Seattle, Washington
🏀 Washington Huskies

One of America’s oldest athletic facilities, Washington’s distinguished Hec Edmundson Pavilion has been the home of Husky hoops for nearly a century. The arena serves as an iconic gem of the university’s bayside campus, as well as for the entire world of college basketball.

Christened in 1948 for former Olympian and longtime UW coach Clarence “Hec” Edmundson, the venue likewise mirrors the nickname bestowed upon him by his mother, who would often utter “oh, heck” during his wild childhood. The Hec, which opened in 1927, is the second-oldest college basketball arena in the nation, just two years younger than Fordham’s Rose Hill Gymnasium

Despite its age and historic reputation, the Pavilion was entirely rebuilt at the turn of the millennium. The interior was gutted and redesigned for a more modern audience, with the length of the seating bowl being shortened and the east end wall being pushed in. The building’s beautiful truss roof was uncovered too, along with the west end windows. These changes did bring about a more comfortable experience for fans and players, but also increased the capacity of the venue to 10,000 – over 2,000 more seats than previously.

Just off the main concourse sits one of the largest and most in-depth school-specific museums in any arena anywhere, with the Husky Fever Hall of Fame boasting dozens of trophy case cubbies representing each of the university’s varsity sports. Some of the most fully-stocked cases include the highly successful rowing teams and volleyball squad, who’ve won literal scores of championships at the conference and national levels. Husky baseball is celebrated with historic balls, old uniforms, trophies and lore, while softball is lauded for their dominance during the late 2000s. The biggest section of the museum covers the rich history of the UW football team, with helmets, balls and other memorabilia telling the story of not just their two claimed national titles and their status as runners-up in 2023, but also their many bowl appearances. Legendary players and staff – with special emphasis on coach Don James, aka the “Dawgfather” – are also enshrined.

Meanwhile, the arena’s basketball teams maintain their own special space. Relics such as a 1953 Final Four ball, a Nate Robinson jersey and programs from several of the Huskies’ postseason tournament appearances are on display. Elsewhere, hardwood heavyweights and dominant teams are honored with retired numbers hanging from the ceiling and championship banners decorating the wall in the east end.

Of course, there has been plenty to proclaim about the Huskies men’s basketball squad since their first season of competition in 1896. The team has made nearly three dozen appearances in March Madness, advancing to the Elite Eight on four occasions and even making the Final Four in 1953.

The Huskies also hold the distinction of becoming the first team in NCAA history to win 1,000 games in a single building, doing so by handily defeating Cal by a score of 71-52 on January 19, 2019. With such an extensive track record and affinity for success, it likely won’t be long until Washington finally raises their first National Championship banner; and when they do, the rafters of the Hec – along with Husky nation – will cherish it forever.