Xavier Musketeers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Sean Miller

Team Mascot: D'Artagnan, Blue Blob

Year Opened: 2000

Capacity: 10224

City / State: Cincinnati / Ohio

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Crosstown Classic

Rival Team: Cincinnati Bearcats

The Xavier Musketeers and Cincinnati Bearcats 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.

Blackburn/McCafferty Trophy

Rival Team: Dayton Flyers

The winner of the yearly matchup between Xavier and Dayton walks away with the Blackburn/McCafferty Trophy. The rivalry dates back to the 1920-21 season, and the two teams have played every year since, so make sure to be in attendance when these two Buckeye State rivals square off.

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Xavier vs Butler

Rival Team: Butler Bulldogs

The Xavier Musketeers and Butler Bulldogs have an intense rivalry that dates back to the 1936-37 season. The rivalry was kicked up a notch in 2013 when both teams joined the Big East. The Musketeers lead the all-time series 37-18, and you’ll always be in for a good matchup when attending a Xavier-Butler game.

Xavier Musketeers Stadium Guide

In Game

For years Xavier was one of the best mid-major programs in the country, and recently they’ve broken into the big leagues joining the Big East in 2013. The Musketeers have come a long way over the years, and you won’t want to miss your opportunity to see Xavier continue their ascension towards the top.

The Cintas Center is home to a lively atmosphere that is spearheaded by the Xavier students and fans. The fans here live and die with their team, and it’s apparent on game day by how much noise they create at the arena. The Xavier student section is especially loud, and all throughout the game, you’ll feel their presence no matter where you’re sitting.

Not only is the Cintas Center home to a great group of fans, but it also contains plenty of tributes to the Xavier athletics department. The venue is home to a display showcasing memorabilia from all of the Musketeers sports teams as well as the Xavier Hall of Fame. If you’re looking to see basketball history specifically, then make sure to take a minute to admire the banners hanging from the rafters. Despite the school’s small size, Xavier has put together some of the best teams in the NCAA over the last couple decades including two Elite Eight appearances.

Before or after the game make sure to stop by some favorite local eateries including Gordo’s and Betta’s Italian Oven. The Cintas Center isn’t as close to restaurants as some other places, but if you’re willing to take a short drive, then there are plenty of options nearby.

A trip to the Cintas Center offers you an excellent opportunity to experience a basketball-mad crowd and see the Musketeer continue their journey to the top.

Things to check out

Xavier Sports Display

Check out the Xavier Sports Display before the game to see trophies and other memorabilia from a variety of Musketeers sports. The exhibit is home to all kinds of memorabilia ranging from trophies to jerseys to equipment and much more.

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Xavier Hall of Fame

The Xavier Hall of Fame honors the greatest players in Xavier athletics history and is a must-see for Musketeers fans. Remember all of your favorite former student athletes by taking a look at the Xavier Hall of Fame.

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Musketeer Statue

Before entering the Cintas Center, take a picture with the Musketeer Statue. The statue is located outside the arena’s main entrance, and it presents a great photo op.

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My 1st Xavier Game Board

No matter how many Xavier games you’ve been to, make sure to stop by the “My 1st Xavier Game” board. The board offers fans the opportunity to tell everyone what their first Musketeers game was and is a fun way to remember all of the games you’ve attended over the years.

Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the Cintas Center are banners honoring all of the Musketeers greatest accomplishments. The banners celebrate the school’s two runs to the Elite Eight as well as players like Brian Grant and David West, who had their numbers retired by the school.

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D'Artagnan and the Blue Blob

The Musketeers have two mascots, D’Artagnan and the Blue Blob. D’Artagnan and the Blue Blob entertain fans young and old with their shenanigans, so keep an eye out for both of them when attending a Musketeers basketball game.

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Fight Songs

  1. “Xavier Fight Song”

    Sing the song and sing it loud and long,
    Let it be our pledge today,
    Our Alma Mater proud and strong,
    Old Xavier for aye!

    (Repeat)

  2. “Xavier Alma Mater”

    Xavier is our family tree,
    Rooted in one history.
    Nurtured by our legacy,
    Xavier’s humble pedigree
    Branches out to touch
    The same God we all call by many names,
    And aglow in love aflame,
    bears the fruit of Xavier’s fame.

    Fame that no one can impeach,
    Growing to extend our reach,
    Planting fertile seeds in each soul
    And mind we serve and teach.
    One community we stand,
    Building dreams and hope with hands
    Stretching out across the land
    For each woman, child and man.

  3. Let’s Go X!

    Let’s go X!

Xavier Musketeers Bars & Restaurants

  1. Cock and Bull

    beer

    Cincinnati's craft beer king.

    2801 Short Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. The Overlook Lodge

    Highlands Grill The Boathouse

    Nothing less than perfect at the Overlook Lodge.

    6083 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  3. Edge Inn Tavern

    Beers

    Located in Hyde Park/Norwood and open seven days a week, the Edge Inn is the best place to get a great drink at a fair price.

    3935 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Brew House

    Brew House

    Laid-back tavern serving pub fare such as burgers & meatloaf, with craft brews & cocktails.

    1047 E McMillan St, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. The Growler House

    The Growler House

    Urban watering hole offering samplings & many local craft brews on tap, plus pints & growlers to go.

    1526 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45206, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. O’Bryon’s Bar & Grill

    OBryons Bar and Grill

    Classic pub grub in a casual, brick-lined space with 2 full bars, a party room & a rooftop patio.

    1998 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. The Wood

    Alcohol Bottles

    The former Jimmies Tap Room is getting a new look, menu, and vibe as The 'Wood Bar!!

    1763 Sherman Ave, Norwood, OH 45212, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Dana Gardens

    Cocktails Limelight

    Dana's serves great food and has a large variety of beer and mixed drinks. Drink specials all the time!

    1832 Dana Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. The Capital Grille

    Wine

    Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting.

    3821 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. The Echo Restaurant

    The Echo Restaurant

    Opened in 1945, this neighborhood fixture offers ample portions of comfort food plus a full bar.

    3510 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. J. Alexander’s Redlands Grill

    Grill

    Restaurant chain serving wood-fired American fare in a contemporary space with a bar.

    Rookwood Commons Shopping Center, 2629 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Seasons 52

    Wine

    Rotating menu of seasonal American dishes alongside international wines in an upscale setting.

    3819 Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Sugar n’ Spice Restaurant

    Sugar n Spice Restaurant

    Cartoon murals & bright colors decorate this low-key neighborhood breakfast & lunch fixture.

    4381 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  14. Betta’s Italian Oven

    Pizza Palermo Subs Missys Village

    Old-school neighborhood parlor offering up brick-oven pizza, pasta & other Italian fare.

    3764 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  15. The Pub at Rookwood Mews

    beer glass

    British-inspired pub with a wraparound bar serves comfort eats & pints in charming, old-world digs.

    2692 Edmondson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  16. Gordo’s Pub & Grill

    Burger

    Upscale neighborhood bar with a patio, serving half-pound gourmet burgers, classy bar bites & beers.

    4328 Montgomery Rd #1, Cincinnati, OH 45212, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. Bluebird Restaurant

    Diner

    Veteran eatery serving American comfort classics at breakfast, lunch & dinner in basic surroundings.

    4629 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212, USA

    Bar website

    american - $