Univ. of Cincinnati AD Mike Bohn said that the $87M renovation of Fifth Third Arena "continues on time and on budget," according to Tom Groeschen of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. Bohn said that the arena capacity will "change from its former 13,176 to 12,012 for its reopening next season." UC is scheduled to return for the '18-19 basketball season at its on-campus arena while playing its '17-18 men's home games at Northern Kentucky Univ.'s BB&T Arena. Multiple enhancements will "include two 360-degree concourses and permanent lower-level bowl with new padded chairback seating, and cup holders throughout most of the arena." Previously, some seats were "angled away from the court and there were poor views from the upper decks." The arena opened in '89. A new upper-level concourse will "include more restrooms and concession stands." Bohn said that a new overhead HD scoreboard "will be added." There will be new "premium seating options, including 16 suites and three exclusive club areas," while a new outdoor HD video board also "will be added." Skanska-Megen is the primary construction partner on the project. Meanwhile, Groeschen notes UC and Ohio State have "agreed to play the first allowable date of competition in each of the next two years, with dates to be announced." UC will visit OSU to start the '19-20 season. UC and OSU have not met during regular-season play since 1921 (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 12/15).
