In 2006 , '' Sports Illustrated '' surveyed the Big East Conference 's basketball players , and the Pete was named the " Toughest Place to Play , " with specific players mentioning the Oakland Zoo and the fans ' creativity . In 2013 , the facility was also ranked as having the second best game time environment in the nation by '' USA Today ''
Big East Conference
Big East Conference (1979–2013)
Petersen Events Center