TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati Athletics Department and UCATS announced on Wednesday updates to the priority point system and donor experience designed to simplify giving, improve transparency and make it easier for Bearcats fans to understand how their support helps Cincinnati compete for championships in the Big 12 Conference.
The updates place a clear emphasis on cash giving as the primary driver of priority points, while also streamlining how donors track their giving, points and ranking.
Additionally, Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham announced that UC does not have any plans to reseat Fifth Third Arena or Nippert Stadium.
“Our focus is on delivering the best possible experience for our fans, on game days and throughout every interaction they have with Cincinnati Athletics,” Cunningham said. “At this time, we have no plans to conduct a reseat at Nippert Stadium or Fifth Third Arena. We want to provide clarity and consistency for our season ticket holders and ensure they can continue to enjoy the seats they value.
“Overall, these updates create a clear and equitable priority points system that rewards meaningful support. Every gift matters, and this structure makes it easier for our supporters to see how their giving directly helps us build championship programs.”
Priority points are used to determine ticket allotments for postseason opportunities and major events, including bowl games and basketball tournaments.
Effective immediately, the simplified, revised priority points structure includes the following:
- Five points per $100 contributed to sport-specific development funds, the Impact Fund and the Women’s Excellence Fund
- Two points per $100 contributed to Priority Seating Funds, the general scholarship fund and endowments
- Two points per sport in which a donor holds season tickets
- A one-time 20-point bonus for letterwinners
- A one-time 20-point bonus for planned or estate gift commitments
Through June 30, newly signed pledges will continue to receive full point value upfront.
Beginning July 1, priority points for pledges and planned gifts will be awarded only as cash is received.
The new ranking system and points will be calculated based on the new system effective immediately. No upcoming events will be impacted by these updates.
UCATS donor rankings will now be based solely on total priority points. Rankings within giving levels have been eliminated. The donor with the most points will be ranked No. 1, followed by the next highest total, and so on.
“Admittance into the Big 12 was a defining moment for Cincinnati,” said Deputy Director of Athletics Tristan Mulcahy. “Donor support helped make that possible. These updates simplify the process so every Bearcats fan can clearly see how their giving makes an impact.”
Beginning today, donors will be able to view their rank, points and giving level in real time through their Ticketmaster Account Manager. These platforms will serve as a single hub where fans can manage tickets, parking and donations while tracking their donor information.
The revamped UCATS website features simpler navigation, clearer explanations of priority points, an updated display of giving levels and refreshed membership benefits. These changes are part of broader digital improvements across Cincinnati Athletics over the last year, including partnerships with Ticketmaster, WMT and Cincy Sports Partners.
Beginning July 1, the UCATS drive year will run from July 1 through June 30. This alignment creates consistency across annual renewal cycles for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball.
Fans are encouraged to visit the UCATS website to review the updates, explore giving opportunities and learn how their support directly impacts Cincinnati student-athletes competing in the Big 12 Conference.
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