I always prefer Gampel over XL, but today, The XL Center was rocking. I give credit to Hartford when its due, and the Arizona game, and todays game were very good atmospheres. I was at the Texas game in 2010, and the Syracuse game in 2012 which are probably in the discussion for the loudest games in Gampel history.
When it come to the Gampel vs XL argument, I think the opponent is really the main factor followed by day and time. One thing in common with the Texas and Syracuse games is they were both on a Saturday. Weeknight crowds tend to be late arriving and sometimes the noon games in Hartford as well, but if we were to have Duke or UNC on the schedule and they came in ranked in the top 5, I dont think it would matter where and when the game was played, Gampel and XL would be intense.