The goal of every WCC team not named BYU or Gonzaga, should be to emulate what Santa Clara has done with their arena. Its not big capacity-wise but still has the feel of an actual arena because of its layout. There are stands behind the baskets, not walls. There is a significant difference between upper and lower seating. And entry to the arena is not at floor level. It only seats 4500, but because of its layout it feels like a real college basketball arena. I've been there a few times and its a great place to watch a game, especially since they've done the renovation.

http://www.sfstandup.com/venues/leavey-center

A lot of college basketball is perception. If teams seem to be small time, they get treated like it and unfortunately because of the tourny selection process it actually matters. Saint Mary's needs to start a renovation ASAP, followed by LMU and Pepperdine. Each of these schools literally plays in a high schoolish gym.