SIU Arena
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Updated Oct. 20, 2008 There are few places in the nation where the home court advantage is as distinct as SIU Arena. When you pack nearly 10,000 screaming fans into a classic, old facility, the decibel level can be overpowering. The Salukis enter the 2008-09 season with the nation's second-best home court record in the last seven years (92-6). Entering its 45th year of service, SIU Arena continues to be a big part of the program's success, thanks to its excellent upkeep and dedicated fan support. Construction on the arena began in the spring of 1962 and took nearly two years to complete. The basketball team played its first game in the new complex on December 1, 1964. The Salukis pummeled Oklahoma State, 78-55, in the opener and went on to post a 14-1 record at home that season. Through the years, many teams from "high profile" conferences have played at SIU Arena, including Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Charlotte, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas State, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Navy, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Purdue, SMU, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, UTEP, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Fan support has been extraordinary with 23 sellouts in arena history. Arena Quick Facts
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