For
the last forty-one years this hallowed hall has been
the home for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers.
Named in honor of legendary Hall of Fame coach
Edgar Allen Diddle, Diddle Arena is widely recognized
as one 
of the true treasures in the world of college
basketball. Dedicated on Dec. 7, 1963, this wonderful
building has hosted some of the finest players and teams
ever to play in the college ranks. Originally designed
to seat 8,500 fans, the seating capacity has fluctuated
over the years and by 1970 the arena had been adjusted
to hold 13,508. In 2004 a $32 million renovation was
completed which reduced seating capacity to around 7,500
but transformed the arena back into one of the most
impressive in the nation with facilities second to none.Complete
with 16 luxury suites, all cushioned chairback seating,
two giant Pepsivision video screens, a new playing floor
and stunning men's and women's basketball facilities
that are as impressive as any to be found in any arena,
Diddle Arena is once again one of the true treasures
in the world of college basketball.
Some of the
record crowds that the arena has hosted include 14,277
fans for a 1971 battle against former OVC arch-rival
Murray State; 13,000 for the 1984 Wendy's Classic Final
versus La. Tech and All-American Karl Malone; and 13,300
for a 1986 showdown with former Sun Belt rival UAB.
Few
places in college basketball are more formidable than Diddle Arena 
when Topper fans pack the
seats and "will" the Tops on to victory. This
fact is shown by their 77.8% winning percentage over
the 41 years that the facility has been in existence!
Needless to say, many a team has exited Diddle Arena
more than a tad disappointed. From the 1965-66
season to the 1970-71 season, the Topper's home
record was an amazing 67-2!! Even
in the few down years that the program has witnessed,
rarely does a Topper team end the year with a losing
record at home. Diddle Arena is a special place, and
anyone that has witnessed its magic can attest to
that.
(Coach
Diddle envisioning the future)
(Photo by
Thomas Hughes)