Have you ever wondered just how many people can pack into the iconic Marriott Center, feeling the roar of the crowd during a thrilling basketball game or the collective awe during a spiritual devotional? It's more than just a number; it's about the experience of a massive, unified audience! Let's dive into the fascinating details of the Marriott Center's seating capacity and what makes it such a remarkable venue.
Step 1: Discovering the Current Capacity – The Most Up-to-Date Figure!
So, how many seats does the Marriott Center hold right now? The answer is a dynamic one, as the venue has undergone several renovations over the years. As of the latest information, the Marriott Center's official seating capacity for basketball games is 17,978.
Isn't that an interesting number? It reflects recent upgrades aimed at enhancing the fan experience, which often involves replacing older, denser seating with more comfortable options, even if it slightly reduces the overall count. This capacity makes it the largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference and one of the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the entire United States!
Step 2: A Look Back in Time – The Marriott Center's Evolving Seating
The Marriott Center wasn't always at its current capacity. Like many large venues, it has adapted over the decades to improve comfort, accessibility, and modern amenities.
Sub-heading: The Grand Opening Capacity
When the Marriott Center first opened its doors in 1971, it was truly a behemoth. It originally held a staggering 22,700 seats. This made it, at the time, one of the largest college arenas in the United States! Imagine the energy in that space when it was completely filled!
Sub-heading: Renovations and Reductions (2012-Present)
Over the years, to modernize the facility and enhance the spectator experience, Brigham Young University (BYU) has undertaken several significant renovations. These improvements, while providing a better atmosphere for fans, led to slight reductions in overall seating capacity:
2012 Renovations: In April 2012, BYU announced renovations that involved replacing some of the lower bench seating with prime chair seating. This brought the capacity down from 22,700 to 20,951.
Post-2015 Renovations: Further replacements of remaining lower bench seating after the 2015 season reduced the capacity to around 18,987. These updates also included new video boards and the addition of the Marriott Center Annex for practice facilities.
2022 Updates: The most recent seating updates in 2022 further adjusted the capacity to its current figure of 17,978. These changes are a testament to the ongoing commitment to providing a top-tier experience for attendees.
Step 3: Understanding the Seating Layout – Where Do All Those Seats Go?
The Marriott Center's design is optimized for a grand, immersive experience, primarily for basketball and large-scale university events like devotionals and forums.
Sub-heading: Lower Bowl vs. Upper Bowl
The arena's seating is generally divided into two main sections:
The Lower Bowl: These seats are closer to the court or stage and are often preferred by those who want to be as close to the action as possible. Many of these seats are now padded chairs, offering greater comfort.
The Upper Bowl: Providing a more panoramic view of the entire arena, the upper bowl seats are ideal for those who enjoy taking in the full scope of the event. These may consist of a mix of plastic chairs and bleacher seating.
Sub-heading: Unique Features and Dimensions
The Marriott Center is truly massive! Consider these impressive facts:
It measures 380 by 340 feet, covering nearly three acres – that's enough space to place two football fields side by side!
The roof, a massive structure itself, is 10 stories high and secured by an astonishing 50,000 bolts.
About 40 percent of the seats are located below the concourse level, giving a sense of being truly "in the action."
The distance around the concourse level is a quarter of a mile, perfect for stretching your legs during a break!
Step 4: Beyond Basketball – Other Events and Their Seating Needs
While most famous as the home of the BYU Cougars men's and women's basketball teams, the Marriott Center is a multi-purpose arena that hosts a variety of significant events.
Sub-heading: Devotionals and Forums
A core part of the BYU experience, weekly campus devotionals and forums are regularly held in the Marriott Center. For these events, the full seating capacity is often utilized, as students, faculty, and community members gather.
Sub-heading: Concerts and Special Events
The flexible nature of the arena allows it to transform for concerts, conventions, and other special events. While the total capacity for these events may vary slightly depending on stage setup and specific configurations, it generally leverages the majority of the available seating.
Step 5: Planning Your Visit – Getting the Best Seat
If you're planning to attend an event at the Marriott Center, understanding the seating dynamics can enhance your experience.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your View
Courtside Seats: For basketball, these offer the ultimate immersive experience, putting you right on the floor.
Center Court Seats: Directly facing the center, these provide a balanced and comprehensive view of the entire arena.
Corner Seats: Often more affordably priced, corner seats can still offer excellent views, especially for basketball, giving a unique perspective on plays developing along the sidelines.
Sub-heading: Accessibility Considerations
The Marriott Center is designed to be accessible. There is an elevator that stops on three levels: the playing floor level, the ticket lobby, and the concourse level. When purchasing tickets, it's always advisable to inquire about accessible seating options if needed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 "How to" questions related to the Marriott Center's seating and events, with quick answers:
How to find the Marriott Center's current seating capacity? The current seating capacity for basketball games is 17,978.
How to know if a specific event will use the full seating capacity? For major events like BYU basketball games, campus devotionals, and large concerts, the full listed capacity is generally available. Smaller or specialized events might use different configurations. Check the event's specific ticketing information.
How to get tickets for events at the Marriott Center? Tickets can typically be purchased through the official BYU Tickets website (byutickets.evenue.net) or authorized ticketing platforms like SeatGeek or TicketIQ.
How to understand the Marriott Center seating chart? Online ticketing platforms usually provide interactive seating charts. Generally, seats are divided into lower and upper bowls, with section numbers and seat numbers. Lower numbered seats in a section are often closer to the preceding section (or the center of the stage for concerts).
How to find accessible seating at the Marriott Center? Contact the BYU Ticket Office directly or look for specific accessible seating options when purchasing tickets online. The arena has an elevator for access to different levels.
How to get to the Marriott Center? The Marriott Center is located on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Public transit, including UVX (at BYU Stadium station), can be used, and parking information is usually available on the BYU Athletics website.
How to know if my seats are in the "lower bowl" or "upper bowl"? Seating charts will clearly indicate whether sections are in the lower or upper levels. Generally, sections numbered 1-24 are typically considered the lower bowl, while higher-numbered sections are in the upper bowl.
How to tell if my seats will have a good view? Interactive seating charts on ticketing websites often provide "seat views" from specific sections, allowing you to get a virtual idea of your vantage point before purchasing.
How to know what other events are held at the Marriott Center besides basketball? The Marriott Center hosts weekly campus devotionals and forums, as well as various concerts, conventions, and other special events throughout the year. Check the BYU Events Calendar (calendar.byu.edu) or event ticketing sites for a comprehensive list.
How to find out about future renovations or capacity changes? Official announcements regarding major renovations or capacity adjustments are usually made by Brigham Young University or BYU Athletics. Stay updated by checking their official news releases or athletic department websites.
