📍 Atlanta, Georgia
🏀 Home of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets basketball

Exceptional college basketball has been played at the corner of 10th and Fowler Streets since 1956, when Alexander Memorial Coliseum first opened on the campus of Georgia Tech in midtown Atlanta. Affectionately known in its past life as the Thrillerdome, the arena has been the epicenter of Yellow Jackets basketball for decades. Completely reimagined in 2012 and rededicated as the Hank McCamish Pavilion, the venue continues to play a critical role in success of the school’s basketball programs.

It was during the tenure of legendary head coach Bobby Cremins that Alexander Memorial Coliseum earned its legendary “Thrillerdome” nickname, coined such by a radio broadcaster who wanted to emphasize the amount of close games played under the iconic arched roof. Under Cremins’ guidance, who was at the helm of the Jackets for nearly twenty years, Tech participated in the NCAA Tournament on ten occasions – including 9 consecutive appearances from 1985-1993 – and made their first-ever trip to the Final Four in 1990. The Yellow Jackets’ next coach, Paul Hewitt, also led the squad to their first National Championship game in 2004, although they ultimately fell to UConn.

But Tech’s glory days aren’t just in the past. Since the revamped arena debuted in 2012, the Jackets have tackled over a dozen ranked teams here at home and came out on top, like in 2017 when the team defeated both #6 Florida State and #14 Notre Dame back-to-back at McCamish. While these accomplishments are definitely tremendous and bring hope to fans still waiting for a National Championship, nothing will compare to the excitement and culture created during the era of the Thrillerdome.

The Thrillerdome’s reputation as a house of horrors for opposing teams was well-earned, with steep, close-to-the-court seating creating an electric atmosphere that often helped will the Yellow Jackets to victory. Fans were practically on top of the action, adding to the intensity and drama that unfolded on the hardwood.

Although the old Thrillerdome was entirely gutted and rebuilt from the inside, the new McCamish Pavilion replicates the sterling energy and fervor quite well. The sleek and homey interior features a similarly steep upper deck that, when full, helps create a fierce environment and puts pressure on every opponent that comes to town. With modern amenities and a cozy feel, the Pavilion is certainly one of the premier basketball venues in the ACC; and thanks to their passionate fanbase, Georgia Tech basketball shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.