If you’re heading to a UCLA basketball game, a graduation ceremony, or a concert in Westwood, chances are you’ll end up at Pauley Pavilion — and if you’ve never been, the parking, the security lines, and the sheer size of the place can feel overwhelming fast.
That confusion usually comes down to three questions: how big is it, where should you sit, and what can you actually bring inside? Get any of those wrong and you could be stuck rerouting your bag to a check-in table while your friends already have seats.
This guide answers all three. Below, you’ll find Pauley Pavilion’s exact capacity, a full breakdown of the seating chart with seat numbers, and the current bag policy — so you can walk in prepared instead of guessing.
Wide exterior shot of Pauley Pavilion on UCLA’s campus. “Pauley Pavilion exterior view on UCLA campus in Los Angeles”
A Brief History
Pauley Pavilion opened in 1965 and has hosted decades of championship banners and program history since then. The arena underwent a major renovation, reopening on November 9, 2012, in front of a record crowd of 13,513 fans. Officially named the Edwin W. Pauley Pavilion after the businessman and benefactor who funded it, the arena has become one of the most recognizable venues in college sports.
What Events Are Held There
Pauley Pavilion isn’t just a basketball arena. It regularly hosts:
- UCLA men’s and women’s basketball
- Women’s volleyball and men’s volleyball
- Women’s gymnastics
- UCLA commencement ceremonies
- Concerts, comedy shows, and speaker series
Because the floor configuration changes for each event type, capacity and seating layout can shift depending on what’s happening that night.
Pauley Pavilion Capacity
Pauley Pavilion’s official basketball capacity is 13,800.
The arena contains 11,307 permanent theater-style upholstered seats, plus retractable seating for 2,492 spectators — including 466 backless seats used by the band and student section — bringing the total basketball capacity to 13,800. That figure makes it one of the larger on-campus arenas in the Pac-12/Big Ten footprint and a significant step up from the pre-renovation capacity.& more blogs to see digital .
How Capacity Breaks Down by Seating Type
| Seating Type | Approximate Count |
|---|---|
| Permanent upholstered seats | 11,307 |
| Retractable seats | 2,492 |
| Backless band/student seats (within retractable total) | 466 |
| Total basketball capacity | 13,800 |
Capacity Records and Notable Crowds
Before the 2012 renovation, Pauley Pavilion’s capacity was 12,829, a number that was exceeded several times for men’s basketball games using portable seating. A new attendance record was later set when 13,727 fans watched UCLA defeat Arizona 74–69 on March 2, 2013.
When the floor seats retract, the arena has room for three full-sized basketball courts, which are used for team practices, intramural games, and pickup basketball — a detail that shows how flexible the building really is outside of game days.
Featured snippet target — “How many people does Pauley Pavilion hold?”
Pauley Pavilion holds 13,800 people for basketball events, combining 11,307 permanent seats with retractable seating for an additional 2,492 spectators.
Pauley Pavilion Seating Chart With Seat Numbers
Understanding the seating chart before you buy tickets can be the difference between a great view and an obstructed one.
How the Sections Are Organized
Pauley Pavilion’s seating combines permanent theater-style upholstered seats with retractable seating, wrapped in a continuous bowl around the arena. The layout generally breaks down into two levels:
- 100 Level (Lower Bowl): Closest to the court, includes courtside and lower reserved sections. Lower-level mid-court sections offer the best views for watching plays develop, while side sections provide strong baseline-to-baseline angles.
- 200 Level (Upper Bowl): Mirrors the 100-level layout wrapping around the arena, but with fewer seats per section and generally more affordable pricing.
The student section is traditionally located on the north side of the arena, closest to the band and the most vocal fans in the building.
How Seat Numbering Works
Like most arena-style venues, Pauley Pavilion numbers seats so that seat 1 in a section sits on the aisle closest to the preceding section, with the highest seat number in that section landing on the aisle next to the following section. In practical terms: if you’re in section 5, seat 1 will be nearest section 4, and the last seat in the row will be nearest section 6.
This matters when choosing tickets — lower seat numbers in a section are usually closer to center court aisles, while higher numbers sit toward the outer aisle.
Diagram or screenshot of the interactive seating chart. “Pauley Pavilion seating chart with seat numbers by section”
Best Seats by Event Type
- Basketball: Lower-level, mid-court sections for the best sightlines on plays developing in both directions.
- Volleyball/Gymnastics: Sections facing the long axis of the floor tend to offer the clearest view of full routines and plays.
- Concerts: Floor seating nearest the stage delivers the most energy, though upper-level seats centered on the stage still feel close due to the arena’s relatively intimate design.
- Accessibility seating: The venue integrates wheelchair-accessible seating with adjacent companion seats, and elevators provide access to all seating levels.
Pauley Pavilion Bag Policy
This is the section that trips up the most first-time visitors — and it changes by event, so it’s worth double-checking close to your event date.
What Bags Are Allowed
Pauley Pavilion enforces a clear bag policy: each guest may bring one large clear bag, either a one-gallon clear plastic Ziploc-style bag or a clear vinyl bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. In addition, guests may carry one small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″, which does not need to be clear but is still subject to inspection.
Diaper bags are permitted as long as the infant the bag is for is present, and outside food is allowed inside as long as it is carried in a clear bag.
Quick reference table:
| Bag Type | Allowed? | Size Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Clear plastic/vinyl/PVC bag | Yes | 12″W x 12″H x 6″D |
| One-gallon clear Ziploc bag | Yes | Standard gallon size |
| Small clutch (opaque OK) | Yes | 4.5″ x 6.5″ |
| Diaper bag | Yes, with infant present | Subject to inspection |
| Backpacks / duffel bags | No | Not permitted |
What’s Prohibited
Backpacks and duffel bags are not permitted at Pauley Pavilion events, and most concerts and major events operate as single-entry affairs — once you leave, you may not be allowed back in, so plan accordingly.
Bag Check Options
A bag check location is typically available on the east side of the building for guests carrying non-compliant bags, and fans can check non-compliant bags at the venue’s complimentary bag check rather than being turned away.
Doors typically open 60 to 90 minutes before the event, depending on the sport or show, with doors opening 60 minutes before posted game time for volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics events specifically. Arriving early gives you a buffer if your bag needs to be checked or swapped.
Important: Bag policies can change for specific events, especially high-security occasions like commencement weekend. Always verify the current policy on UCLA Athletics’ official gameday page before you leave home.
Pros and Cons of Attending an Event at Pauley Pavilion
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intimate bowl design keeps most seats close to the action | Limited on-campus parking, especially for big games |
| Strong sightlines from both lower and upper bowl | Strict single-entry policy for many events |
| Rich basketball history and atmosphere | Clear bag policy limits what you can bring |
| Accessible seating and elevator access throughout | High demand for premium games can drive ticket prices up |
| Hosts a wide variety of events beyond basketball | Traffic around Westwood can be heavy on event days |
Comparison Table: Pauley Pavilion vs. Other Southern California Arenas
| Venue | Approx. Capacity | Primary Use | Bag Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pauley Pavilion (UCLA) | 13,800 | Basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, concerts | Clear bag policy |
| Galen Center (USC) | ~10,000 | Basketball, volleyball | Clear bag policy |
| Crypto.com Arena | ~19,000+ | NBA, NHL, concerts | Clear bag policy |
| Honda Center | ~18,000 | NHL, concerts | Bag restrictions vary by event |
Capacities are approximate and vary by event configuration.
Why This Matters
Knowing Pauley Pavilion’s capacity, seating layout, and bag policy isn’t just trivia — it directly affects your night. Buying tickets without understanding the seating chart can mean paying premium prices for a seat with a worse sightline than a cheaper section a few rows over. Showing up with the wrong bag can mean a detour to bag check, a longer line, or missing tip-off entirely.
For families attending graduation, understanding the single-entry and bag rules in advance prevents a stressful scramble on one of the most important days of a student’s college career. For basketball fans, understanding how seat numbering works helps you pick seats that are actually close to center court rather than guessing based on price alone.
Expert Recommendations
- Buy tickets based on seat number position, not just section. Lower seat numbers in a section are typically closer to the adjoining aisle nearest center court — worth checking before you buy.
- Bring a clear bag, not a clutch, if you’re carrying more than the essentials. Clutches are convenient but limited to 4.5″ x 6.5″, which fills up fast with a phone, wallet, and keys.
- Arrive at least 60–90 minutes early for high-demand games. This gives you time for security screening and bag check if needed, without missing the opening tip-off.
- Check the specific bag policy for your event type. Commencement weekend, concerts, and basketball games can all have slightly different rules.
- Use the official UCLA Athletics gameday page as your final source of truth, since third-party ticket resellers sometimes carry outdated policy details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bringing a backpack “just in case.” Backpacks and duffel bags are not permitted under any circumstances.
- Assuming you can re-enter after stepping out. Most events at Pauley Pavilion are single-entry only.
- Buying upper-level seats sight unseen. Not all 200-level sections have identical views — some are closer to center than others.
- Waiting until doors open to check the bag policy. Confirm before you leave home, especially for high-security events like commencement.
- Ignoring accessibility seating options. If you need accommodations, arrange them ahead of time rather than at the gate.
Conclusion
Pauley Pavilion has hosted UCLA basketball history, graduation days, and unforgettable concerts for decades — but showing up unprepared can turn an exciting night into a stressful one. Now that you know the venue’s capacity, how the seating chart and seat numbers work, and exactly what you can and can’t bring through the doors, you’re ready to buy the right tickets and breeze through security.
Before your next visit, double-check the official UCLA Athletics gameday page for any event-specific updates to the bag policy.
FAQs
What is the seating capacity of Pauley Pavilion?
Pauley Pavilion’s basketball capacity is 13,800, made up of 11,307 permanent seats and 2,492 retractable seats.
Can you bring a purse into Pauley Pavilion?
Yes. A small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ is allowed, though it will still be subject to inspection at entry.
Can you bring a backpack into Pauley Pavilion?
No. Backpacks and duffel bags are not permitted at Pauley Pavilion events, including commencement ceremonies.
Does Pauley Pavilion have a bag check?
Yes, a bag check is typically located on the east side of the building for guests carrying non-compliant bags.
What are the best seats at Pauley Pavilion for basketball?
Lower-level, mid-court sections generally offer the best views of developing plays, while side sections provide strong baseline-to-baseline sightlines.
How does seat numbering work at Pauley Pavilion?
Seat 1 in a section sits on the aisle closest to the preceding section, with the highest-numbered seat on the aisle closest to the next section.
Can you leave and re-enter Pauley Pavilion during an event?
Most concerts and major events operate as single-entry only, meaning you may not be allowed back in once you leave.
What time do doors open at Pauley Pavilion?
Doors typically open 60 minutes before posted game time for volleyball, basketball, and gymnastics events.
Is outside food allowed at Pauley Pavilion?
Yes, outside food is allowed as long as it’s carried in a clear bag.
Where is Pauley Pavilion located?
Pauley Pavilion is located at 555 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, on UCLA’s campus.
In Short
- Pauley Pavilion holds 13,800 fans for basketball, combining permanent and retractable seating.
- The seating chart follows a standard arena numbering pattern — lower seat numbers sit closer to the adjoining section’s aisle.
- The bag policy is clear-bag only: one large clear bag (up to 12″x12″x6″) plus one small clutch (4.5″x6.5″) per person.
- Backpacks and duffel bags are never permitted.
- Most events are single-entry, so plan bathroom and concession trips accordingly.
- Bag check is available on the east side of the building for non-compliant bags.
