Every major city has major venues.

It’s another thing entirely to have distinctive, unique venues.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s sheer size inspires a sense of awe.

Victory Field draws rave reviews and has been called “the best minor league ballpark in America” by baseball publications.

Lucas Oil Stadium, site of the 2012 Super Bowl, wonderfully blends old-style stadium architecture on the outside and all the modern amenities on the inside – and then there’s that retractable roof and window. Like Victory Field, it is getting high marks.

So, as a state where basketball is part of the bloodlines, it is only fitting that we have the coolest basketball venue in the known universe. And we do, Conseco Fieldhouse.

But it’s not just me saying it, even if it’s true.

The Sports Business Journal has proclaimed Conseco Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, home to the Pacers and Fever as well as the state high school championships, the best there is when it comes to hoops.

Earlier this week, the Orange County Register ranked NBA arenas from first to worst.

Atop the list: Conseco Fieldhouse. No. 1.

Wrote the OCR’s Kevin Ding: “With an old-school, brick-heavy design yet a clean modern feel, Conseco is the perfect place for basketball in a state rich in hoops tradition.” Ding goes on to say CFH “feels more like a gym than an arena.”

Just as it was intended.