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Marriott Center
Marriott Center
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The Marriott Center is a multi-purpose arena in the western United States, located on the campus of Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. It is home to the BYU Cougars men's and women's basketball teams. The seating capacity for basketball games at the Marriott Center is officially 17,978. It is the largest basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference and is among the largest on-campus basketball arenas in the nation.

Key Information

In addition to basketball, the Marriott Center is used for weekly campus devotionals and forums.

The elevation of the court is approximately 4,650 feet (1,420 m) above sea level.

History

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The Marriott Center was named in honor of benefactor and hotel tycoon J. Willard Marriott, founder of the Marriott Corporation. When the arena opened 55 years ago in 1971, it passed the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena as the largest college basketball arena in the nation. It was also the largest venue in the nation built for basketball, larger than any NBA (or ABA) arena at that time. It lost both distinctions when the University of Kentucky opened Rupp Arena in 1976 but remained as the largest basketball-specific facility on a U.S. college campus until 1987, when the University of Tennessee opened Thompson–Boling Arena.

The Marriott Center, circa 1971

Prior to 1971, the Cougars played basketball games at the Smith Fieldhouse, which remains the primary venue for volleyball and gymnastics. The court was replaced in 2003 with a permanent floor.

The Marriott Center has hosted the West Regionals of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament four times (1972, 1977, 1979, 1982), and the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament in 1988.

On February 7, 1993, Cody Judy threatened Howard W. Hunter, president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), with a supposed bomb in front of a crowd of 15,000–17,000 onlookers in the Marriott Center.[1][2]

A devotional gathering featuring Gordon B. Hinckley, the LDS Church's president, on October 17, 1995, drew the largest crowd to ever attend an activity at the arena: 25,875 people.[3]

In 1999, the Marriott Center set an NCAA record for highest attendance for a men's volleyball match: 14,156 volleyball enthusiasts watched BYU defeat Long Beach State on February 19, shattering the previous record of 10,225 (held by Hawaii).[4]

Renovations

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The Marriott Center in 2017

In April 2012, BYU announced renovations to the Marriott Center. The lower bench seating on the north side was replaced with prime chair seating. A new sound system was installed, and the men's and women's locker rooms were renovated. The changes in the lower seating lowered the Marriott Center’s capacity from 22,700 to 20,951.[5]

The remaining lower bench seating was replaced after the 2015 season, lowering seating capacity to around 19,000.[6] The new renovation also installed new video boards in the arena and added the Marriott Center Annex building, where practice sessions take place for both BYU's men's and women's basketball teams.[4] The Marriott Center Annex was placed between the Marriott Center and the BYU Broadcasting Building.[2]

Seating was updated again in 2022, lowering the capacity to 17,978.[7][8]

The Marriott Center has the largest seating capacity of any basketball arena in the Big 12 Conference.[9] As of October 2021, it had the eighth largest seating capacity of on-campus basketball arenas in the United States.[10]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Marriott Center is a multi-purpose arena on the campus of (BYU) in , serving primarily as the home venue for the men's and women's basketball teams. Opened on December 3, 1971, it was named in honor of , the founder of the , who was a prominent donor to the university. With a seating capacity of 17,978 as of 2026 following 2022 renovations that installed all-blue, wider, padded chairs for improved comfort and legroom—down from 18,987—the arena ranks as the largest on-campus basketball facility in the and one of the largest in the United States. Beyond , the Marriott Center hosts a wide array of university and community events, including weekly devotionals and forums on Tuesdays at 11:05 a.m., performances, concerts, firesides, and commencement exercises. Its design features a distinctive roof weighing 2.5 million pounds, supported by 38 steel columns, and a continuous with 22 portals for efficient access. In 2017, the completion of the adjacent Marriott Center Annex—a 38,000-square-foot facility funded by private donors—added amenities such as a replica , multiple practice hoops, strength and conditioning areas, training rooms, offices, meeting spaces, study lounges, and a hall of honor to support athletic programs. Upgrades as of included new LED video boards measuring 24 feet by 18 feet above the court and additional screens under the scoreboard, enhancing the spectator experience. The arena's atmosphere has earned it recognition as one of the toughest home-court advantages in , with average attendance of 17,054 fans per game in the 2024–25 season.

Overview

Location and Naming

The Marriott Center is situated on the campus of (BYU) in , at 701 E University Parkway. As the university's flagship indoor arena, it serves as the primary on-campus venue for BYU's athletic department, hosting a range of sports and events central to the institution's programs. The arena derives its name from , the founder of the hospitality company now known as , in recognition of a substantial donation exceeding $1 million from the Marriott family that supported its in 1971. This philanthropic contribution resolved earlier debates over the facility's naming and underscored the family's longstanding ties to BYU and the surrounding community. The Marriott Center officially opened on December 3, 1971, with its inaugural men's game drawing a near-capacity crowd of over 22,000 spectators. The arena was dedicated on February 4, 1973, in a presided over by Church President , who highlighted its role as a multi-purpose facility for athletics, assemblies, and university events; was prominently honored for his pivotal role in enabling the project.

Capacity and Layout

The Marriott Center originally opened in 1971 with a of 23,054, comprising 10,092 seats, 12,590 seats, and 372 additional spaces. This design made it one of the largest on-campus arenas at the time, accommodating a broad range of spectators around the central playing area. Following subsequent updates to enhance comfort and sightlines, including a 2022 renovation that replaced upper bowl seating with all-blue padded chairs and removed seats, reducing the capacity from 18,987 to 17,978, the arena's seating capacity for basketball games is 17,978 as of 2026, featuring a mix of and bench seating across its multi-tiered bowls. The lower bowl primarily utilizes individual seats, while the upper sections incorporate both chairs and longer bench rows to optimize space and visibility. The arena features an oval-shaped configuration with a standard NCAA measuring 94 feet by 50 feet at its center, surrounded by raised, multi-tiered seating that rises to a equivalent to 10 stories. The overall building footprint spans approximately 380 feet by 340 feet, covering nearly three acres or about 130,000 square feet under its expansive roof. This layout supports efficient flow for large crowds while maintaining close proximity to the action for most seats. Accessibility is integrated through designated wheelchair sections located at the concourse level near portals F, H, L, T, and Y, with policies requiring tickets for these areas during paid events and first-come, first-served access for general admission free events, allowing one companion per wheelchair user. Additional support includes assisted listening devices available at sound booths and limited borrowable wheelchairs at guest services, ensuring compliance with venue standards for patrons with disabilities.

History

Construction and Opening

Planning for the Marriott Center began in the late 1960s under the leadership of President Ernest L. Wilkinson, aimed at replacing the Fieldhouse, which had hosted BYU games from 1951 to 1971 and was no longer adequate for growing attendance and modern needs. Construction commenced in the spring of 1970 with groundbreaking ceremonies, marking the start of a major project to create a multi-purpose arena capable of seating over 22,000 spectators. The design was led by Robert A. Fowler Associated Architects, a local firm providing master planning and full architectural services, in collaboration with structural engineers Baumann Christensen & Associates. Key features included a pioneering single-span roof with steel weighing more than 2.5 million pounds and spanning 130,000 square feet, engineered for durability and versatility in hosting athletic and assembly events. The roof was assembled on the ground and then hoisted 100 feet into place using hydraulic jacks. The site was formerly occupied by Wyview Village, a collection of war surplus homes that were removed to make way for the arena. The project spanned approximately 20 months and reached completion in December 1971, with a total cost exceeding $6 million—the largest and most expensive structure on the BYU campus at the time. Funding came from university bonds covering roughly half the expenses, supplemented by private donations, including a major contribution from , founder of the and the arena's namesake. The Marriott Center opened with its first event on December 3, 1971: a men's game between the and the . Drawing a capacity crowd of 22,652 spectators, BYU secured a 78-72 victory in the debut matchup at the new facility.

Early Operations

Following the completion of construction in December 1971, the BYU men's program transitioned from the Fieldhouse—its home since 1951 with a capacity of approximately 10,500—to the newly opened Marriott Center. This move involved relocating the team, coaching staff, and essential equipment, such as the apparatus and training gear, to accommodate the arena's vastly expanded scale just weeks before the inaugural events. The logistics were streamlined to ensure readiness for the facility's debut, marking a significant upgrade in venue size and functionality for the Cougars. The Marriott Center's high capacity of over 22,000 seats immediately drew record-breaking crowds, establishing it as the largest on-campus arena in the United States at the time. The opening doubleheader on December 3-4, 1971, featuring BYU against Kansas State and Saint Joseph's, attracted 22,652 spectators, highlighting the venue's appeal but also initial challenges in managing large-scale ingress and egress for such volumes. Early games often approached or exceeded 20,000 attendees, with a mid-1970s high school matchup between Provo and Orem setting a national record for attendance, underscoring the need for adaptive measures in the arena's first decade. Initial programming centered on BYU men's , with the 1971-72 season serving as the arena's foundational campaign under coach Stan Watts. The Cougars posted a 21-5 overall record, including a 12-2 mark in play to claim the regular-season title, and finished ranked No. 9 in the final poll. Highlights included the debut victory over Kansas State (78-72) and a subsequent win against Arizona State (111-102), both drawing substantial home crowds and demonstrating the team's strong start in the new facility. In the pre-1980s era, minor operational adjustments focused on optimizing the venue without major structural overhauls, including the implementation of the original suspended , which enhanced performance and remained in service for decades. Basic enhancements to and the scoring were also introduced to support growing event demands, ensuring reliable and game tracking for and emerging non-athletic uses like the arena's formal dedication in February 1973. These tweaks addressed early programming needs while preserving the facility's core design.

Facilities and Architecture

Design Features

The Marriott Center's structural design employs a steel-framed construction highlighted by its innovative space frame roof, which consists of a single large steel truss weighing 2.5 million pounds and spanning 130,000 square feet. Supported by 38 steel columns, the roof was prefabricated at ground level and elevated 35 feet into position using hydraulic jacks during construction in 1971, representing the largest such lift attempted at the time. This engineering approach ensured unobstructed interior space while optimizing visibility for spectators. The building's materials reflect practical durability suited to its multi-purpose role, with the exterior clad in golden buff brick featuring a patterned design and rounded corners for aesthetic integration with the . Internally, the original basketball court utilized a suspended wood flooring system engineered for resiliency, incorporating extensive underlying to absorb impacts and support athletic performance. This , combined with column-free sightlines, provided clear views from all seats in the arena's layout. The venue's acoustic properties stem from its original high-volume interior, with a ceiling height of approximately from the playing to the , facilitating natural amplification that enhances the energy of crowds and echoes announcements effectively. The design further contributes to even distribution without reflective barriers. Safety features in the original 1971 construction adhered to 1970s building standards, incorporating numerous structural safeguards such as full with electronically filtered air to maintain for large gatherings. exits were strategically integrated to ensure efficient evacuation for crowds exceeding 18,000.

Amenities and Technical Upgrades

The Marriott Center provides visitors with a range of amenities focused on comfort and convenience, including numerous concession stands distributed around the level. These stands feature diverse offerings from vendors such as R&R BBQ, , Costa Vida, and BYU Signature Concessions, with options for mobile ordering to streamline service during events. Restrooms are conveniently located on the level, with men's -accessible facilities near portals L and Y, women's near portals U and G, and family/single-occupant options at the northwest and southwest entrances; additional features include changing stations in restrooms and a dedicated Mother's Room between portals S and T. The arena includes luxury suites, offering premium seating with enhanced amenities such as private viewing areas and dedicated service for an upscale experience. Guest services further support , with free assisted listening devices available at the sound booth between portals G and H, and wheelchair transport options at the Guest Services booth between portals A and Y. Technical upgrades enhance operational functionality, beginning with the original 1971 installations of basic scoreboards and lighting systems to support early events. Subsequent updates include new scoreboards in 1983 and advanced LED video boards in 2015 for improved visuals, while the 2021 refresh introduced a lighter wood tone and an updated BYU script font at the baseline. Following renovations that reduced capacity from an original 22,700 to 19,000 seats as of 2015, the arena maintains one of the largest on-campus venues. Broadcast facilities consist of a press room located just off the playing floor, accommodating media with workspaces, and designated camera positions for television coverage, requiring credentials for professional equipment use. In 2024, the venue installed a new loudspeaker system, comprising main arrays, delays, and subwoofers to deliver uniform, high-clarity audio throughout the nearly 18,000-seat arena, optimizing sound distribution for announcements, music, and broadcasts without major structural changes.

Sports Usage

Basketball Programs

The Marriott Center has served as the primary venue for the team since the arena's opening in December 1971. Over more than five decades, the Cougars have compiled an exceptional all-time record at the facility, achieving a exceeding 80 percent across hundreds of games. Key highlights include multiple extended winning streaks, such as a program-record 53 consecutive home victories from 2005 to 2008 and another 44-game streak from 2000 to 2003, which underscore the arena's role in fostering sustained success during the early years of play there. In the 1970s, the team established strong home dominance shortly after transitioning from the Fieldhouse, contributing to the venue's reputation for reliable performance advantages. The women's basketball program, which began competing in 1973, has shared the Marriott Center as its home court since its inaugural season, benefiting from the same facilities and scheduling priorities as the men's team. The women's team has hosted several pivotal conference achievements at the arena, including clinching the 2022 West Coast Conference regular-season championship with a decisive home victory over Gonzaga. Notable home success includes multiple undefeated seasons at the Marriott Center, such as the 2020-21 campaign, highlighting the venue's consistent support for competitive edges in conference play. The arena's home court advantage is amplified by the "Marriott Center Magic," a describing the intense, supportive atmosphere generated by BYU fans that has earned the venue a ranking among the toughest places to play in according to NCAA.com. This energy stems from high crowd noise levels, often enhanced by sound system upgrades designed to boost impact during games, and longstanding fan traditions like the pep band performances that historically energized the lower bowl. Statistically, the men's team maintains a home win percentage around 88 percent in recent decades, while both programs average attendance figures that rank among the national top 25, typically exceeding 15,000 fans per game for men's contests and drawing record crowds for women's matchups, such as the 6,289 attendees for a 2022 WCC-clinching win.

Volleyball and Other Athletics

The Marriott Center serves as a secondary venue for Brigham Young University's men's and women's programs, which primarily compete at the George Albert Smith Fieldhouse, accommodating high-profile matches that exceed the smaller arena's capacity. For women's , the facility has hosted select games since at least the , including a 1986 matchup against that drew 3,975 spectators and set a then-school attendance record for the sport. The basketball court's adaptation for involves installing temporary nets, boundary lines, and end zones over the existing hardwood floor to create a playing surface. Men's volleyball has utilized the Marriott Center more prominently for marquee regular-season contests, notably during the 1999 season when BYU defeated 3-1 in front of 14,156 fans, establishing an NCAA single-match attendance record at the time. This game was part of BYU's path to its first that year, highlighting the venue's role in amplifying the program's visibility and fan engagement for nationally ranked opponents. While not a regular site for club or exhibition matches, the arena's expansive seating—over 18,000 capacity—allows for larger crowds compared to the Fieldhouse's 5,000 seats, contributing to peak attendance metrics that underscore the sport's popularity at BYU. Beyond , the Marriott Center is the dedicated home for BYU women's , hosting all home competitions since the program's early years in the arena. The facility's layout supports gymnastics events through the setup of apparatus like balance beams, , vaults, and floor exercise areas on the main floor, with configured for optimal viewing. For instance, the 2026 schedule includes five home meets at the venue, including an opener against Oregon State on January 9.

Events and Performances

Concerts and Entertainment

The Marriott Center has hosted a wide array of musical performances since its opening, establishing itself as a key venue for live entertainment in . In the 1970s and 1980s, the arena welcomed prominent acts that drew large crowds from across the region, including , , , , America, , and . These concerts often featured high-energy productions, such as the ' 1976 show with comedian as the opening act, highlighting the venue's early role in blending pop, rock, and family-oriented entertainment. Later performances in this era included in 1987 and in 1988, both attracting thousands. Into the 1990s and beyond, the Marriott Center continued to host notable artists, with returning in 1993 and performing in the same year. More recent entertainment includes Kristin Chenoweth's 2018 appearance during BYU's Spectacular, alongside university performing groups, and Ben Rector's 2019 show featuring pop-rock sets. These events underscore the venue's adaptability for diverse musical genres, from to contemporary vocal performances. For large-scale concerts, the Marriott Center employs temporary stage adaptations, including specialized flooring over the and overhead rigging for and systems, to accommodate production needs while preserving the arena floor. These modifications allow for configurations that support up to approximately 19,000 attendees, slightly adjusted from the standard 18,987 to optimize sightlines and safety. The venue's acoustic features, enhanced by recent upgrades like the 2024 K2 system, further support high-quality audio for these productions. BYU's annual entertainment series, such as Marriott Madness, integrates music and festivities to kick off the season. The 2025 edition, held on October 9, featured a pre-game party with live performances, followed by an intrasquad scrimmage, drawing thousands of students and fans for an energetic atmosphere. Major shows at the Marriott Center contribute to local economic activity through ticket sales and boosted , as out-of-town visitors fill nearby hotels and businesses during peak events. For instance, high-demand concerts like Neil Diamond's 1976 performance sold out the full arena, stimulating regional spending on accommodations and dining.

Notable Non-Sporting Events

The Marriott Center has served as the primary venue for University's annual commencement ceremonies since 1972, marking the transition from the previous Fieldhouse following the arena's opening in December 1971. These events typically feature addresses from university leaders and guest speakers, with graduates, faculty, and families filling the lower bowl and portions of the upper seating areas. In 2025, for instance, 7,194 graduates participated in the ceremony held on April 24, drawing a substantial audience to celebrate academic achievements. Overflow seating in adjacent venues like the Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center accommodates additional attendees when demand exceeds the arena's 19,000-seat capacity. Religious and cultural events tied to BYU's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been a cornerstone of the Marriott Center's non-sporting usage, including weekly devotionals and larger special gatherings. These devotionals, held every Tuesday during the academic year, feature inspirational talks by faculty, church leaders, and visiting speakers, fostering spiritual reflection for students, staff, and the broader community. Notable examples include addresses by members of the Apostles, such as Elder in 2022 and Elder Brian K. Taylor in 2024, emphasizing themes of and discipleship. The arena also hosts the annual BYU Women's , the world's largest gathering of Latter-day women, which in 2025 attracted over 12,000 participants for sessions on , , and personal growth across multiple days in late April and early May. Community events at the Marriott Center have included large-scale lectures and assemblies that address societal issues, leveraging the venue's multi-purpose layout for flexible staging and audio-visual setups. These gatherings often utilize the center's extensive seating configuration, with end-stage or in-the-round arrangements to maximize and . The Marriott Center has recorded some of its highest non-sporting attendances during these events, underscoring its role in accommodating large crowds through efficient logistical planning, such as expanded entry points and broadcast capabilities. The all-time record crowd of 25,875 occurred on October 17, 1995, for a devotional address by Church President , exceeding the arena's original 22,000-seat capacity through standing-room accommodations and overflow viewing areas. Such peaks highlight the venue's design for high-density events, with reinforced infrastructure to handle simultaneous influxes of attendees from the local community and beyond.

Renovations and Expansions

1970s to 2000s Modifications

In the decades following its 1971 opening, the Marriott Center received targeted modifications to maintain functionality and address wear from intensive use, primarily funded through University's operational maintenance budgets. These updates emphasized incremental improvements rather than large-scale expansions, preserving the arena's original capacity of approximately 22,700 seats. A key enhancement in the occurred in November 1983, when a new 5-ton was installed at the arena's . Equipped with a Mark 500 computer system, it enabled the display of text messages, graphics, and animations, significantly improving the visual experience for spectators during games, matches, and other events. The saw continued focus on technical upgrades to support broadcasting needs, though documentation of specific projects like enhanced lighting remains limited in historical records. By the early , attention turned to core infrastructure. In 2006, the original suspended hardwood basketball floor—installed in 1971 and used for over 35 years—was replaced with a modern Connor Uniforce system. This update, which included seismic reinforcements to the structure, enhanced player performance and overall safety without altering seating capacity. The final game on the legacy floor was a victory over the , symbolizing the end of an era for the venue's foundational elements.

2012-2022 Upgrades

In 2012, initiated major renovations to the Marriott Center, focusing on enhancing spectator comfort and audiovisual capabilities. The project involved removing lower bowl bench seating and installing 1,800 premium padded chairs, which reduced the arena's capacity from 22,700 to 20,900. Additionally, a new sound system was added to improve the overall fan experience. By 2015, further upgrades continued the seating improvements by completing the replacement of yellow chairs with more comfortable padded options throughout the lower bowl, reducing the capacity to 19,000, and initiating planning for an adjacent annex facility. The upgrades also included the installation of new state-of-the-art LED video boards measuring 24 feet by 18 feet above the court. These changes aimed to modernize the venue while preparing for expanded support infrastructure. The renovations were part of a broader effort to maintain the arena's competitiveness in college athletics. The Marriott Center Annex, a 38,000-square-foot addition, was dedicated on February 7, 2017, by Elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Connected directly to the main arena, it includes two full-size practice courts replicating the Marriott Center floor, office spaces for coaches, a strength and conditioning center, a training room with features, team lounges, study areas, and the BYU Hall of Honor. This facility significantly enhanced training and operational resources for both men's and programs. Seating finalization occurred in 2022, converting all benches to blue premium chairs for uniformity and improved aesthetics, resulting in a net loss of 846 seats and a reduced capacity of 17,978. This update prioritized comfort and branding consistency without altering the arena's core layout. In 2024, the audio infrastructure received a significant upgrade with the installation of an system, featuring main arrays and delays to deliver clearer sound across the venue for games and events. This enhancement addressed evolving demands for high-fidelity audio in a large-capacity space.

References

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