Fifth Third Arena

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Fifth Third Arena
FifthThirdExterior.jpg
Fifth Third Arena
Former namesMyrl H. Shoemaker Center (1989–2005)
Location2700 O' Varsity Way
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 USA [1]
Coordinates 39°07′52″N84°30′51″W / 39.131101°N 84.514207°W / 39.131101; -84.514207
Owner University of Cincinnati
Operator University of Cincinnati
Capacity 12,012 (2018–present)
13,187 (2016–2017)
13,176 (1989–2016)
Record attendance13,477 (January 26, 2017 vs. Xavier) [2]
SurfaceAll-Star Plus (basketball floor)
Construction
Broke ground1987
OpenedSeptember 12, 1989
Renovated2017–2018
Construction costUS$32 million
($78.7 million in 2023 dollars [3] ) 2018 Renovation: US$87 million
Architect Moody Nolan
General contractor Skanska USA Building Inc.
Tenants
Cincinnati Bearcats (NCAA)
Men's basketball (1989–2017, 2018–present)
Women's basketball (1989–2017, 2018–present)
Volleyball (1989–2017, 2018–present)

Fifth Third Arena is an indoor arena in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The arena opened in 1989 and is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. It primarily serves as the home venue for the Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball, women's basketball, and women's volleyball teams and hosts other events. It is located in the Myrl H. Shoemaker Center, which was also the name of the arena until 2005, when it was named for Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank.

Contents

History

The building housing the arena is named for Myrl H. Shoemaker, the former lieutenant governor of the state of Ohio. Prior to the building of The Shoe, the Bearcats played off-campus at Riverfront Coliseum (now Heritage Bank Center) and the Cincinnati Gardens. Their previous on-campus arena, Armory Fieldhouse, has been renovated for recreational use, and is located adjacent to the arena to the north.

A new basketball court was installed prior to the 2003–2004 season. It is a similar floor to ones used in the NBA. Like its predecessor, it is named Ed Jucker court, in honor of the coach who led the Bearcats to their two national championships.

Fifth Third Arena Big East Era FifthThird Arena Big East.jpg
Fifth Third Arena Big East Era

As of the end of the 2019–20 season, the Bearcats are 422–81 (.839) all-time at Fifth Third Arena, including a 42–game win streak from 1997 to 2000. In the 1999–2000 season, every Bearcat home game was sold out. During the Bob Huggins era, it was known as one of the most hostile arenas in the nation due to the high decibel levels typical of his tenure.[ citation needed ]

2018 renovation

On October 31, 2014, WLWT reported that the arena could be in line for a $70 million facelift. The project would reduce the amount of seating, but improve visibility in the arena. It would also upgrade club areas, restrooms, and even add a new roof. [4]

On June 23, 2015, WXIX-TV reported the price rose to $80 million. [5] The new capacity would be 10,818. Per the Fifth Third Arena RFQ (Ohio Facilities Construction Commission) Construction was scheduled to start in March 2016 with completion by September 2017. The Bearcats would play games off campus during the 2016–17 season during renovations. [6]

On August 25, 2015, The university officially kicked off the multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign for the renovation. The UC Board of Trustees approved an interim $2.2-million funding request to allow for completion of documents in the design development phase. [7] $15 million has been raised toward the project, an additional $25 million must be raised before the board gives full approval in December. UC teams under the renovation plan would vacate Fifth Third Arena for the 2016–17 season. UC Athletic Director Mike Bohn said that U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati Gardens, Cintas Center or Truist Arena are possibilities as a temporary home. No timetable was provided on when a decision would be made on where events will be held. [8] On June 16, 2016, the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority approved a contract to acquire the Cincinnati Gardens for $1.75 million. The arena will be demolished and the 19-acre (7.7 ha) site will be repurposed for future light manufacturing. The sale and imminent demolition of the Cincinnati Gardens eliminated the possibility of the facility being used as a temporary home arena during the renovations of Fifth Third Arena. [9] [10]

Renovated Fifth Third Arena Renovated Fifth Third Arena Interior 3.jpg
Renovated Fifth Third Arena

On December 15, 2015, the UC Board of Trustees approved an $87-million, privately funded renovation of Fifth Third Arena. [11] Proposed improvements to the facility, include the creation of a 360-degree seating bowl, new HD scoreboard, ribbon boards, sound system, an LED lighting system which will allow for enhanced gameday presentation, new restroom and concession facilities, a new upper-level concourse with its own fan amenities, expanded food and beverage options and a new main entrance and plaza with centralized ticketing and guest services. The renovated arena also would feature upgraded locker room spaces, expanded premium seating options, including a courtside club, arena club and concourse club as well as enclosed suites, loge seating, a new Bearcats Lounge and super suites. During the meeting, trustee Rob Richardson Jr. said the upgraded facility would support the university's objective to join a power athletic conference and in student-athlete recruitment. Construction was set to begin in April 2017 and be completed in fall 2018. Construction was originally scheduled to start in March 2016 with completion by September 2017, but the timeframe was pushed as a result of the project's complexity and pace of fundraising. [12] Lessons learned from the renovation of nearby Nippert Stadium drove a desire not to rush the renovation of 5/3rd Arena, given the uniquely tight quarters of UC's campus.

Renovated Fifth Third Arena Interior Fifth Third Arean Renovated Interior 2.jpg
Renovated Fifth Third Arena Interior

A first phase of the renovation was completed prior to the start of the 2016-2017 season, adding four 18-seat luxury suites on the sixth floor of the arena behind the north baseline of the court, which formerly housed the UCATS Club. [13] These suites were used during the 2016-2017 season. Men's and women's basketball and volleyball home events would be conducted off campus during the 2017–18 season while the rest of the renovation was performed. Major renovation work began after the 2016–17 season and is set to be completed by November 2018. [14] On February 10, 2017, the university announced that home men's basketball games would be moved to BB&T Arena on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky during the renovations of Fifth Third Arena. [15] In April 2017, the university announced that the women's basketball and volleyball teams will play their home games in the St. Ursula Academy Gymnasium & Convocation Center near campus. [16]

March 10, 2019 hosting Houston Fifth Third Interior.jpg
March 10, 2019 hosting Houston

On October 2, 2018, UC announced the array of new concession options for the renovated Fifth Third Arena. This selection included local staple eateries such as Skyline Chili, Taste of Belgium, and Frisch's Big Boy as well as local craft brewery selections at their new in arena bars including Rhinegeist and Madtree Brewing. [17]

On October 24, 2018, ahead of the home opener for the renovated Fifth Third Arena, the University of Cincinnati announced record breaking season ticket sales for the upcoming 2018-2019 season, surpassing the previous record set in the Bob Huggins era with a new benchmark of just under 9000 season tickets sold. [18]

Sporting events

Basketball

The arena has played host to a handful of tournaments since its construction. The facility has hosted the 1994 Great Midwest Conference men's basketball tournament and the 1998 Conference USA men's basketball tournament, both of which were won by the Bearcats.

The arena has also played host to games of the 1999 and 2003 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament. The venue also hosted the women's edition of the 1994 Great Midwest Conference Women's Basketball Tournament.

Volleyball

The facility hosted the 1998 Conference USA volleyball tournament the 2006 Big East volleyball championship, and the 2020 American Athletic Conference volleyball tournament.

Other events

The Arena also hosted an AEW episode of AEW Dynamite on September 8, 2021, and taped the episode of AEW Rampage for Friday, September 10.

Home records

Through the 2023–24 season, the Bearcats men's basketball team has a record of 463 wins and 102 losses at Fifth Third Arena, a winning percentage of (.819). The Bearcats have finished undefeated in home games on four occasions (1993, 1999, 2002 & 2017). Total Attendance through the 2023-24 is 5,786,854, with the longest win streak in the area at 44 games (November 30, 1997-February 20, 2000. [19]

YearRecordAverage Attendance
1989–9010–49,273
1990–9113–410,188
1991–9215–210,011
1992–9314–012,238
1993–9418–212,629
1994–9513–313,099
1995–9613–112,719
1996–9713–213,158
1997–9819–111,009
1998–9914–012,977
1999–200013–113,176
2000–0111–312,906
2001–0215–012,058
2002–0312–312,182
2003–0414–112,237
2004–0515–211,059
2005–0615–59,301
2006–079–98,831
2007–0810–78,534
2008–0912–57,818
2009–1012–58,076
2010–1115–37,344
2011–1214–48,069
2012–1313–59,253
2013–1418–18,567
2014–1515–39,334
2015–1614–39,415
2016–1718–09,865
2017–18Arena Closed for Renovation
2018–1916–211,256
2019–2013–211,100
2020–215–5N/A (COVID-19)
2021–2212–69,273
2022–2315–39,386
2023–2416–59,633
OVERALL: 463–102 (.819) 10,242

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crosstown Shootout</span> American college basketball rivalry

The Crosstown Shootout is an annual men's college basketball game played between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier University Musketeers. The two schools are separated by 3 miles (4.8 km) in Cincinnati, making the archrivalry one of the closest major rivalries in the country. The game was first played in 1927, and has been played every year since 1946. In recent years, the game has been sponsored by Skyline Chili.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mick Cronin (basketball)</span> American basketball coach

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The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball program represents the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. The school's team competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference. The Bearcats are currently coached by Wes Miller.

The Cincinnati Bearcats women's basketball team represents the University of Cincinnati (UC) in women's basketball. The school competes in the Big 12 Conference in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Bearcats play in Fifth Third Arena on the UC campus in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The 2014–15 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2014–15 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bearcats played home games on Ed Jucker Court at the Fifth Third Arena. The 2014–15 season was the second season the Bearcats participated in the American Athletic Conference, and were coached by Mick Cronin in his ninth season. Mick Cronin discovered he had an arterial dissection and sat out the rest of the season, last coaching December 17 against San Diego State, which would see Assistant Head Coach Larry Davis coach the rest of the season. They finished the season 23–11, 13–5 in AAC play to finish in a tie for third place. They lost in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic tournament to UConn. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament where they defeated Purdue in the second round before losing in the third round to Kentucky.

The 2015 Cincinnati Bearcats football team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team returned on campus to Nippert Stadium after playing 2014 home games at Paul Brown Stadium during stadium renovation. The Bearcats were led by third-year head coach Tommy Tuberville and were members of the Eastern Division of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season 7–6 overall and 4–4 in American Athletic lay to finish in a tie for third place in the East Division. They were invited to the Hawaii Bowl where they lost to San Diego State.

The 2015–16 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati during the 2015–16 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bearcats, were led by tenth year head coach Mick Cronin, who returned full-time after taking a hiatus in December 2014. The Bearcats played their home games on Ed Jucker Court at Fifth Third Arena and were members of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season with a record of 22–11, 12–6 in AAC play to finish in a tie for third place in conference. The Bearcats lost in the quarterfinals of the AAC tournament to UConn for the second consecutive year. They received an at-large bid as a #9 seed to the NCAA tournament. They lost in the First Round of the Tournament to Saint Joseph's.

The 2016–17 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team played its home games at Fifth Third Arena, with a capacity of 13,176. The season marked the final year prior to major renovations to Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcats were led by 11th-year head coach Mick Cronin and were members of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season 30–6, 16–2 to finish in second place in AAC play. They beat Tulsa and UConn in the AAC tournament before losing to SMU in the championship game. They received an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament as the No. 6 seed in the South region. They defeated No. 11-seeded Kansas State in the first round before losing to No. 3-seeded UCLA in the second round.

The 2017–18 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2017–18 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team played its home games at the BB&T Arena on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky due to renovations at their home arena, Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcats were led by 12th-year head coach Mick Cronin and are members of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season 31–5, 16–2 in AAC play to win the regular season championship. They defeated SMU, Memphis, and Houston to win the AAC tournament and received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. As the No. 2 seed in the South region, they defeated Georgia State in the First Round before being upset by Nevada in the Second Round. In their loss to Nevada, they were up 22 before losing 75-73, tying the second largest comeback in NCAA Tournament history.

The Cincinnati–Louisville rivalry is a college sports rivalry between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the University of Louisville Cardinals. The rivalry between these two schools, located about 100 miles (160 km) apart, dates to their first men's college basketball game in 1921, and has continued across all sports, with the football series gaining attention as well, having started in 1929. Both universities share common characteristics, both being over 200 year old institutions in urban settings. The schools have also shared conferences historically, with the rivalry stretching over the span of four conferences from the Missouri Valley Conference, to the Metro Conference to Conference USA, and more recently in the Big East Conference, which in 2013 was renamed to the American Athletic Conference. After the 2013–14 season, Louisville joined the Atlantic Coast Conference and since then the rivalry has been put on hiatus in football and basketball. Cincinnati will officially join the Big 12 conference in 2023. However, many other sports at the universities, such as baseball, continue to battle periodically.

The 2017–18 Cincinnati Bearcats women's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati during the 2017–18 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The season marked the fifth for the Bearcats as members of the American Athletic Conference. The Bearcats, led by ninth year head coach Jamelle Elliott, played their home games at St. Ursula Academy Gymnasium while their normal on-campus home of Fifth Third Arena was closed for renovation. They finished the season 19–13, 10–6 in AAC play to finish in fourth place. They advanced to the semifinals of the American Athletic women's tournament, where they lost to Connecticut. They received an at-large bid Women's National Invitation Tournament, where they lost in the first round to Michigan State.

The 2018–19 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2018–19 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bearcats were led by 13th-year head coach Mick Cronin, and played its home games at the newly renovated Fifth Third Arena as members of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season 28–7, 14–4 in AAC play, finishing in second place. They defeated SMU, Wichita State, and No. 1 seed Houston to win the AAC tournament for the second consecutive year, and received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. As the No. 7 seed in the South region, they were upset by No. 10 seed Iowa in the first round.

The 2019–20 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bearcats were led by first-year head-coach John Brannen. The team played their home games at Fifth Third Arena as members of the American Athletic Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020–21 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team</span> American college basketball season

The 2020–21 Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team represented the University of Cincinnati in the 2020–21 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Bearcats were led by second-year head-coach John Brannen. The team played their home games at Fifth Third Arena as members of the American Athletic Conference. They finished the season 12–11, 8–6 in AAC play to finish in fifth place. They defeated SMU and Wichita State in the AAC tournament before losing to Houston in the championship game.

References

  1. ↑ "Campus Buildings". UC Directory. University of Cincinnati. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  2. ↑ Groeschen, Tom (January 26, 2017). "UC tops Xavier in Crosstown Shootout". cincinnati.com. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  3. ↑ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  4. ↑ "UC proposes $70M renovation of Fifth Third Arena". wlwt.com. Retrieved 25 November 2014.
  5. ↑ Hawley, Brad. "UC attempting $80 million renovation of Fifth Third Arena". Fox19.com. WorldNow. Retrieved 23 June 2015.
  6. ↑ Groeschen, Tom (17 June 2015). "Gardens among options when UC renovates Fifth Third". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 24 June 2015.
  7. ↑ "Fifth Third Arena Renovation Campaign Revealed". GoBearcats.com. CBSi Andvanced Media. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  8. ↑ Groeschen, Tom (25 August 2015). "UC Board of Trustees approves next phase of Fifth Third Arena renovation". Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  9. ↑ Engel, Liz. "Port Authority buys Cincinnati Gardens with plans to demolish arena to make way for manufacturing". WCPO.com. E.W. Scripps. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  10. ↑ @FOX19Jeremy (15 June 2016). "NOW: UC confirms Cincinnati Gardens no longer an option for #Bearcats hoops during arena reno. Cintas, US Bank, BB&T still in play" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  11. ↑ "Fifth Third Arena Project Receives Board Approval". GoBearcats.com. CBSi. Archived from the original on 17 December 2015. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  12. ↑ Tweh, Bowdeya. "UC pushes back Fifth Third Arena renovation". Cincinnati.com. Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Sixth Floor Suites Coming To Fifth Third Arena For 2016–17 Season". GoBearcats.com. CBSi. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  14. ↑ "Skanska renovates Fifth Third Arena at the University of Cincinnati, USA, for USD 50M". Skanska. Skanska. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  15. ↑ Watkins, Steve. "UC picks temporary basketball home for Fifth Third Arena renovation". bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  16. ↑ "Athletics Announces 2017–18 Playing Site For WBB & VB". GoBearcats.com. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 15 April 2017. Retrieved 14 April 2017.
  17. ↑ "Cincinnati Favorites Highlight Fifth Third Arena Concessions Options - University of Cincinnati". University of Cincinnati. Retrieved 2018-10-26.
  18. ↑ "Men's Basketball Season Tickets Sold Out Behind Record Sales - University of Cincinnati". University of Cincinnati. Retrieved 2018-10-26.
  19. ↑ "2024-25 Cincinnati Men's Basketball Record Book" (PDF). GoBearcats.com. University of Cincinnati Athletics. November 8, 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
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