Maples Pavilion (Stanford)

Named for Roscoe Maples – a generous donor and 1904 Stanford alumnus – Maples Pavilion is a 7,329-seat arena in the heart of Stanford, California.

Built in 1969 for $3.24 million and designed by John Warnecke, Maples Pavilion serves as the home to several Stanford Cardinal teams including men’s volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball.

The renovation was largely focused on the amelioration of what was called the “Missed Stair Effect.” This effect was the direct result of the very springy floor of the Maples Pavilion. The oddly engineered floor confused athletes and their bodies when attempting to land after shooting, causing numerous injuries.

The rowdy Stanford students’ section – nicknamed the “6th Man” – is located courtside and famously roots for the men’s basketball team.

Besides games at Maples, one of the most notable events at Maples Pavilion was when the Dalai Lama took to the court in October 2011, addressing a standing-room-only audience on his secular thoughts about compassion.