UD Arena Review
By Tyler Smith 1/29/2020
UD Arena
UD Arena home to the Dayton Flyers and First Four
Game Attended: vs. Auburn 11/29/2017, vs. VCU 1/14/2020
Stadium Capacity: 13,409
Date Opened: December 6th, 1969
Miles Traveled: 140 miles
Location: Dayton, Ohio
School: University of Dayton
Athletics Site: DaytonFlyers.com
Tickets: Dayton Flyer Tickets
Seating Chart:
Stadium Capacity: 13,409
Date Opened: December 6th, 1969
Miles Traveled: 140 miles
Location: Dayton, Ohio
School: University of Dayton
Athletics Site: DaytonFlyers.com
Tickets: Dayton Flyer Tickets
Seating Chart:
UD Arena Seating Chart via Daytonflyers.com
UD Arena Features
UD Arena was built in 1969. With a seating capacity of 13,455. Since that time the arena has undergone two major renovations. One in 2002 and just finished a round of upgrades in 2019. The arena has hosted more NCAA tournament games than any other venue in the nation.
The lower level surrounds the court in its entirety. The first wave of upgrades can be found here. New cushioned, navy seats have been inserted. The seats are the same color throughout, giving the level a unified look. They have floor seating as well. Most of those seats have tables in front of them.
The upper-level renovations are completed as well. Padded chairback seating with cup holders. The upper level has two main seating levels which rise from both sidelines. They have extra media seating here as well, which was upgraded. The roof dips down to the center court so you can't see the top of the opposite side depending on where you are sitting. You can also find a standing room only beer garden called "Bud Light Landing". Hat Tip: Take the elevator up!
Two luxury seating areas are located in the upper portions of the arena behind each basket.
The Flight Deck is loge seating with a lounge that you can enjoy at any time the doors are open. (ticket holders only)
Boesch Lounge has private suites as well as a lounge to enjoy food and beverages.
UD Arena was missing a center-hung scoreboard, they got one now. The scoreboard has four main boards that measure 13.5 by 20 feet. . They also added ribbon scoreboards in front of the Flight Deck and Boesch Lounge. These measure out at 3 feet high and 100 feet long. The four scoreboards are not new to the upgrades but still have a fresh look.
The concourse has been updated and it is better than ever. UD Arena now features a full concourse that is connected around the arena. Throughout the concourse, they pay tribute to past flyers as well as other Dayton Flyers athletic teams. The concessions offer your traditional fanfare as well as some local favorites. Beer is also an option at UD Arena (for UD events).
The lower level surrounds the court in its entirety. The first wave of upgrades can be found here. New cushioned, navy seats have been inserted. The seats are the same color throughout, giving the level a unified look. They have floor seating as well. Most of those seats have tables in front of them.
The upper-level renovations are completed as well. Padded chairback seating with cup holders. The upper level has two main seating levels which rise from both sidelines. They have extra media seating here as well, which was upgraded. The roof dips down to the center court so you can't see the top of the opposite side depending on where you are sitting. You can also find a standing room only beer garden called "Bud Light Landing". Hat Tip: Take the elevator up!
Two luxury seating areas are located in the upper portions of the arena behind each basket.
The Flight Deck is loge seating with a lounge that you can enjoy at any time the doors are open. (ticket holders only)
Boesch Lounge has private suites as well as a lounge to enjoy food and beverages.
UD Arena was missing a center-hung scoreboard, they got one now. The scoreboard has four main boards that measure 13.5 by 20 feet. . They also added ribbon scoreboards in front of the Flight Deck and Boesch Lounge. These measure out at 3 feet high and 100 feet long. The four scoreboards are not new to the upgrades but still have a fresh look.
The concourse has been updated and it is better than ever. UD Arena now features a full concourse that is connected around the arena. Throughout the concourse, they pay tribute to past flyers as well as other Dayton Flyers athletic teams. The concessions offer your traditional fanfare as well as some local favorites. Beer is also an option at UD Arena (for UD events).
View from the top of UD Arena
UD's student section the Red Scare before the game begins.
What To Do On Gamedays
Outside of UD Arena. Parking lot surrounds the arena.
#1 Grab a bite to eat at Marion's. One of my favorite pizza places on the planet.
#2. Take a walk around UD's campus. The historic section of the campus is the best part.
#3. Parking can be found all around the outside of the arena. Arrive early to avoid waiting in line to get in.
#4 Head inside to check out a great College Basketball arena!
#2. Take a walk around UD's campus. The historic section of the campus is the best part.
#3. Parking can be found all around the outside of the arena. Arrive early to avoid waiting in line to get in.
#4 Head inside to check out a great College Basketball arena!
UD Arena Overview
Arena
UD Arena is one of the first college basketball arenas that I had ever been to. Back then I loved the arena, I still do today with the recent upgrades. When you think of College Basketball, certain venues come to mind. UD Arena does for me. Maybe, because it has hosted more NCAA tournament games than any other venue! UD Arena is one of those places that will never get old. The unique design from the outside sets the tone. When you walk in and see the court, you know you are at a College Basketball arena.
The new upgrades that I have seen so far just add to UD Arena's nostalgia. The new seating in the lower level was a great move. The old seating had several different colors and it didn't make sense. The seats were also dated, it was time for them to go.
The concourse has always been an issue with me so I am glad to hear that is being addressed. The next thing that has to be fixed is the WiFi. In this day and age, cell service/wifi is a must which is also on the upgrade list. It looks like they could have special seating in four spots by the columns in between the lower level and luxury suites. I'm not sure if this is in their plans, but it is an interesting area that they could take advantage of. Here is a full list of upgrades. One of my favorite additions will be the seating at the top of 400's!
I love UD Arena. Visit there and you will too.
UPDATE: Everything I addressed above, was upgraded! Amazing job by the University of Dayton!
Scoreboard
The new scoreboard will blow you away. Whether you have been to UD Arena previously or a first-time guest. UD Arena was always missing something, too most fans it was a new center-hung scoreboard, but you wondered if the arena was able to handle a larger one. Well, it is, in a big way. The addition of the ribbon boards is a big positive as well. The four scoreboards at the corners were nice when they were the only option. With the addition of all the other boards, UD Arena looks like it was always supposed to.
Atmosphere
The fans at UD Arena, make UD Arena what it is. A loud, classic building, full of faithful fans. Many schools would love to have a fan base like the Flyers do. We have all been to a big arena that is half full, it just isn't the same vibe. They pack the house night after night here. They are an involved crowd as well. Add in the student section, the Red Scare, and you have a hell of an atmosphere. I have been to many arenas, seen a lot of games. At the end of the day, game after game the UD faithful deliver. There's a reason they put the First Four here, these fans love hoops.
Campus
The University of Dayton was founded in 1850. It became the University of Dayton in 1920, formerly known as St. Mary's College. It sits on both sides of the Great Miami River. The river separates several of the campuses' sports venues from the rest of the campus, which is broken down into four sections. The historic section of campus features Immaculate Conception Chapel. You will find most of the traditional campus buildings here as well. Campus West and River Campus are recent additions to UD and have pushed the campus acreage to 338.
Arena Story Time
I have probably been to UD Arena more than any other arena outside of the Wolstein Center (CSU). I have seen High School, UD, and First Four games here. The amount of great games that I have seen here is off the charts. 2015 UD vs. Boise State is likely the peak game. What. A. Game. Jordan Sibert with the game-winner in what was technically a neutral site NCAA Tournament game. Talk about LOWD! How about the time when a top-ranked Pitt Panther team and Lavance Fields came into town? One of the biggest non-conference games I have ever been to. UD blew them out, and Brian Roberts put on a clinic. Ask Doug Gottlieb if he remembers that one. I think my fellow writer on this site, Matt Hetzler, would agree with those two games. I was there with him. Even for high school games, this place can get cookin'. If you get a chance to come to a game here and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
UD Arena is one of the first college basketball arenas that I had ever been to. Back then I loved the arena, I still do today with the recent upgrades. When you think of College Basketball, certain venues come to mind. UD Arena does for me. Maybe, because it has hosted more NCAA tournament games than any other venue! UD Arena is one of those places that will never get old. The unique design from the outside sets the tone. When you walk in and see the court, you know you are at a College Basketball arena.
The new upgrades that I have seen so far just add to UD Arena's nostalgia. The new seating in the lower level was a great move. The old seating had several different colors and it didn't make sense. The seats were also dated, it was time for them to go.
The concourse has always been an issue with me so I am glad to hear that is being addressed. The next thing that has to be fixed is the WiFi. In this day and age, cell service/wifi is a must which is also on the upgrade list. It looks like they could have special seating in four spots by the columns in between the lower level and luxury suites. I'm not sure if this is in their plans, but it is an interesting area that they could take advantage of. Here is a full list of upgrades. One of my favorite additions will be the seating at the top of 400's!
I love UD Arena. Visit there and you will too.
UPDATE: Everything I addressed above, was upgraded! Amazing job by the University of Dayton!
Scoreboard
The new scoreboard will blow you away. Whether you have been to UD Arena previously or a first-time guest. UD Arena was always missing something, too most fans it was a new center-hung scoreboard, but you wondered if the arena was able to handle a larger one. Well, it is, in a big way. The addition of the ribbon boards is a big positive as well. The four scoreboards at the corners were nice when they were the only option. With the addition of all the other boards, UD Arena looks like it was always supposed to.
Atmosphere
The fans at UD Arena, make UD Arena what it is. A loud, classic building, full of faithful fans. Many schools would love to have a fan base like the Flyers do. We have all been to a big arena that is half full, it just isn't the same vibe. They pack the house night after night here. They are an involved crowd as well. Add in the student section, the Red Scare, and you have a hell of an atmosphere. I have been to many arenas, seen a lot of games. At the end of the day, game after game the UD faithful deliver. There's a reason they put the First Four here, these fans love hoops.
Campus
The University of Dayton was founded in 1850. It became the University of Dayton in 1920, formerly known as St. Mary's College. It sits on both sides of the Great Miami River. The river separates several of the campuses' sports venues from the rest of the campus, which is broken down into four sections. The historic section of campus features Immaculate Conception Chapel. You will find most of the traditional campus buildings here as well. Campus West and River Campus are recent additions to UD and have pushed the campus acreage to 338.
Arena Story Time
I have probably been to UD Arena more than any other arena outside of the Wolstein Center (CSU). I have seen High School, UD, and First Four games here. The amount of great games that I have seen here is off the charts. 2015 UD vs. Boise State is likely the peak game. What. A. Game. Jordan Sibert with the game-winner in what was technically a neutral site NCAA Tournament game. Talk about LOWD! How about the time when a top-ranked Pitt Panther team and Lavance Fields came into town? One of the biggest non-conference games I have ever been to. UD blew them out, and Brian Roberts put on a clinic. Ask Doug Gottlieb if he remembers that one. I think my fellow writer on this site, Matt Hetzler, would agree with those two games. I was there with him. Even for high school games, this place can get cookin'. If you get a chance to come to a game here and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Ratings for UD Arena
Brand new scoreboard at UD Arena.
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Arena 9/10 Scoreboard 9/10 Atmosphere 9.2/10 University Of Dayton 6/10 (Campus) X-Factor (First Four Home) +2 Total 35.2/40 Dayton, Ohio 6/10 |
University of Dayton's campus
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