Arena-Auditorium

Imagine the highest NCAA Division I basketball court in the USA. We're talking about the unique Arena-Auditorium, located in the city of Laramie. It's not just a sports facility, but a true symbol of Wyoming, affectionately nicknamed the "Dome of Doom" or even the "Pimple on the Prairie" by locals due to its characteristic dome shape in the middle of the plains.

Opened in 1982, the arena is the home court for the university's Wyoming Cowboys and Wyoming Cowgirls. At an elevation of 2,201 meters above sea level, the thin air creates a significant home-court advantage, making every game a true endurance test for visiting teams. The seating capacity is 11,612, creating a powerful wave of support during major games.

In 2017, the facility underwent a massive $30 million renovation. Today, it is a modern multi-purpose space covering over 24,000 square meters, hosting not only thrilling sports battles but also large-scale concerts, shows, and significant community events.

For those planning to attend an event or who simply want to check information about upcoming games, the official contact details are provided below.

Visiting this venue is, first and foremost, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible atmosphere of American college sports. The main reason thousands of fans come here is for the basketball games. The energy of the stands supporting the local "Cowboys" and the tension of a game played at a record-breaking altitude leave an unforgettable impression on any visitor.

In addition to the games themselves, guests should check out the Sailors Gallery, located at the east entrance. Here you can see the legendary 1943 NCAA trophy and an impressive 18-foot bronze sculpture of Kenny Sailors—the man credited with inventing the modern jump shot. Interactive displays and a hall of fame provide more details about the history of sports in Wyoming.

Following its recent renovation, the arena has been made as comfortable as possible for spectators. Modern acoustics, excellent sightlines from every tier, and updated lounge areas make for a pleasant visit. For music lovers, the arena is also an attractive venue for world-class concerts that are periodically held within its walls.

Finding the Arena-Auditorium is easy—it is located right on the University of Wyoming campus. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via Interstate 80 (I-80). After turning towards the east or west of the city, you will reach your destination in just about 10 minutes from the highway exit.

The War Memorial stadium is located next to the arena, offering ample parking. On game days, staff are on hand to assist with parking. From the downtown area, you can reach the venue by taxi or Uber in just a few minutes, or, if you prefer, enjoy a walk while taking in the atmosphere of the college campus.

The history of the Arena-Auditorium began in the early 1980s. The construction of this massive dome cost $15 million, and it opened its doors on February 20, 1982. The project was designed by the architectural firm Arena Associates, creating a structure that became an architectural landmark of the local landscape.

Interestingly, the original seating capacity was significantly higher at over 15,000 seats. However, during a 2014 modernization to improve comfort and create new club seating areas, the capacity was reduced to 11,612. This allowed the space to become more modern and cozy while preserving its legendary acoustics and "home-court" feel.

A significant milestone in the facility's history was the major renovation of 2016–2017. This was the largest fundraising project for basketball in the university's history. It was then that the Sailors Gallery was added, firmly linking the building's modern appearance with the team's great sporting past, specifically their 1943 NCAA championship victory.

When planning a visit for a game or a major show, you should allow approximately 2–3 hours. This time is enough to pass through security, find your seats, enjoy the main program, and leave the building without rushing after the event.

If you just want to see the architecture and visit the internal trophy galleries during non-game times, 30 to 60 minutes will suffice. A total visit, including parking and a short walk around the campus, can take up to half a day, especially if you decide to visit the neighboring university museums.

The facility's operating hours depend directly on the schedule of planned events. Generally, doors open for spectators 1–2 hours before the start of a basketball game or concert. On regular days, access to the interior may be restricted by university regulations.

Since there are no fixed visiting hours for casual sightseeing, it is recommended to check the current event calendar on the official athletic website gowyo.com in advance to ensure you don't miss an interesting game or to confirm the possibility of visiting the galleries.

After attending a game or touring the stadium, exploring the surrounding area is a great way to continue your day. Numerous interesting spots are within walking distance of the campus, where you can discuss the game over lunch or experience the city's cultural life.