Fifth Third Arena Next in Line for Makeover

The University of Cincinnati’s very own Nippert Stadium nears completion as the major construction project for the UC Athletic Department right now.  

As they close in on the finishing touches of the stadium, the thought of making the next major project for the Athletic Department looms in the air.  According to a story by Bill Koch that appeared on GoBearcats.com, many believe that the Fifth Third Arena will be the next athletic construction project on campus. 

The plans for this building have not yet been presented to the board but Athletic Director Mike Bohn has ideas in mind for the building itself.  Bohn thinks that the plans will get approved when he approaches the UC Board of Trustees. 

Bohn was quoted saying that one of the biggest hurdles is figuring out how to finance the renovation, which is going to be a complex one because the building itself already has a shell that they do not plan on altering.  

The inside is where the major work is going to be done, so it is going to be a little more difficult to work inside the building without altering the outside. 

“We need to continue to raise money and build our financial model for it,” Bohn said. “We have made nice progress, but we have a long way to go.  When I say a long way to go, it’s because our aspirations are so high.  We believe it’s going to be phenomenal.  I think the Nippert Stadium model is one that inspires us to get it right.” 

When asked about when he thinks the timing will be for the beginning of the renovations, Bohn said, “We all recognize that by the end of next season is a critical time for us to be a go or no go.”