They say it’s among the loudest arenas in college athletics, and the Thunderdome on game days definitely lives up to its name. Home to Gaucho basketball and volleyball, this 4,000-seat house of sport is no stranger to raucous crowds, even in the spartan days of bleacher seating. Now that it’s got a 54-foot 4K video board and, phew, padded seats, screaming fans enjoy primo comforts.
Feel the thunder
UCSB Athletics
In the zone
Who needs a crowd? The bleachers may be sparse but this athlete is locked in. Judging by the short shorts, it's no surprise this shot dates to 1984, not long before the Gauchos first joined The Big West conference.
Photo by Jeff Liang
Up and away
Bigger crowds in proper seats, in a much modernized gym? Yes, please. Also note: longer shorts. What hasn’t changed is that fierce Gaucho focus, keeping the basketball program at or near the top of The Big West rankings for decades.
