There’s been just oodles of chatter over the past couple of days around the rumors that the University of Cincinnati is exploring the possibility of moving their basketball program downtown. For a few games, a season, or permanently hasn’t been revealed but at this point it’s safe to say all options are being considered.
As such a healthy debate across message boards and Twitter has ensued regarding what would be better for UC basketball; remaining at the Bearcats’ current home Fifth Third Arena or playing games at US Bank Arena. So today I’ve decided to play a little game of “Point, Counterpoint” to discuss the major advantages of both venues. I’ll focus on three key features of each and explain how they benefit UC basketball and the school itself.
But before we dive in let’s make a couple of assumptions to make sure any change makes sense.
- Both venues will be renovated in a similar manner
- The decision will be in the best interest of UC’s future conference affiliation
So with the playing field leveled a bit, I’ll begin with Fifth Third Arena.
1) Keep 100% Of Profit In House
Much like with the renovation of Nippert Stadium, keeping Bearcats basketball at Fifth Third Arena ensures that every penny made from ticket sales, concessions, and parking for games will go directly into the university’s wallet. In all likelihood UC would have to cut some kind of deal with the owners of the venue, the Nederlander Organization, in which they would have to pay some sort of rent and a commission on gamedays. Picture it like the recent contracts UC signed to play football at Paul Brown Stadium but much less “kick them in the ass”-like as those.
So for an athletic department as cash strapped as any in college sports, it would behoove Cincinnati to ensure that they aren’t cutting checks for a portion of their revenue.
2) Appease Alumni
The vast majority of UC alumni prefer Fifth Third Arena because they have an opportunity to return to the campus they once called home. Plus these men and women have been around long enough to remember the glory days of The Shoe, when it was a state of the art multi-purpose facility in the early 90’s complete a charismatic young coach and a burgeoning program.
These alumni invest a lot of time and money in Bearcats basketball and could be perturbed if UC moved many or all of the games downtown. So much so that they might go so far as to pull back their support financially to the program. And for UC’s athletic department in particular that could be devastating.
3) Ensure Strong Student Attendance
It’s somewhat cliche to say that children are the future but really at Cincinnati that expression couldn’t be more accurate. First of all, students are integral to providing the home court advantage that propels the Bearcats to victory and the last few seasons they’ve flocked back to The Shoe. Not only is the performance of the team drawing them to Fifth Third Arena but the vicinity of the venue as well. It’s basically directly in the middle of campus and an easy walk for most students. Now, they can go downtown and UC provides transportation for that purpose but trying to make a game at US Bank Arena, and especially on weeknights, would be tough.
Secondly, while it’s extremely important for the athletic department to kiss the feet of the big wigs I mentioned in the previous section, long-term UC must groom the next crop of alums. These are the current students and are experiencing a new era of Bearcats basketball under Mick Cronin. In all likelihood the best is yet to come under this coach and as they graduate their nostalgia towards this program will cause them to support it financially. As future donors, Cincinnati must be cognizant of their needs and potential contributions to UC athletics in the coming years.