1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
