilities, and reflects the city's culture perfectly.

#7 Vivint Smart Home Arena (Utah Jazz)

The Vivint Smart Home Arena has been a fortress for Utah

One of the more weirdly named arenas in the NBA, the Vivint Smart Home Arena is the home of Utah Jazz. Constructed in 1991, this arena is the perfect example of a small market arena, with all seats offering a great view, despite the differing costs.

Solid performances from the team have made the Vivint Smart Home Arena a stronghold for them, and the crowd are energetic and supportive during crunch times.

Despite the arena's overall size not being that big, the seating is such that it is able to accommodate 19,911 people.

#6 Moda Center (Portland Trail Blazers)

In Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the Moda Center has two stars to cheer for

Quite distastefully named the Moda Center, the Portland Trail Blazers' arena has a capacity of 19,980 and is one of the more popular arenas in the association.

Since the Trail Blazers are the only sporting franchise in Portland, they enjoy incredible support from their rabid fan base, who make games at the Moda Center an experience to treasure.

Previously known as the Rose Garden, this arena has seen some good basketball played by its young core in the past few seasons and is ready to see their team rise again.

#5 Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia 76ers)

The Wells Fargo Center has new heroes to root for in the form of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons

Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Wells Fargo Center is the home of the much respected Philadelphia 76ers.

Some of the greatest players in NBA history have played for the Sixers, including Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley and Allen Iverson.

Though their last few years have been abysmal, the team have done very well to draft some of the best young talent in the NBA, and have a bright future ahead of them.

A capacity of 20,328 makes this one of the bigger arenas in the NBA and the modern design and facilities make games an exciting prospect for their proud fans.

#4 Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards)

Washington still has a long way to go in terms of an intimidating atmosphere for away teams

The Wizards are one of the most promising teams in the Eastern Conference, and in John Wall and Bradley Beal, have a strong young core for the future.

With the ability to seat 20,356 fans, the Capital One Arena's location in the capital of the United States makes it one of the less popular venues in terms of a great atmosphere and a strong home crowd.

In fact, it has been noted that the away team, especially if they are the Celtics or the Lakers, have enjoyed much more vocal support than the Wizards.

#3 Little Caesars Arena (Detroit Pistons)

The Detroit Pistons' new home is the newest arena in the NBA

The newest arena in the NBA, the Little Caesars Arena, opened in September 2017 and is the joint home of the Detroit Pistons and the NHL franchise, Detroit Red Wings.

The Pistons moved to the arena from the Palace of Auburn Hills, another historic NBA arena, and have enjoyed great support in their new home, thanks to their hardcore fan base.

The team's 5-3 start to the 2017/18 season has raised hopes and fans have thronged to the modern arena in great numbers, as they have enjoyed the game night experience in the complex.

#2 Quicken Loans Arena (Cleveland Cavaliers)

LeBron James' NBA career has seen the rise of the Quicken Loans Arena

The home of the 2015/16 NBA champions, the Quicken Loans Arena is the only arena in Cleveland to have raised their team's banner, as the Cavaliers are the only franchise in the town to have won a Championship.

With a capacity of 20,562, the Q, as it is fondly called, provides great fan experience, thanks to its sound system and good view of the court.

LeBron James' arrival in the NBA and subsequent return has made fans go to games in great numbers, as the Cavs have enjoyed great success in the last decade or so.

#1 United Center (Chicago Bulls)

The United Center crowd lent a big helping hand during the Chicago Bulls' heyday

Probably the best-named arena in the NBA, the United Center brings Chicago Bulls fans from all walks of life together, helping create the intimidating, intense atmosphere that characterised the place during the Michael Jordan era.

Built to seat 20,917 people, the arena has one of the most attractive floors, with the Bulls logo standing out.

The six Championship banners hanging in the rafters add to the aura of the United Center and make watching a game there one of the best fan experiences in the NBA.