I've talked to a decent number of coaches and players who find it harder to play in an empty, quiet gym than a packed, roaring arena.
It's interesting that some people say that, but I wonder if there are statistics to show it to be true? Are there different levels of home court advantage for arenas of various capacities and various attendances?
I believe it has been studied at greath length, with the conclusion being the atmosphere means next to nothing. Home court advantage has the same effect in the smallest and/or least exciting conferences as it does in the high energy conferences. It is more about the comforts of home and familarity than it is the fan atmosphere.
And the referee advantage. Of course, whether or not atmosphere actually makes a difference doesn't stop players and coaches from believing it does.
^^^^^^^ all this is true....plus being in your own bed ...or at least in a bed on the same campus, eating in your dining hall and having your daily routine not revolving around the dry heat in a hotel room, hours of waiting between shoot around, stiffness fromthe bus ride and packing/unpacking the X box.