Seating Chart · McCarthey Athletic Center · Spokane
McCarthey Athletic Center Seating Chart — Section Guide & Best Seats
McCarthey Athletic Center is a 6,000-seat arena in the Gonzaga University campus area of Spokane. At arena scale, seating decisions come down to one central trade-off: proximity versus full-court (or full-rink) view. Courtside and rinkside puts you closest to the action but sits low to the floor. The lower bowl balances nearness and a complete view of the field of play. The upper bowl is the value tier — and for fast-moving sports where reading the whole sheet of ice or full court matters, it often rewards you with a wider, more tactical vantage. Knowing which sections work best at this specific 6,000-seat venue is the difference between a great seat and one that misses half the play.
McCarthey Athletic Center — Venue Profile
Venue Scale & What It Means for Seating
At 6,000 seats, McCarthey Athletic Center is a smaller arena where even the farthest seat is relatively close to the action. The intimate scale means upper-level sections here deliver sightlines comparable to lower-bowl seats at larger venues. The trade-off is fewer section choices and less price variation between tiers — the gap between the cheapest and most expensive seat is narrower than at a 20,000-seat arena.
How McCarthey Athletic Center’s Construction Affects Seating
McCarthey Athletic Center opened in 2004 during the modern construction era, which brought wider seats, more generous leg room, expanded club levels, and wider concourses throughout the bowl. The seating rake is typically more gradual than in classic venues, which means front-row upper-deck seats here may feel slightly farther from the action than at a steeper, older building — but every seat is more comfortable.
Section Breakdown — McCarthey Athletic Center
Each section is rated by sightline quality, best use case, and what to avoid — so you can match the section to your priority before you buy.
Floor-level seats at McCarthey Athletic Center put you within feet of the players, but you sit low and can lose the far side of the action behind bodies and benches. At this venue size, even the floor level feels relatively close to the upper rows, so the elevation disadvantage is less pronounced than at a 20,000-seat arena. The back rows of the floor are essentially a lower-bowl view without the elevation, so compare prices: if back-floor is within $20 of lower-bowl reserved, the bowl seat wins on sightline every time.
Center sections in the lower bowl at McCarthey Athletic Center are the most desirable reserved seats. At 6,000 seats, McCarthey Athletic Center has fewer sections per level than a full-sized NHL or NBA arena, so the section numbering covers a narrower range. This compact layout means less walking between sections and shorter concourse distances. Aim for center-court or center-ice rows 10-25 — far enough up for full sightlines, close enough to read jersey numbers without the scoreboard. Corner sections nearest the goals can flatten your angle on the far end of the play; worth checking the interactive seating map before buying.
Club-level seats at McCarthey Athletic Center typically include wider seats, dedicated concourses, and in-seat food service. The trade-off is a railing overhang directly above that can clip the center-hung scoreboard and video board. Loge rows 2-5 keep the full board in view better than row 1.
Upper-bowl tickets at McCarthey Athletic Center routinely go for 40-70% less than lower-bowl equivalents. Because McCarthey Athletic Center is a smaller venue, the upper bowl here feels noticeably closer to the action than at larger arenas — the farthest seat may be only 150-180 feet from the playing surface. Stick to upper-center sections rather than side corners for the straightest sight angle on the action.
Best Seats by Use Case — McCarthey Athletic Center
Different priorities call for different sections. Here are the picks for the most common seating decisions at this 6,000-seat arena.
Upper-bowl center sections at McCarthey Athletic Center deliver the best cost-per-experience ratio. Because this is a smaller arena, even the upper bowl here feels closer than at a full-sized 20,000-seat venue — the value-to-sightline ratio is particularly strong. The best vantage for following fast, tactical sports from above.
For clean sightlines without compromise at McCarthey Athletic Center, lower-bowl center sections offer the best angle on the action. Rows 10-25 here are the consistent pick for buyers who care about reading jersey numbers and watching plays develop without relying on the scoreboard.
Families with younger children at McCarthey Athletic Center should target lower-bowl aisle seats, which allow easy exit for bathroom trips and keep kids close to the concourse. The smaller venue size means concession and restroom distances are shorter at every level, which is a real advantage with young children.
Accessible seating at McCarthey Athletic Center is available across multiple price tiers. Built in 2004, the venue was designed with ADA compliance integrated into the original layout, with wheelchair platforms and companion seats available at every level.
Getting to McCarthey Athletic Center in Gonzaga University campus
McCarthey Athletic Center sits in the Gonzaga University campus area of Spokane. The neighborhood around the venue shapes the pre-game and post-game experience — dining options, walkability, and transit connections all factor into how early you should arrive and how you plan to exit after the event. Arriving early gives you time to explore the area and avoid the last-minute parking or transit rush that peaks 30-45 minutes before doors.
Price Tier Expectations — McCarthey Athletic Center 2026
Ticket prices vary by matchup, demand, and sale timing. The ranges below reflect typical 2026 market prices for events at McCarthey Athletic Center, a 6,000-capacity arena. Dynamic pricing means face value can shift — check on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the most stable prices.
Premium proximity pricing; dynamic on game day.
Mid-tier; best seats in this range book first.
Value pick in the lower section.
Comfort premium; includes amenities.
Best value; strong sightlines for reading the whole game.
Cheapest seats; verify sightline before buying.