TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics will hold a number of events inside the newly-renovated Fifth Third Arena giving Bearcats fans and the community a chance to see the facility following its 20-month, $87-million renovation.
A private ribbon cutting to recognize the efforts of the University, donors, construction partners and Fifth Third Bank will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET, ahead of the men's basketball exhibition at 7 p.m. against Tusculum.
"We are extremely excited about the seismic opening of Fifth Third Arena," Director of Athletics Mike Bohn said. "This facility is a fantastic beacon for our students, fans, university and city. This project is a result of an incredible alignment by a number of people and we are so grateful for the efforts of President Pinto, the UC board of trustees, our student body, donors and fans, Fifth Third Bank, UC Planning+Design+Construction, Moody-Nolan and Skanska."
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the move back to campus with nearly 9,000 season tickets sold, breaking the single-season record for the 29-year old facility.
"For more than 15 years, Fifth Third has been the proud sponsor of the UC Bearcats," said Greg Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank. "The totally renovated, state-of-the-art arena with two complete 360-degree concourses is sure to make basketball a Fifth Third better."
The volleyball team will play home matches in the arena on Friday and Sunday while the women's basketball team will have an exhibition game/open house on Saturday before the football game against Navy and play their season opener on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Austin Peay.
Fifth Third Arena opening week culminates with the men's basketball season opener against Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Bearcats fans are encouraged to wear white.
"We look forward to providing a wonderful experience for our students and guests and creating an incredible environment which will give our student-athletes a true home-court advantage, beginning Nov. 7 as we host Ohio State for the first time since 1920," Bohn said.
FIFTH THIRD ARENA OPENING WEEK SCHEDULE
RIBBON CUTTING
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 – 7 p.m. ET
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 – Noon
Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 – 6 p.m.
// FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
Stay connected with Cincinnati men's basketball on Facebook (GoBearcatsMBB), Twitter (@GoBearcatsMBB) and Instagram (GoBearcatsMBB).
A private ribbon cutting to recognize the efforts of the University, donors, construction partners and Fifth Third Bank will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. ET, ahead of the men's basketball exhibition at 7 p.m. against Tusculum.
"We are extremely excited about the seismic opening of Fifth Third Arena," Director of Athletics Mike Bohn said. "This facility is a fantastic beacon for our students, fans, university and city. This project is a result of an incredible alignment by a number of people and we are so grateful for the efforts of President Pinto, the UC board of trustees, our student body, donors and fans, Fifth Third Bank, UC Planning+Design+Construction, Moody-Nolan and Skanska."
Fans have responded enthusiastically to the move back to campus with nearly 9,000 season tickets sold, breaking the single-season record for the 29-year old facility.
"For more than 15 years, Fifth Third has been the proud sponsor of the UC Bearcats," said Greg Carmichael, chairman, president and CEO of Fifth Third Bank. "The totally renovated, state-of-the-art arena with two complete 360-degree concourses is sure to make basketball a Fifth Third better."
The volleyball team will play home matches in the arena on Friday and Sunday while the women's basketball team will have an exhibition game/open house on Saturday before the football game against Navy and play their season opener on Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Austin Peay.
Fifth Third Arena opening week culminates with the men's basketball season opener against Ohio State on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Bearcats fans are encouraged to wear white.
"We look forward to providing a wonderful experience for our students and guests and creating an incredible environment which will give our student-athletes a true home-court advantage, beginning Nov. 7 as we host Ohio State for the first time since 1920," Bohn said.
FIFTH THIRD ARENA OPENING WEEK SCHEDULE
RIBBON CUTTING
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 – 4:30 p.m. ET
- Private ribbon-cutting event courtside.
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 – 7 p.m. ET
- The UC men's basketball team will open exhibition play against Tusculum in the first event played inside the new arena. Tickets are required with gates opening at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 – 7 p.m.
- The Bearcats volleyball team plays their first game inside their new home against Wichita State. It will be social media night and fans are encouraged to wear red. Commemorative tickets and lanyards will be given away to all fans. Admission is free under the Experience UC initiative.
Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 – Noon
- The women's basketball squad makes its arena debut under Head Coach Michelle Clark-Heard with an exhibition game against California University of Pennsylvania at noon, prior to the football game against Navy at 3:30 p.m. at Nippert Stadium. Bearcats fans are invited to watch the women's basketball game for free and also visit the new Fifth Third Arena to get a first-hand look at the $87-million renovation project. Thanks to a partnership with the 2nd & 7 Foundation, 300 children's books will be given away in celebration of National Booklovers Day.
Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 – 1 p.m.
- The volleyball team faces Tulsa on Sunday in an American Athletic Conference matchup in the arena. It's Signature Sunday and the team will sign autographs on the court after the match. Admission is free thanks to the Experience UC initiative.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 – 7 p.m.
- UC takes on Austin Peay in the regular-season opener for the women's basketball team. Schedule magnets, commemorative tickets and lanyards will be given away to all fans. Skyline Chili Cheese Coneys and drink specials will be available for students. A pregame chalk talk with a member of the women's basketball staff will be held for season ticket holders and the team will sign autographs postgame for the fans. Tickets are available by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or visiting GoBEARCATS.com/tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018 – 6 p.m.
- The Bearcats officially open their new home against Ohio State, who is playing on UC's campus for the first time in nearly 100 years. Fans are encouraged to wear white. The new Fifth Third Better Happier Hour will be in effect from 4-5 p.m. ET with $5 beers, $3 souvenir cup sodas and $3 popcorn. Commemorative tickets, lanyards and basketball yearbooks will be given away for all fans. Students will receive a white Bearcats t-shirt courtesy of UC Health.
- Renovation of the building facade, entries and plazas, including the addition of an outdoor videoboard.
- Two 360-degree concourses and permanent lower bowl with court-centric seating and new padded chairback seating and cup holder throughout most of the arena.
- Premium seating options, including more than 500 new club seats with access to the Champions Club, loge box seating, and 16 luxury suites.
- New hospitality areas, including main and upper level concourse bars available to all fans and the addition of three exclusive clubs - the Arena Club, the Champions Club and the Mercedes-Benz Courtside Club
- New upper-level concourse with its own fan amenities, including new restrooms, Cincinnati favorite foods in concessions, along with the Queen City Bar, and the Overlook Bar, which are available to all fans and highlight UC Athletics partnerships with Braxton, MadTree and Rhinegeist.
- Increased points and sale for concessions including some of Cincinnati's favorite food options - Buffalo Wings & Rings, Frisch's, Skyline Chili and Taste of Belgium.
- New center-hung HD videoboard, ribbon boards, sound system and LED lighting to enhance the game atmosphere.
- The addition of four new LED statistics boards.
- The addition of four 135-square foot HD boards facing the upper level.
- New Big Ass Fans® in the upper concourse for increased airflow.
- Open entrance plaza with centralized ticketing and guest services along with the new Fan First Center.
// FOLLOW THE BEARCATS
Stay connected with Cincinnati men's basketball on Facebook (GoBearcatsMBB), Twitter (@GoBearcatsMBB) and Instagram (GoBearcatsMBB).