Pauley Pavilion Information

Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion, or more commonly known as Pauley Pavilion, is a multipurpose indoor arena. It is located in the Westwood Village district of Los Angeles, California, on the campus of UCLA. It is home to the UCLA Bruins men’s and women’s basketball teams. The men’s and women’s volleyball and women’s gymnastics teams compete here as well.

Pauley Pavilion contains 11,307 permanent theater-style upholstered seats, plus retractable seats for 2,492 spectators (466 seats without backs used by the band and students), making a total basketball capacity of 13,800. The capacity prior to the renovation (12,829) had been exceeded several times for several men’s basketball games by adding portable seating alongside the retractable seats.

The arena went through a major renovation from 2010 till 2012. Pauley Pavilion was reopened on November 9, 2012, in front of a record crowd of 13,513. Then a new record was set when 13,727 fans watched the Bruins defeat the Arizona Wildcats 74–69 on March 2, 2013.

Additionally, when the floor seats of Pauley Pavilion are retracted, there is space for three full-sized basketball courts. These courts are used for team practice, intramural games, and pickup basketball games. It can also serve as a convention hall or large dining area when in this configuration, making the stadium a great multipurpose venue.

Where else, when used for men’s volleyball, the basketball court is striped with colored tape. The volleyball net is erected at the half court line. The women’s team uses blue and yellow Sport Court lined up perpendicularly to the basketball court tucked up to the east end of the court.

One of the features of the stadium is the tunnel on the south side through which trucks and service vehicles may enter. It is also considered the “backstage” entrance for players, performers, and broadcast personnel to enter the court. The wooden floor is called “Nell and John Wooden Court” in honor of former UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden and his wife Nell.

Before the construction of the Pavilion, the on-campus home to the UCLA Bruins men’s basketball team was the 2,400-seat Men’s Gym. It is currently known as the Student Activities Center, but then derogatorily known as the “B. O. barn.” After John Wooden led the Bruins to the national championship in 1964, a more suitable arena was clearly needed to be constructed. However, it had been obvious even before then that the Bruins needed a new arena. Since 1955, the Men’s Gym’s capacity had been limited to 1,500 by order of the Los Angeles fire marshal. Thus, major games that were expected to attract larger crowds were played at Pan Pacific Auditorium, the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, and other venues around Los Angeles.

H.R. Haldeman (Chief of Staff of Nixon White House 1969-1973) spear headed the campaign to build a state-of-the-art sports arena. A million dollars was raised, which was matched by a donation from Edwin W. Pauley. The building was dedicated to the University of California Regent Edwin W. Pauley, at the June 1965 commencement ceremony by UCLA Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy.

The facility opened for the 1965–1966 college basketball season. The first game ever played in Pauley Pavilion was on November 27, 1965. It featured the freshmen team, led by Lew Alcindor, against the UCLA varsity squad, the two-time defending champions, and preseason No. 1 team. The freshmen, led by Alcindor’s 31 points and 21 rebounds, defeated the reigning varsity team 75-60. It was a surprise considering the varsity squad had finished as number one in the nation in the preseason. Ohio State was the first visiting team in the regular season and the Bruins defeated the Buckeyes in the inaugural game 92-66. Pauley Pavilion hosted its first NCAA Regional Finals in the 1969 post-season. The Bruins advanced from there to win the 1969 Championship.

In 2008, UCLA chose NBBJ as the architect firm for the new renovation and expansion project of Pauley Pavilion. According to a 2008 article in the UCLA Daily Bruin, “UCLA initially announced the project Jan. 11, 2007, when it hoped to have construction completed by legendary basketball coach John Wooden’s 100th birthday, Oct. 14, 2010. Since that announcement, the project has moved slowly, as UCLA has sought to raise funds for the project.”

The NBBJ design included an exterior glass concourse with natural light and room for concessions, restrooms, and merchandise. A revamped bowl with tilt-up seats, room for 1,000 additional fans, and better views of the court was part of the plan too. Furthermore, a Pavilion Club that accommodates up to 300 guests with food and bar service; and new men’s and women’s locker rooms, court floor, scoreboards, and media spaces were added.

The design also pays homage to the legacy of former UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden, who led the Bruins to win a record 10 NCAA championships in 12 years. A statue of Coach Wooden is located at the main North entrance to the building. Where else, the east concourse is named Wooden Way. There is also a coach’s seat in section 104, row B, seat 6 — the only seat in Pauley Pavilion colored yellow instead of Bruin blue; and the floor bears the name of “Neil and John Wooden Court.”

The university unveiled the Pauley Pavilion renovation plans to the public. The kicked off the fund-raising campaign was on May 11, 2009, at Pauley and a groundbreaking ceremony was held a year later on May 11, 2010. Unfortunately, Wooden was in failing health and could not attend. He died three weeks after the groundbreaking ceremony, slightly more than four months before his 100th birthday.

Over the decades, multiple sporting and non-sporting events took place in Pauley Pavilion. A men’s basketball game against Indiana State on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, was the first game at the new facility. The game honors Wooden’s coaching career at both schools. It was also the venue for Nickelodeon’s annual Kids’ Choice Sports Awards from 2004-2010 and many other concerts by world-class celebrities like Jay-Z and Beyonce.

What Makes Pauley Pavilion Such a Legendary Venue?

Pauley Pavilion upholds a reputation for seamlessly blending its rich sports heritage with world-class entertainment. The venue combines an intimate atmosphere, modern facilities, and a prime location, creating an experience that larger arenas struggle to replicate.

The pavilion gained much of its legendary status through its long-standing association with the university’s basketball dynasty years under Coach John Wooden. Under Wooden’s leadership, the UCLA Bruins won 150 games while losing only three. It’s little surprise that this track record established the venue as one of the most intimidating in college sports. 

What distinguishes Pauley Pavilion from its counterparts at other locations?

• Historic significance: As home to UCLA basketball and volleyball programs, many of the legendary NCAA championship games won over the years have been played at this beloved venue.

• Versatile entertainment venue: Pauley Pavilion hosts concerts, award shows, and major events, including performances by icons like The Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa, and The Who.

• Modern amenities: The 2012 renovation of the pavilion added 70,000 square feet, expanded concourses and restroom facilities, and installed state-of-the-art sound systems with high-definition video boards.

• Intimate atmosphere: The arena’s bowl design ensures that no seating section sits too far from the playing surface. Even upper-level ticketholders can feel connected to the action, so they can be sure of an engaging experience at any featured game or concert.

• Prime location: Situated near Westwood Village, with easy access to top dining, shopping, and entertainment options, the pavilion offers convenience. It’s also only 8.6 miles away from Santa Monica Beach.

As you arrive at Pauley Pavilion, you might take note of its championship banners, retired jerseys, and historical displays throughout the concourses. The display almost creates a museum-like atmosphere, keeping you amazed at the history before the event even begins.

The Rich History of Pauley Pavilion

It started as a solution to UCLA’s growing basketball popularity, and today, Pauley Pavilion is one of college sports’ most iconic venues.

The Pavilion’s Origins and Construction

Pauley Pavilion’s six-decade history tells the story of athletic excellence, architectural innovation, and cultural significance. Its story begins with UCLA basketball’s success in the early 1960s, when the cramped Men’s Gym could no longer accommodate growing fan interest. By 1955, the Los Angeles fire marshal had restricted capacity to just 1,500 for safety reasons, forcing popular games to be held at bigger venues around Los Angeles.

When John Wooden led the Bruins to the 1964 national championship, the momentum for constructing a proper basketball arena became unstoppable. That campaign raised a million dollars, an amount then matched by Edwin W. Pauley, a member of the University of California Board of Regents. The investment funded the construction of what would become one of college basketball’s most hallowed destinations, and Pauley’s name is now synonymous with that legacy.

Construction began in 1964 with architect Welton Becket designing the facility. Becket, famous for designing the Capitol Records Tower, brought his modernist vision to the arena’s distinctive profile. The building was dedicated to Regent Edwin W. Pauley at UCLA’s June 1965 commencement ceremony.

The Wooden Dynasty Era

The first game played in Pauley Pavilion occurred on November 27, 1965, featuring an exhibition between UCLA’s freshman team and the defending national champion varsity squad. In a stunning upset, the freshmen, led by Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), defeated the pre-season top-ranked varsity team 75 to 60.

Until 1975, UCLA’s remarkable home court dominance established Pauley as a fearsome college sports venue for any visiting team. Coach Wooden’s teams captured eight NCAA championships while playing home games at Pauley. The winning streak at Pauley reached an astounding 98 games before Oregon ended it with a 65 to 45 victory on February 21, 1976, and this remains one of college basketball’s most remarkable records.  

Notable Events and Milestones at This UCLA Venue

UCLA women’s basketball established its own championship tradition by winning the 1978 AIAW Women’s Basketball Championship. Later, the 1984 Summer Olympics brought the venue international attention when Pauley hosted gymnastics competitions for a global audience.

Presidential politics have also featured when the venue hosted a 1988 presidential debate between George H.W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign also held a rally at Pauley before California’s presidential primary. Pauley Pavilion has also been a versatile space for major broadcasts, particularly for award shows like the MTV Video Music Awards, VH1 Rock Honors, and Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards ceremonies.

The $136 Million Renovation of the Pavilion

UCLA announced renovation plans for Pauley Pavilion in 2007, and groundbreaking occurred in 2010. The final cost reached $136 million. 

The renovation preserved Pauley’s essential character while adding approximately 70,000 square feet of new space. The project added state-of-the-art sound systems, high-definition video boards, and LED ribbon boards while maintaining the intimate feel.

The renovated Pauley Pavilion reopened on November 9, 2012, with UCLA facing Indiana State in front of a record crowd of 13,513 attendees. Coach Wooden’s failing health prevented his attendance at the opening, so it was heartwarming to see an eight-foot bronze statue of him dedicated outside the northeast corner. It’s a lasting tribute and still serves as a popular meeting point for the pavilion’s visitors.

For more information on the Pauley Pavilion at University of California, Los Angeles please read these additional pages:

Pauley Pavilion Parking:
Read about parking options and rules at the Pauley Pavilion.

Ticket Policies:
Read about our ticket guarantee and refund policies.

Pauley Pavilion Seating Chart:
View the venue seating chart for most major events.