Fifth Third Arena

Fifth Third Arena is a multi-purpose arena located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. Primarily serving as the home venue for the Cincinnati Bearcats men's and women's basketball teams, the facility has been a central hub for collegiate athletics and major events since its opening. Originally named the Shoemaker Center for a prominent university donor, the arena underwent a significant naming rights agreement and comprehensive renovation in the late 2010s, transforming it into a modern sports and entertainment complex.

History

The arena was constructed to replace the Bearcats' former home, the on-campus Armory Fieldhouse, which had become outdated. Groundbreaking occurred in 1988, and the venue opened in 1989 as the Shoemaker Center, named in honor of J. Ralph Corbett and his wife, Patricia, whose maiden name was Shoemaker, following a substantial donation. For nearly three decades, it hosted countless NCAA basketball games, university events, and concerts. In 2017, the University of Cincinnati entered into a naming rights partnership with Fifth Third Bank, a major financial institution headquartered in Cincinnati, leading to the facility's current designation. This partnership was a key component of a broader, transformative renovation project aimed at revitalizing the aging structure.

Facilities and features

The renovated arena features a state-of-the-art design focused on enhancing the fan and athlete experience. The seating bowl was completely rebuilt, bringing spectators closer to the court and improving sightlines, with a capacity of 12,012 for basketball. Premium amenities include expansive club spaces, loge boxes, and courtside seating areas. A major addition is the massive, center-hung video board, one of the largest in collegiate basketball, along with upgraded ribbon boards and a modernized sound system. The facility also houses dedicated practice facilities for the men's and women's basketball programs, including practice courts, locker rooms, film rooms, and sports medicine areas designed to support elite athletic training.

Notable events

Beyond serving as the home court for the Cincinnati Bearcats, the arena has hosted a variety of significant events. It was a regular site for the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament, serving as a host for early-round games during the 1992 and 1997 tournaments. The venue has also been used for major concerts featuring renowned artists such as Elton John, Pearl Jam, and Bob Dylan. Furthermore, it has accommodated other sporting events, including women's basketball tournament games, WWE wrestling shows, and university commencement ceremonies for the University of Cincinnati.

Renovations

The most extensive renovation in the arena's history took place from 2017 to 2018. The project, with a budget of $87 million, was designed by the architectural firm HOK Sport and involved a complete overhaul of the interior. Key aspects of the renovation included demolishing and reconstructing the entire lower seating bowl, adding new concourses with improved concessions and restrooms, and installing the advanced video and audio systems. The project also created new premium seating options and dramatically upgraded the infrastructure for teams and operations. This renovation was a cornerstone of the broader Cincinnati Bearcats athletics facilities master plan, intended to boost recruiting and keep the program competitive within the American Athletic Conference.

Tenants

The primary and original tenant is the University of Cincinnati's basketball programs. The Cincinnati Bearcats men's basketball team, a historic program with multiple Final Four appearances and national championships, has called the arena home since 1989. The Cincinnati Bearcats women's basketball team also uses the facility for its home games. While primarily a basketball venue, the arena has occasionally hosted other university athletic events, such as volleyball matches, and serves as a versatile space for large-scale campus events, including concerts, lectures, and ceremonies organized by the University of Cincinnati.

Category:Basketball venues in Ohio Category:University of Cincinnati Category:Sports venues in Cincinnati