Hey there! Are you curious about the Marriott Center and just how many people it can hold? Perhaps you're planning to attend an event there, or maybe you're just fascinated by large-scale venues like I am! Whatever your reason, you've come to the right place. Let's dive deep into understanding the capacity of this impressive arena.
How Much Does the Marriott Center Hold? A Comprehensive Guide
The Marriott Center, located on the campus of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, is a truly iconic venue. While its exact capacity has seen some minor adjustments over the years due to renovations and seating upgrades, its primary purpose as a major sporting and event arena remains constant.
Step 1: Understanding the Marriott Center's Primary Function
Before we get to the numbers, let's set the stage. The Marriott Center is not just any arena; it's a hub of activity for BYU. Its primary role is to serve as the home court for the BYU Cougars men's and women's basketball teams. But its versatility doesn't stop there!
1.1 Beyond Basketball: A Multifunctional Venue
The Marriott Center is also regularly used for a wide array of other events, including:
Weekly campus devotionals and forums: These are a significant part of BYU's campus life.
Commencement exercises: Graduations for thousands of students.
Concerts and performances: Hosting various musical acts and cultural events.
Community activities: Serving as a gathering place for the broader Provo community.
This diverse usage means its capacity needs to be substantial to accommodate a wide range of audiences.
Step 2: Unveiling the Current Seating Capacity
Now, for the main event! How many people can the Marriott Center hold currently?
2.1 The Official Number
As of recent updates (specifically 2022 renovations), the official seating capacity for basketball games at the Marriott Center is 17,978. This makes it:
The largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference.
Among the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the United States.
It's important to note that this number primarily refers to its capacity for sporting events where seating is configured for maximum spectator viewing.
2.2 Why the Number Has Changed Over Time
The Marriott Center has undergone several renovations since its opening in 1971, and these updates have impacted its seating capacity:
Initial Capacity (1971-2012): When it first opened, the Marriott Center boasted an impressive capacity of 22,700. This was a mix of chair seats and bleacher seats.
2012 Renovation: This renovation saw the replacement of some lower bench seating with prime chair seating, bringing the capacity down to 20,951.
2015 Renovation: Further replacement of remaining lower bench seating led to a capacity of approximately 18,987.
2022 Renovation: The most recent updates further refined the seating, leading to the current official capacity of 17,978. These changes are often made to improve fan comfort, accessibility, and overall viewing experience, even if it means a slight reduction in raw numbers.
Step 3: Exploring the Marriott Center's Scale and Features
Beyond just the seating numbers, the Marriott Center is a massive and well-equipped facility.
3.1 Dimensions and Layout
Sprawling Footprint: The building measures approximately 380 by 340 feet and covers nearly three acres, enough space to place two football fields side by side!
Impressive Height: Its roof is 10 stories high and contains 50,000 bolts, a testament to its robust construction.
Concourse Level: A continuous concourse encircles the building, measuring a quarter of a mile around. There are twenty-two portals leading into the arena seating area.
3.2 Key Amenities and Upgrades
Recent renovations have focused on enhancing the fan experience:
New Sound System: A state-of-the-art L-Acoustics K2 system was installed, ensuring exceptional audio clarity for all events.
Improved Video Boards: New LED video boards above the center of the court provide dynamic visuals.
Marriott Center Annex: An entirely privately funded addition, this annex provides dedicated practice facilities, locker rooms, and coaching offices for the basketball teams, underscoring BYU's commitment to its athletic programs.
Step 4: How Capacity Impacts Events
The capacity of the Marriott Center plays a crucial role in the types and scale of events it can host.
4.1 Sporting Events
For BYU basketball games, the 17,978-seat capacity means a vibrant and often raucous home-court advantage. The size allows for large crowds, contributing to a significant atmosphere, which is a major factor in the NCAA ranking it among the toughest home courts.
4.2 Non-Sporting Events
For devotionals, forums, and concerts, the large capacity means that a significant portion of the BYU student body and community can gather together, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience. The ability to accommodate such large numbers makes it ideal for major university-wide events.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about the Marriott Center's capacity and related aspects:
How to find the official seating chart for the Marriott Center?
You can usually find the official seating chart for specific events on the BYU Athletics website or through ticket vendor sites when purchasing tickets.
How to know if an event is sold out at the Marriott Center?
Check the official ticketing platform for the event (e.g., BYU Tickets or third-party ticket vendors). They will indicate if an event is sold out or if tickets are still available.
How to calculate the maximum occupancy for non-seated events?
While the listed capacity is for seated events, non-seated events (like standing-room-only concerts, though rare for the entire arena) would be subject to fire codes and event specific layouts, which would generally be lower than the seated capacity for safety reasons.
How to compare the Marriott Center's capacity to other major arenas?
The Marriott Center's current capacity of 17,978 makes it the largest on-campus basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference and among the top collegiate arenas nationally. For example, it's larger than many NBA arenas.
How to determine if a specific event will fill the Marriott Center to capacity?
Attendance for events varies. Basketball games, especially against rivals or high-ranked opponents, often sell out or come close. Devotionals and major concerts also frequently fill the arena. Check past attendance records or event popularity for an estimate.
How to find information about past attendance records at the Marriott Center?
BYU Athletics' official website or historical sports archives often publish attendance figures for past games. For other events, news reports or university archives might have this data.
How to inquire about renting the Marriott Center for a large event?
For information on booking or renting the Marriott Center for an event, you would typically contact BYU's Special Events Office or the Marriott Center's event management directly. Their contact information can usually be found on the BYU website under "Marriott Center" or "Special Events."
How to understand the different seating types within the Marriott Center?
The Marriott Center features a mix of seating, including padded chair seats (especially in the lower bowl) and some bleacher seating in other sections. Recent renovations have emphasized more comfortable chair seating.
How to ensure a good view regardless of where you sit in the Marriott Center?
While views vary, the arena's design is generally known for offering good sightlines due to its thoughtful construction. Consulting the seating chart and reviews from previous attendees can help you choose the best seats for your preferences.
How to stay updated on future renovations or capacity changes at the Marriott Center?
The official BYU Athletics website and the BYU newsroom are the best sources for announcements regarding future renovations, capacity changes, or major facility upgrades at the Marriott Center.
