The arena opened in 1998 .
Is currently the largest by seating capacity in the Big Ten Conference , with 19,049 seats , which is reduced to 18,809 for Ohio State men 's basketball games .
The arena opened in 1998 and is currently the largest by seating capacity in the Big Ten Conference , with 19,049 seats , which is reduced to 18,809 for Ohio State men 's basketball games .