Home of the Wichita State University Shockers! The "Roundhouse."
I grew up watching players like Xavier McDaniel grace the courts of Henry Levitt Arena, so when they built Koch to replace it...I was worried. However, Koch succeeded in keeping everything I loved about Levitt while creating a gorgeous state-of-the-art facility! Koch Arena is known throughout college basketball as an amazing environment, but until you experience it first hand you have no idea! There is not a bad seat in the house (unlike Allen Fieldhouse) due to the high raking seating arrangement creating a very intimate atmosphere. The staff is amazing, the food vendors are great, and the environment is electric! The shape of the domed ceiling causes all the crowd noise to be funneled down onto the court creating a very tough atmosphere for visiting teams. The power behind that noise is the best attribute to Koch Arena; the fans.
WSU fans support their teams passionately and when 10,000+ fans assemble for every men's basketball game it is easy to see why this arena has earned the prestige it has throughout college basketball. I have been privileged to get to attend games at many arenas around the world and the United States. When I go to Creighton games at CentryLink Center in Omaha I've been boo'd, shoved, blocked from going to the bathroom, called names, and had objects thrown at me. That would NEVER happen at Koch. We root for our team, we cheer for the win, but we never make opposing teams and their fans feel unsafe. We're Wichitans...we're friendly.
So if you live in Wichita and you haven't been to a game, don't miss out. If you are visiting with your team and playing against the Shockers...come on in! We're happy to have you here...we're just gonna win. Seriously, this is the best arena atmosphere in men's college basketball.
GO SHOCKS!!! read more