Welcome to Fifth Third Arena, home of Cincinnati basketball since 1989 and one of the best venues in college basketball. We hope you have an enjoyable visit regardless of whether this is your first trip to our arena, or you’ve been attending games for years. Use this A-to-Z guide to answer many of the questions you may have about a game day in Cincinnati.

Fifth Third Arena
2700 Bearcats Way
Cincinnati, OH 45221

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Patrons with disabilities should contact the UC Athletics Ticket Office to ensure their needs may be attended to effectively. Cash parking for patrons needing accessible parking is available in University Garage (men's basketball only) and Corry Garage (women's basketball only). A state-issued handicap pass is required. For more information, call (513) 556-2283.

UC offers captioning at multiple live sporting events and venues including football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball; open captions on all pre-corded videos on the main video board; and the opportunity to access live captioning on smart phones (which can be accessed at Fifth Third Streamtext link during games).

Additionally, any student, employee or visitor who is d/Deaf or hard of hearing can request ASL Interpreters for any UC event, including athletics events, using our online request form: ASL/CART request. Visitors who need other access or disability-related accommodations can email our accessibility office at AccessResources@uc.edu and we will work together with campus partners to coordinate access.

Fifth Third Arena follows the University of Cincinnati's Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Policy, which can be viewed HERE.

ALCOHOL POLICY

• No alcohol may be brought into Fifth Third.
• Guests that are intoxicated or are perceived to be intoxicated will be denied entry into Fifth Third Arena. 
• Guests must be 21 years of age or older and in possession of valid government issued identification to purchase, handle, or consume alcoholic beverages at Fifth Third Arena.
• There is a maximum of two (2) alcoholic beverages per purchase.
• Alcohol will be sold until the 10-minute mark of the second half.
• Guests providing alcohol to minors will be ejected and subject to arrest.
• Guests possessing alcohol, who do not have proof of being at least 21 years of age, will be ejected and subject to arrest.
• Drunk and disorderly conduct or violation of any alcohol policy will result in ejection from Fifth Third Arena without refund and the violator(s) may be subject to loss of season tickets and arrest.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
• Alcohol purchased at Fifth Third Arena is not to be removed from the premises.
• Stadium Management reserves the right to change policies or procedures at any time without notice.

ALLERGY INFORMATION

• Please be advised that food prepared at Fifth Third Arena may contain the following ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, soy bean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame seeds.
• All concession stands are equipped to accept credit and debit cards. You can view the Concession Map and more information HERE.

ANIMALS

Fifth Third Arena follows the University of Cincinnati's Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Policy, which can be viewed HERE.

APP

• Download the app HERE or by searching "Cincinnati Bearcats" in your app store.

ATMS (SPONSORED BY FIFTH THIRD BANK)

• Access ATM machines anytime located on the main-level concourse, on the east side behind Section 117, and the west side behind Section 101.
• Reminder: Concession stands are cashless. 

BABY CHANGING AND LACTATION/NURSING ROOMS

• A nursing suite is located on the main-level concourse on the north side behind section 109.

BOX OFFICE

The box office located on the east plaza of Fifth Third Arena, near the Oscar Robertson statue, opens three hours before tipoff. Children three (3) and under are not required to have a ticket for entrance into Fifth Third Arena for UC Athletics events if they sit on the lap of a ticket holder.

CAMERAS

Please be courteous to those around you when taking photos to avoid sightline obstruction of other guests.

• Cameras and lenses are permitted.
• Camera bags are prohibited inside Fifth Third Arena.
• Lights may not be used with video recording equipment.
• Flash photography is prohibited.
• Tripods and monopods are prohibited.

CLEAR BAG POLICY

Cincinnati Athletics Clear Bag Policy (Updated 2023)

• Small bags and purses are permitted and will be inspected.
• Backpacks and large bags and purses are not allowed.
• All approved bags are within the stadium, are subject to inspection upon entry and are subject to additional inspections w
• Fans can purchase approved clear bags, here: University of Cincinnati Bookstore: Clear Stadium Tote

CHILDREN AND INFANTS

Children three and under years of age are allowed entry without a ticket if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket and must share the adult’s seat.

CODE OF CONDUCT

THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI PROMOTES AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE GUESTS, PLAYERS, COACHES AND OFFICIALS CAN ENJOY THEIR GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE FREE FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: 

• Obscene or abusive language and/or behavior 

• Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks and/or gestures 

• Intoxication or signs of impairment related to alcohol or drugs 

• Irresponsible drinking or behavior 

• Use of tobacco products and/or vaping 

• Inappropriate displays of affection 

• Gang activity; including but not limited to wearing or displaying gang clothing and/or indicia 

• Offensive clothing 

• Any distraction to the progress of the game or event 

• Throwing objects of any kind 

• Occupying any seat without the appropriate ticket 

• Mistreatment of visiting team fans, players, guests, staff, and coaches, including age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, military status (including veteran status), national origin, parental status (including status as a nursing mother and status as a foster parent), pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. 

• Failure to follow the directions of law enforcement, security, ushers, ticket takers or any other authorized personnel 

• Violations of any University of Cincinnati rules, policies, or procedures, local City of Cincinnati ordinances, or state, or federal laws or regulations 

• Other actions that cause a disruption and/or hinder the enjoyment of the event 

• Any behavior that impairs the safety and/or enjoyment of the event from other guests 

• Any vandalism or damage to University property 

• Committing any of the above listed violations may result in ejection from the venue, prohibition from attending future events, discipline from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and/or Office of Equal Opportunity and/or arrest. Guests should immediately report violations of the Code of Conduct using one the following methods: Contact game management, ushers, security personnel or law enforcement officer or use of the venue texting service, if applicable. 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in maintaining a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at the University of Cincinnati.

 

CONCESSIONS

Note: All of campus, including Fifth Third Arena, is entirely cashless.

A great variety of food items and Pepsi products are available from the concession stands located throughout Fifth Third Arena. All permanent stands accept credit and debit. You can check out the Concession Map.

Bearcats Happy Hour will begin 90 minutes prior to tipoff and end 30 minutes prior to tipoff, featuring $5 domestic draft beer.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION

In case of evacuation, instructions will be given over the public address system. Gate personnel and ushers will assist in directing fans to the appropriate location.

FIRST AID

Emergency medical personnel are on duty at each athletics event. Medical personnel can be contacted during an event by notifying the nearest event staff member, usher, or security guard and informing them of the situation and location of the incident. The first-aid center is located on the north side of the arena on the main-level concourse by the Armory Bar.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather (i.e. dangerous winds, tornado, electrical storm, etc.) all guests will be advised that it is in their best interest to seek shelter. Emergency instructions will be delivered via the public address system and the message boards when possible.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available for rent outside of Fifth Third Arena on the northwest side, (Lindner Athletic Building), perfect for storing items that cannot be brought into the stadium on gameday.

LOST & FOUND

Found items may be turned over to any Fifth Third Arena Staff Member, the Fan First Center or Police Officer, or at the Public Safety Office in Edwards Three. Inquiries about lost items should be directed to Fifth Third Arena Staff or Police Officers during the Event, or to the Public Safety Office at 513-556-4925, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at any time thereafter

MERCHANDISE

The Bearcats Team Shop is located on the main-level concourse on the east side behind section 115 and on the upper level outside of section 202. Merchandise will also be available for purchase during select women’s basketball home games on the main-level concourse. Merchandise is always available for sale online at shop.gobearcats.com.

MISSING OR FOUND CHILDREN PROTOCOL

If a child is reported missing, please immediately notify the nearest Police Officer, Usher, BEST Security team member, or UC Staff member. Time is critical in these situations, and swift communication ensures the proper steps can be taken to locate the child safely.

If you find a child who appears to be lost or does not belong to your party, notify the nearest Police Officer, Usher, BEST Security team member, or UC Staff member right away so they can assist in reuniting the child with their family or guardian.

NOISEMAKERS

No noise-making devices of any kind are permitted inside Fifth Third Arena.

Please refer to “Permitted and Prohibited” for further information.

NO COURT ACCESS

No fans will be allowed on the court postgame.

PARKING

Men’s Basketball Parking

Buy Online

$10 credit card parking begins 4 hours before game time

Note: This ticket is valid until 4a.m. If exiting after 4 a.m., you will need to press the Lost Ticket button and pay $20 to exit the facility.

• Campus Green Garage
• Woodside Garage
• ADA with state placard at University Avenue Garage

Shuttles will run between Campus Green and Dabney Circle, and between University Circle and Dabney Circle, beginning two hours before game time and one hour after the game.

Women’s Basketball Parking

Buy Online

Single game parking is located at Corry Garage. Parking can be pre-purchased here or at the gate once you arrive.

Patrons With Disabilities

Patrons with disabilities should contact the UC Athletics Ticket Office so that their needs may be attended to effectively. Cash parking for patrons needing accessible parking is available in University Garage (men's basketball only) and Corry Garage (women's basketball only). A state-issued handicap pass is required.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

All bags will be searched upon entry into the facility. Except for items pertaining to medical conditions or child care, all bags, backpacks, video cameras, large cases for binoculars or other items, fanny packs and large purses (larger than 6″ by 9″) are prohibited and banned in Fifth Third Arena.

Prohibited items must be returned to the owner’s car or discarded. Any unlawful items are subject to confiscation, and the person in possession is subject to arrest.

• Alcoholic Beverages
• Baby Seats
• Baby Strollers
• Backpacks
• Balloons
• Banners, Signs (unless approved by the athletics department)
• Beach Balls
• Cameras (professional equipment with long telephoto lenses)
• Coolers
• Containers
• Explosives
• Fanny Packs
• Folding Chairs
• Food/Beverages
• Ice Chests
• Laptops
• Laser Pointers
• All Noisemakers (i.e., air horns, plastic horns, whistles, etc.)
• Pets (with the exception of service animals used by disabled guests)
• Personal Heaters
• Video Cameras
• Weapons

RE-ENTRY

There is no re-entry at Fifth Third Arena.

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located throughout the arena, typically on the corners of both the main-level and upper-level concourses.

SCALPING & PROFITEERING POLICIES

The unlawful resale of any event ticket on Fifth Third Arena grounds, and/or event parking lots is strictly PROHIBITED and may result in the loss of ticket privileges and/or prosecution of the law.

SEATING CHART

For a seating chart of Fifth Third Arena, please click HERE.

STUDENT SECTIONS

The UC student sections on the north side of Fifth Third Arena are sections 109-111 while the UC student sections on the south side of the arena are sections 121-123. Please note: the band sits in a portion of section 123.

For information on student tickets for men's basketball, visit the Student Ticket Information page HERE.

TICKETS

All persons, excluding children three years of age and under who do not require a seat, must have a ticket for admission to the arena. To purchase tickets, call 1-877-CATS-TIX or visit gobearcats.com/tickets.

• All Fifth Third Arena ticket offices will three hours prior to tipoff for all games.
• Lost/Forgotten Ticket Office Pregame Hours

Ticket offices and the east and west sides of Fifth Third Arena are also available to assist fans with lost/forgotten tickets and those with ticket scanning issues.

TICKET SCANNING

All tickets will be electronically scanned to verify authenticity. Patrons assume all risks for tickets purchased through sources other than the UC Athletics Ticket Office.

TOBACCO

Nippert Stadium and the University of Cincinnati campus is tobacco free.

Smoking and any type of tobacco use is no longer allowed in any public place, including all areas of Fifth Third Arena.

There are no designated smoking areas in Fifth Third Arena.

WILL CALL

A photo ID is required for all will call pickups. We also recommend that you bring the credit card used to purchase your tickets. The person ordering the tickets MUST be the person that picks up the tickets, unless alternate arrangements are made with the UC Athletics Ticket Office prior to gameday.

Men’s Basketball

General Will Call (Tickets purchased through the UC Ticket Office)

Location: East side arena ticket office

Hours: Opens 3 hours prior to game time.

Basketball guest, coaches guest and spirit squad guest tickets will all be transferred digitally via Ticketmaster. Tickets should be accepted and added to mobile wallets prior to gameday for convenience.

Visiting team player/coaches guest tickets will likely be transferred digitally. If the visiting school chooses, a representative will be available on the West Concourse of Fifth Third Arena.

Media/Scout Will Call (All Credentials requested from the media through Cincinnati Sports Communications)

Location: Floor level outside of media room in southeast corner of arena. Entrance underneath baseball stadium scoreboard.

Hours: Opens 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

Women’s Basketball

All will call is located on the East entrance of Fifth Third Arena 90 minutes prior to game time.

YEARBOOKS

While attending Bearcats games, be sure to pick up your official souvenir yearbook! It’s packed with feature stories, stats, rosters, and a look back at Bearcats history. Whether you're following along during the game or keeping it as a memento for the season, it’s a must-have for any fan. Yearbooks are available at the Fan First Center on the main-level east concourse.