Never been to basketball there but it has to be better than abuse by drunks at football. Whenever I watch a game there, it looks like the arena has more aisle than seats though.
I think most games there, you could probably catch a nap. However, since we are their NBA finals? Final Four? Basketball equivalent of Super Bowl? it might be too loud.
Bring some earplugs for the Pancheros burrito bump....other than that, you won't hear much. If you take a selfie with a shirt that says "johnny Lickliter" on it and post it to this forum, I will buy you a Pizza Pit deluxe.
If you mean the Iowa/Iowa State game in December, Expect a great time, because it should be a great game. My middle daughter is an Iowa grad, and when she was in school we went to the iowa/iowa state game both times it was in iowa city. CHA can't hold a candle to Hilton, but it's not a bad place to watch a game ever since they have recovered from the licklighter years. If you are sporting your colors, (and why wouldn't you), be prepared for hostility. I never talk trash, but always cheer my team loud and proud, and many don't take kindly.
Last time I was there it was so quiet you could hear yourself cheer over the crowd. That was over ten years ago though so maybe they expect more from there team now. Can't figure out why, but they do.