Cincinnati Bearcats Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Wes Miller

Team Mascot: Bearcat

Year Opened: 1989

Capacity: 12012

City / State: Cincinnati / Ohio

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Crosstown Classic: Cincinnati-Xavier

Rival Team: Xavier Musketeers

The Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers meet annually to determine who has bragging rights over the city of Cincinnati. The schools are separated by only three miles, so you better believe that both teams want to win this annual contest badly. Cincinnati leads the all-time series 49-34, but the Musketeers have won 14 of the last 20 meetings, so you’ll be in for a treat when these two Queen City schools meet.

Cincinnati vs Memphis Rivlary

Rival Team: Memphis Tigers

The Cincinnati-Memphis rivalry dates back to the early 1990s when both schools were members of the Great Midwest Conference. The rivalry has recently been re-ignited with both schools joining the American Athletic Conference, so don’t miss it when the Tigers come to town.

Cincinnati Bearcats Stadium Guide

In Game

The Bearcats are the biggest game in town when it comes to basketball in the city of Cincinnati, and the program has an illustrious history featuring all-time greats such as Oscar Robertson and Jack Twyman, so you’ll be in for a treat when attending a UC basketball game.

The fans inside Fifth Third Arena are rabid in their support of the Bearcats, and the Rally Cats lead the way with their creative cheers and taunts. The Rally Cats give the Bearcats an incredible home court and advantage and can get into the heads of any opponent. The alumni and other fans aren’t too shabby either, though, so no matter where you’re seated you’ll be surrounded by diehard fans.

The spirit groups at Cincinnati also add a lot to the pageantry and atmosphere found in Fifth Third Arena. The cheer and dance teams have won many accolades over the years, and it shows when you see just how incredible their routines are. The UC Pep Band is also great and helps keep the atmosphere intense throughout the game with their tunes.

Additionally, you’ll find lots of history on display at Fifth Third Arena. The University of Cincinnati showcases tons of past greats at the arena, with The Big O being the most prominent, so arrive early and take some time to take it all in.

Before or after the game stop by the variety of bars and restaurants that have recently opened on the south end of campus. There are plenty of places to grab a drink including The Brass Tap, and if that’s not your thing there are also plenty of fast casual places where you can grab bite to eat.

The Bearcats have had a lot of success over the years, which has helped create a fantastic following and in-game atmosphere, so make sure to check out a Bearcats basketball game when visiting Cincinnati.

Things to check out

Oscar Robertson Statue

Outside of Fifth Third Arena is a statue of the Bearcats greatest player, Oscar Robertson. The Big O played at Cincinnati from 1957-60 and had an outstanding professional career as well, so stop by the statue and get your picture taken with him.

Bearcat Statue

The Oscar Robertson Statue isn’t the only statue to see outside Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcat Statue shows off the incredible school spirit at the University of Cincinnati and is a fun statue to see before entering the arena.

Banners

On the concourse, you’ll see several banners honoring the best players in Bearcats history. Take a walk of the concourse before the game to see all of the banners and remember all of the Bearcats greats from over the years.

The Bearcat

You can see Cincinnati’s costumed mascot, The Bearcat, entertaining the crowd throughout the game. Fans young and old adore him, and he gets into all kinds of shenanigans, so keep your eyes peeled for him during the game.

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UC Pep Band

The UC Pep Band does an excellent job of keeping the tempo high at Bearcats basketball games. The band performs a variety of contemporary hits and school songs including “Cheer Cincy,” so enjoy the UC Pep Band when attending a Bearcats game.

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Rally Cats

The Cincinnati student section, known as the Rally Cats, spur on their team to victory with a variety of cheers and chants. The Rally Cats live and die with their team and will do just about anything they can to help the Bearcats bring home the W, so keep an eye out for them at the game.

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The Dirt

If you’re sitting with the Rally Cats in the student section make sure to pick up a copy of The Dirt to learn more about the Bearcats and their opponents. The Dirt gives you all kinds of info on both teams and has a listing of the Rally Cats cheers, so make sure to get your copy and don’t forget to rip it up and throw it in the air after the Bearcats first basket.

Pizza Delivery

45 minutes before every home game, Bearcats coach Mick Cronin delivers pizza to the student section. The tradition is a nice way for Coach Cronin to show support for the students, so make sure to arrive early for your chance to grab some free pizza before the game.

Cheerleaders

The UC Cheerleading squad is one of the best in the nation having finished in the top 10 in the 2014 and 2015 College National Cheerleading Championships. This talented group will pump up the crowd throughout the game and are a can’t miss aspect of any Bearcats basketball game.

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Dance Team

No Bearcats basketball game would be complete without the pageantry put on by the UC Dance Team. The UC Dance Team has won six National Titles and seven World Titles, so don’t miss them when attending a Bearcats game.

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Fight Songs

  1. Cheer Cincy

    The Bearcats primary fight song

    Cheer Cincinnati, Cincy will win
    Fight to finish, never give in
    Ra Ra Ra
    You do your best boys, we’ll do the rest boys
    Onward to victory

    Go Red, Go Black
    Go Bearcats, Fight, Fight, Fight
    B-E-A-R-C-A-T-S
    Go UC

    Cheer Cincinnati, Cincy will win
    Fight to finish, never give in
    Ra Ra Ra
    You do your best boys, we’ll do the rest boys
    Onward to victory

  2. Red and Black

    The Red and Black shall triumph,
    As we’re struggling down the field!
    Oh fight for Cincinnati, McMicken’s foes shall yield:
    Remember men, the honor, that hangs upon this game;
    Remember you are battling now for old McMicken’s fame!

    Fight, Cincinnati, and show the foe who holds the sway;
    For the Red and Black shall drive them back,
    And win the game today:
    Fight Cincinnati: the victory’s ours again,
    The bonfire’s light will flare tonight,
    The Red and Black shall reign!

  3. Give a Cheer

    Come on and give a cheer for dear Old Cincy.
    Lift your voice in praises clear.
    Show you’re pulling hard for Cincy,
    School we love and hold so dear.

    Loyal to our Alma Mater,
    We will ever down the foe,
    Fight! Boys! Fight! The battle is on!
    Yea Bearcats! See us go!

  4. Alma Mater

    O Cincinnati, magic name,
    I proudly to the world proclaim;
    No sweeter word ever charmed my ear,
    None to my heart was ever so dear,
    A fountain of eternal youth,
    a tower of strength, a rock of truth.

    Oh varsity, dear varsity,
    thy loyal children we will be,
    Thy loyal, loyal children we will be.

    Of wealth and station some may boast,
    of wide renown from coast to coast;
    None nobler teachings did instill,
    Than old McMicken on the hill,
    The black and red banner floats on high,
    let all join in the battle cry.

    Oh varsity, dear varsity,
    thy loyal children we will be,
    Thy loyal, loyal children we will be.

    Long may she live, her children’s pride,
    and grow and prosper far and wide.
    At all time let our motto be:
    stand first and last for old UC,
    We dedicate with might and main,
    to Alma Mater this refrain:

    Oh varsity, dear varsity,
    thy loyal children we will be,
    Thy loyal, loyal children we will be.

  5. Opponent Introductions

    The Rally Cats have a designated call out for when each opposing starter is, so learn it and join in on the jeering of the opposition. 1. Who’s he? 2. Who cares? 3. So what? 4. Big Deal! 5. Go Home!

    Cheers against opponents:

    1. Who’s he?
    2. Who cares?
    3. So what?
    4. Big Deal!
    5. Go Home!

  6. One Minute Remaining

    When the PA announcer announces that there is one minute left in the half, Bearcats fans yell, “and Xavier still sucks.” No matter who the opponent join in this chant and show your hatred for the rival Musketeers.

  7. Bearcats Free Throws

    When a Bearcat shoots a free throw get quiet and then yell,”Get ‘em up cats!” when the ball bounces. While the player is shooting, have your right arm raised making a number 1 sign with your hand. After the shot is made, make a dunking motion and pound your chest.

    Get ‘em up cats!

    Get ‘em up cats!

    Get ‘em up cats!

  8. Opponents Free Throws

    When an opponent goes to the free throw line, the Rally Cats will distract them by waving their arms back and forth in unison. The routine starts with the cry of “ left”( or “right”) and then as the player goes to shoot everyone moves their arm across. The routine is quite distracting and a great way to give the Bearcats as much of an edge as possible.

Cincinnati Bearcats Bars & Restaurants

  1. Hang Over Easy

    Columbus Crew Hang Over Easy

    We serve playful twists on classic dishes. We are the perfect place to cure your hangover—or keep the party going.

    13 W Charlton St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    614-586-0070

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. The Vault

    The Vault

    Nice bar with great atmosphere and good drinks!

    4016 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. The St. Clair

    The St Clair

    The St. Clair, offers Cincinnatians an extensive drink list, attentive service, and a fresh, contemporary ambiance.

    245 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-281-5397

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. The Mad Frog

    The Mad Frog

    The Mad Frog is Cincinnati’s Home for Original Live Music Venue. An intimate venue that attracts high level talent and the music’s.

    1 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-784-9119

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Keystone Bar & Grill

    Keystone Bar and Grill

    With a rotating draft selection and an array of bottled/canned craft and import beers, Keystone has developed a stellar reputation with beer enthusiasts.

    249 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    859-261-6777

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Dive Bar

    Dive Bar beer

    Not your average Dive Bar. An elevated experience in a clean fun atmosphere with excellent liquor and beer selections.

    2608 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-221-0931

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  7. Taste of Belgium Clifton

    Taste of Belgium Clifton

    We take traditional Belgian recipes and we twist them; we take American classics and we Belgianize them.

    2845 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-396-5800

    Bar website

    european - $$

  8. Martino’s

    Martinos

    An Italian sports bar that has really tasty food and great drinks!

    2618 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-221-8487

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Currito – Burritos Without Borders

    Currito Burritos Without Borders

    Burritos, bowls, salads, and smoothies made with bold flavors, international inspirations, and real fresh food.

    222 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-791-1281

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  10. Chick-fil-A

    Chick fil A

    "We should be about more than just selling chicken. We should be a part of our customers’ lives and the communities in which we serve."

    2701 Bearcat Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA

    513-556-1045

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Cincy Steak and Lemonade

    Cincy Steak and Lemonade

    Good Stuff Eatery will be serving delicious gyros,philly cheese steak, burgers, wings handspun shakes, fresh squeezed lemonade and all sandwiches come with Free French Fries.

    2607 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-221-0800

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Mecklenburg Gardens

    Mecklenburg Gardens

    Mecklenburg Gardens has been named among the top outdoor dining restaurants in Cincinnati, and even listed among the best Beer Gardens in the nation!

    302 E University Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-221-5353

    Bar website

    european - $$

  13. Alabama Que

    Alabama Que

    The Home of Turkey Tips. Unlike other BBQ places, our savory spot actually use smokers.

    2733 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-376-8781

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $

  14. Toppers

    Toppers

    Where people who love pizza never settle for anything less than handmade dough, real Wisconsin cheese and loads of the world's best toppings.

    345 Calhoun St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    262-473-6666

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  15. Pieology Pizzeria

    Pieology Pizzeria pizza

    Using only the freshest ingredients, enjoy personally-inspired pizzas in unlimited flavor combos that are stone oven-fired in less than 3 mins.

    128 W McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-221-1300

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  16. Penn Station East Coast Subs

    Penn Station East Coast Subs

    Our menu features an array of mouth-watering Grilled Penn Station submarine sandwiches, fresh-cut fries and hand-squeezed lemonade.

    9717 Kenwood Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242, USA

    513-791-7366

    Bar website

    american - $

  17. Adriatico’s

    Adriaticos

    We are dedicated to delivering the best pizza in Cincinnati right to you! From our fluffy crust, to our perfectly balanced sauce, or our fresh veggies... you know its Adriatico's!

    113 W McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    513-281-4344

    Bar website

    pizza - sportsbar - $$