1. Zona Zoo
The Zona Zoo remains one of the most raucous student sections in college basketball, and will spend the majority of the game standing and cheering their lungs out. Enjoy the pride and passion of the Zona Zoo when attending a Wildcats basketball game.
2. Bear Down
It’s included in the fight song, and many posters and t-shirts, but the traditional slogan has a deeper historical meaning. Student body president and quarterback John “Button” Salmon was in a severe auto accident in 1926. On his deathbed, he told coach Pop McKale, “Tell them… tell the team to bear down.” The slogan continues today as a great way to meet and connect with fellow Wildcat fans.
3. Hall of Champions
When attending a Wildcats basketball game, make sure to stop by the Hall of Champions before the game. The Hall of Champions is a great place to learn more about the history of Arizona athletics and is home to tributes to all of the best athletes in Wildcats history.
4. The Pride of Arizona Pep Band
The Pride of Arizona Pep Band does an excellent job of setting the tone at an Arizona basketball game. The band kicks things off by playing “Bear Down Arizona” and saying hello to the fans before the game. After their introduction you can hear the band riling up the crowd with throughout the game, so listen to the band and join in on the cheers.
5. White Out Game
Every year Arizona will hold one game where everyone dresses in white. White out games give the Wildcats an even greater home court advantage and are a lot of fun to take part in, so make sure to wear white when attending a white out at the McKale Center.
6. Retired Numbers and Championship Banners
Hanging from the rafters of the McKale Center are banners honoring all of the best Wildcats players and teams from over the years. The 1997 National Championship banner takes center stage and is a must see for anyone wanting to relive the greatest moment in Arizona basketball history.
7. Arizona-Arizona State Rivalry
Arizona and Arizona State play for the Territorial Cup in football, and things are just as heated when the two meet on the hardwood. The rivalry between the two schools began on the court long before they two met in football dating back to 1913. The Wildcats have gotten the best of the Sun Devils throughout most of the series history holding a 149-83 lead in the all-time series, but you’ll still be in for a treat when attending an Arizona-Arizona State game.
8. Wilbur and Wilma
Wilbur and Wilma are the Arizona mascots, and they do a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd. The pair get into a lot of shenanigans and lead a variety of cheers, so keep an eye out for them at the game.
9. “Ooh-Aah” Man
The “Ooh-Aah” Man has been a big part of Arizona basketball games since the 1980s and leads the crowd in the spelling of “A-R-I-Z-O-N-A.” Following that chant, he then directs the fans in the chanting of “U of A.” Join in on the chants to give the Wildcats as much support as possible.
10. Arizona-UCLA Rivalry
There wasn’t much of a rivalry between the Arizona and UCLA before Lute Olson took over the Wildcats with the Bruins winning 21 of the first 23 meetings. Since Olson’s arrival, the Wildcats became regular contenders for the conference championship creating a fierce rivalry between the two schools. If you want to catch an important Pac-12 matchup, then make sure to be in attendance when the Wildcats and Bruins square off.
