2026-27 UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR BEARCATS When I think about what makes Cincinnati special, I think about the people. I think about the generations of alumni who carry their Bearcats pride wherever life takes them. I think about the fans who fill Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena. I think about the donors, season ticket holders, student-athletes, coaches and supporters whose love for this university has propelled us to new heights. Simply put, none of our success happens without you. Because of your belief, we’ve already proved Cincinnati belongs on the biggest stage in college athletics. But getting here was never the finish line. The opportunity before us is greater than conference membership. We are now in position to compete, win and lead in the Big 12. We have the chance to elevate the University of Cincinnati’s visibility, reputation and impact across the country while providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed in competition, in the classroom and in life. If we’re going to realize that vision, it will take all of us. The landscape of college athletics has never been more competitive. That’s why your partnership matters more than ever. Every membership. Every annual gift. Every season ticket. Every contribution to our student-athletes. Everyone who chooses to invest in our future plays a role in what comes next. It’s how we reached this moment, and how we will seize the opportunities ahead. As we look ahead, I want to express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for believing in UC Athletics. Thank you for your loyalty through every season, for investing in our student-athletes and for championing our university. This is a defining moment for Bearcats athletics. We have earned our seat at the table. Now it’s time to rise. Go Bearcats!
JOHN CUNNINGHAM Director of Athletics University of Cincinnati
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UC ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS UCATS......................................................................................................................5
$26M+
Benefits and priority points ........................................................................... 6 Four flagship priorities...................................................................................... 8
FUNDS RAISED IN FY26
Cost of excellence and ways to support..................................................10
16,000+
6,800+
44
Football seating chart and premium seating options.......................... 12
TOTAL GIFTS
DONORS
$100,000 GIFTS
Basketball seating chart and premium seating options.....................14 Superbooster groups.......................................................................................16 Stories of impact................................................................................................18
450+
STUDENT-ATHLETES
3.53
18
NCAA DIVISION I PROGRAMS
IMPORTANT DATES
2026 SPRING DEPARTMENT GPA
3.54
Methods of giving............................................................................................ 21
190
2025 FALL DEPARTMENT GPA DEPARTMENT RECORD
BIG 12 ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM SELECTIONS
2,600
HOURS OF COMMUNITY IMPACT
SEPTEMBER 2026 Football season kicks off OCTOBER 2026 Football season ticket renewals open OCTOBER 22-24, 2026 100th annual UC homecoming NOVEMBER 2026 Basketball returns to Fifth Third Arena
JANUARY 2027 Basketball season ticket renewals open Football season ticket renewal deadline JUNE 2027 Annual UCATS Riverboat Cruise JUNE 30, 2027 Annual UCATS giving deadline
UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 3
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UCATS Founded in 1979, UCATS (University of Cincinnati Athletic Teams Scholarships) is the philanthropic support team for the University of Cincinnati Athletics Department. Members of UCATS help advance the mission and vision of the department by giving generously in support of UC student-athletes and the teams they represent.
OUR MISSION
TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR UCATS GIVING
UCATS remains committed to providing the funding necessary for all Bearcat student-athletes to compete at the highest level. Through the philanthropic support of donors, UCATS will provide scholarship support, grow endowed funds, work to fund capital projects and increase programmatic support for all of UC’s sport programs. These initiatives are incredibly important as we strive to be the best in the Big 12.
Tax deductibility of UCATS contributions depends on the type of fund supported. Gifts to scholarship funds, sport excellence funds and other charitable athletic initiatives are generally 100% taxdeductible as allowed by law, while contributions tied to athletic ticket rights or priority seating benefits are not tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding the deductibility of their specific contribution and applicable IRS regulations.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS There are seven UCATS membership levels, each based on annual giving and offering a unique set of benefits. Depending on your membership level, benefits may include: • Priority access to tickets and parking. • Invitations to exclusive UCATS events and member experiences. • Priority access to postseason tickets. Membership benefits increase with each giving level, providing additional opportunities to engage with UC Athletics and fellow Bearcats supporters.
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PRIORITY POINT SYSTEM The UCATS priority point system recognizes and rewards supporters for their investment in UC Athletics through philanthropic giving, season ticket membership and other qualifying activities. Priority point totals establish a supporter’s rank and are used to determine priority for athletics seating and parking assignments, as well as other applicable donor benefits. Priority points do not become active until a qualifying UCATS gift is made within the current drive year, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
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POINTS
awarded for every $100 contributed to the Priority Seating Fund(s), General Scholarship Fund or any athletics endowment.
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2
POINTS
awarded for being a season ticket holder (maximum of two points per ticketed sport).
5
POINTS
awarded for every $100 contributed to any sport-specific fund, the Women’s Excellence Fund or the Athletics Impact Fund.
20
POINTS
awarded (one time only) for a planned estate gift on record benefiting an athletics fund.
20
POINTS
awarded (one time only) for being a former UC studentathlete.
2026-2O27 UCATS MEMBER BENEFITS CHART GIVING LEVEL Annual gift range Provide financial support for UC student-athletes Access to exclusive ticket presales Football postseason ticket priority Invitation to UCATS annual event UCATS membership gift Invitation to UCATS special events and experiences Men’s basketball postseason ticket priority First access to single-game, away-game and neutral-site tickets Exclusive access to away-game travel opportunities Exclusive access to travel with a team for away games
BEARCAT
MVP
$50-$499
$500-$2,499
$2,500-$9,999
• • •
• • • •
• • • • • •
2 tickets
2 tickets
ALL-AMERICAN HALL OF FAME CHAMPIONSHIP
4 tickets
DIRECTOR’S CABINET
$10,000-$24,999 $25,000-$49,999 $50,000-$99,999
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
• • • • • • •
PRESIDENTIAL $100,000+
• • • • • • •
6 tickets
6 tickets
8 tickets
8 tickets
Big 12 Tournament
Big 12 Tournament
Big 12 & NCAA Tournaments
Big 12 & NCAA Tournaments
• •
• •
• • •
UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 7
THE POWER TO ELEVATE: FOUR FLAGSHIP PRIORITIES Your investment fuels opportunity. Your belief drives excellence. Your support shapes the next generation of Bearcats and the next era of the University of Cincinnati through four distinct priority areas:
COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE AND CHAMPIONSHIP READINESS Built to compete. Prepared to win. • Football and men’s basketball excellence: Support for UC’s most visible platforms through comprehensive, championship-level investment. Enables UC to compete at scale in the Big 12 through direct investment in roster strength and critical resources. • Athletics Impact Fund: Recruit and retain top-tier student-athletes, provide elite resources and position UC to compete for championships in the Big 12. • Sport-specific excellence funds: Empower each of our 18 intercollegiate teams to achieve the highest levels of success. • Women’s Excellence Fund: Flexible support for nutrition, recovery, equipment, travel and facility needs across women’s sports.
ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY Opening doors. Changing lives. • Student-athlete scholarships: Ensure access to a University of Cincinnati education for more than 450 student-athletes while honoring a loved one, recognizing achievement or creating an enduring legacy. Naming opportunities available. • Coaching endowments: Invest in the long-term success of Bearcats athletics by endowing coaching positions that attract top talent, provide stability and sustain championship-caliber leadership for generations to come.
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INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION Premier facilities for peak performance. • Facilities enhancements: Strategic investments that elevate athletics facilities, fan experiences and training environments to meet and exceed Big 12 standards while supporting student-athlete development and long-term program success. • High-performance environments: Upgraded locker rooms, training, nutrition and recovery spaces that support year-round excellence for all Bearcats.
LIFE TRANSFORMATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Preparing Bearcats for a lifetime of impact. • The Academy (life after college sports): Leadership, career exploration, mentorship and programming that connects student-athletes to careers and graduate study. • Student-athlete support services: Personalized advising, tutoring, learning support and transition guidance. • Well-being and NIL literacy: Mental health, life skills and NIL education aligned to evolving regulations.
UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 9
COST OF EXCELLENCE
DERRICK PITTS Baseball
IN STATE
METRO-IN/KY OUT OF STATE
Tuition & fees
$14,824.00
$15,424.00
$30,158.00
Room
$13,056.00
$13,056.00
$13,056.00
Board
$5,552.00
$5,552.00
$5,552.00
Books
$800.00
$800.00
$800.00
Cost of attendance gap
$3,386.00
$3,386.00
$3,386.00
Total
$37,618.00
$38,218.00
$52,952.00
SYDNEY NOLAN Volleyball 10
WAYS TO SUPPORT
“My scholarship has opened up so many
ANNUAL GIVING
PLANNED GIVING
opportunities for me,
Annual gifts help provide scholarships, academic support, nutrition, equipment, travel and championship-caliber experiences for Bearcat student-athletes. Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen UC Athletics.
Support tomorrow’s Bearcats through your estate plans. Planned gifts allow individuals and families to make a meaningful difference through options including bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable trusts and other legacy gifts that support student-athletes for years to come.
not only on the court
ENDOWMENTS Create a lasting legacy with an endowed gift to provide permanent support for UC Athletics, generating resources year after year for scholarships, programs and student-athlete success. Your investment continues making an impact for future generations of Bearcats.
Scan the QR code to learn more.
but also in the classroom while pursuing a career in sports. I’m just so blessed to have this opportunity.” GABRIELLE GUENTHER UC Tennis
SPORT-SPECIFIC GIVING Support the team that means the most to you. Sport-specific gifts provide coaches and studentathletes with additional resources that enhance the student-athlete experience and help programs compete at the highest level.
CAPITAL PROJECTS Invest in the future of Bearcats athletics. Gifts supporting facilities and capital projects help create transformational spaces where student-athletes learn, train, recover and compete.
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PREMIUM SEATING AT HISTORIC NIPPERT STADIUM Experience Bearcats football from some of the most exclusive locations in historic Nippert Stadium. Premium seating offers exceptional views, premium hospitality and an elevated game day experience while supporting UC student-athletes.
TQL Field-Level Suites
Patio Suites
Get closer to the action than anywhere else in college football. These field-level suites provide unmatched access and a truly immersive game day experience.
Ideal for entertaining, patio suites provide a private open-air setting with outstanding views and access to Gravity Club amenities.
Wyler Terrace
Founders Suites
Enjoy panoramic open-air views from atop the West Pavilion, paired with upscale hospitality, a climatecontrolled lounge and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Enjoy Bearcats football from a private suite featuring exceptional views, premium amenities and a firstclass setting for hosting guests.
Gravity Club Seats Located in the West Pavilion, Gravity Club combines premium chairback seating, excellent sightlines and club-level amenities for a comfortable game day experience.
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HOP Shops Tunnel Club Overlooking the Bearcats’ entrance tunnel, this one-of-a-kind space combines exclusive views, field access and private hospitality in the heart of the action.
NIPPERT STADIUM Scan the QR code to explore full HISTORIC NIPPERT STADIUM premium seating descriptions, amenities, availability and pricing SEASON TICKET PRICING information.
VISITING TEAM’S CONSIGNMENT LOCATED SECTIONS 201-202
EAST
SEAT DONATION
GOLD
Cash bar available.
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
STUDENTS
THE LAIR
VISITING TEAM
TOTAL
$$ and $$ Ticket$50 pricing 250 185 300 235 $ $$ $$be seating benefits will PINK 50 300 265 350 315 $ $ $ updated to the BLUE 75 prior 365 440 $ season. $ 2027 $football RED 125 420 545 $ the QR $ code for $ Scan GREY 200 475 675 the latest details as they $ $ LOWER LEVEL LOGE 720 720 become available. Full-service buffest & non-alcoholic beverages included.
SEASON TICKET PRICE
HOME TEAM TOUCHDOWN TERRACE
250 500
600 575 800 850
BLACK
$
$$
PURPLE
$
$
850 825 1,300 1,350 $$
$
PREMIUM WEST PAVILION SEATING
CLUB
$
CLUB
$
CLUB
$
1,150
$
895
$
1,400
$
895
$
1,650
$
895
$
2,045 2,295
2,545
Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverage Included. Cash bar available.
WEST
Jeff Wyler Terrace
PATIO SUITE - END
$
PATIO SUITE - SIDELINE
$
3,030 3,530
Not available for purchase online. Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages Included. Cash bar available. Best option for corporate entertainment. Please call 1.877.CATS.TIX
1,000 800
$ $ Must be 21 to purchase. Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverage, 2 Drink Tickets per game included. Cash bar available. Outdoor patio & indoor lounge access. Call 1.877.CATS.TIX to learn more.
FIELD LEVEL SUITES Go to revelxp.com/Cincinnati to learn more
UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 13
FIFTH THIRD ARENA
207 207 207
7 RO WS
BL
208
209
BL
108 108
109
107
206
BL
210 110
BL
BL
211
BL
212
111
113
STUDENT SECTION
106
16 ROWS
205205
105 105
SL SL
213 213 214
114 CINCINNATI BENCH
SL SL
213
112 112
115
215215
116
216216
4 ROWS
204204
104 104 ROWS 1-7
103 103
SL SL
117
217217
118
102
202
218
119
101
201
123
122
121
MEDIA
224
223
222
221
220
21 9
BAND
19 201
14
VISITOR BENCH
SL SL
203203
ROWS 8-12
219
PREMIUM SEATING AT FIFTH THIRD ARENA From courtside seats to private suites, Fifth Third Arena offers premium experiences for every type of Bearcats fan. Enjoy unrivaled access, first-class amenities and some of the best views in college basketball while supporting UC student-athletes.
Lexus Courtside Club & Courtside Seating
Incline Suites
Sit directly on the floor for the closest views of Bearcats basketball and enjoy access to the Lexus Courtside Club, featuring premium hospitality and dining. Beginning with the 2027-28 season, courtside seating will be available exclusively through Flight Club membership.
Perfect for entertaining clients, family and friends, Incline Suites offer a private hospitality setting and outstanding views of the court for groups of up to 18 guests.
Scan the QR code to explore full premium seating descriptions, amenities, availability and pricing information. Premium seating pricing and benefits will be updated prior to the 2027-28 basketball season. Please check the QR code for the latest information as it becomes available.
UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 15
SUPERBOOSTER GROUPS
THE
The Nippert Legacy Society brings together Bearcats who are committed to supporting the future of UC football through leadership-level philanthropy. Members help provide resources that elevate the student-athlete experience and position the program for continued success in the Big 12 and beyond.
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Flight Club members provide direct support to the men’s basketball program, helping enhance player development, recruiting, nutrition, travel and other program priorities. Through exclusive access and behind-thescenes experiences, members become part of the team’s continued pursuit of excellence.
THE
SISTERHOOD SOCIETY
DUGOUT CLUB
The Sisterhood Society directly supports the women’s basketball program, helping provide championship-caliber resources. Gifts help enhance training, nutrition, recovery, recruiting and other opportunities that strengthen the program on and off the court.
The Dugout Club supports UC baseball and helps provide the resources necessary for the Bearcats to compete at the highest level. Member support enhances player development, nutrition, facilities, travel and the overall student-athlete experience.
“Being a Bearcat has taught me what it means to compete for something bigger than yourself. Every workout, practice and game has pushed me to grow, but the biggest impact has come from the people around me. UC has given me teammates who feel like family, mentors who have invested in my future and opportunities that have prepared me for life after football. Wearing ‘Cincinnati’ across my chest is something I take great pride in, and I’m grateful for everyone who helps make those opportunities possible.” EVAN TENGESDAHL UC Football 17
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON Before his passing in 2020, former football studentathlete Greg Wolf, BBA ’92, lived by a simple belief: those who have benefited from the support of others have a responsibility to give back. Inspired by the scholarship support that helped shape Wolf’s own future, his family, friends and fellow Bearcats have established multiple endowed scholarships that continue creating opportunities for future generations of student-athletes.
“Greg always talked about inspiring others to give back. One of his mottos was to make things better because you were there. He felt it was his turn to give back and pass the torch to the next generation.” CHRISTIE WOLF, BBA ’91 18
EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION Edward and Nina Paul have demonstrated a deep commitment to the student-athlete experience through scholarship funding for women’s basketball and transformational investments in Fifth Third Arena. Their generosity reflects a belief in the power of athletics to build confidence, discipline and leadership while providing student-athletes with resources that help them thrive long after graduation.
“Being a student-athlete requires discipline and provides a good sense of self-pride and confidence. I’ve always been involved in mentoring women and fundraising for organizations, so it meant something to support female student-athletes. Giving back feels good—it gives you a purpose in life beyond your own needs.” NINA PAUL
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INVESTING IN PEOPLE A lifelong champion of UC Athletics, Cindy Coggins, CECH ’73 supports student-athletes through the Coggins Family Endowed Volleyball Scholarship Fund and the Women’s Excellence Fund. Beyond her philanthropy, she serves as a mentor and advocate, helping student-athletes build confidence and pursue their goals both on and off the court.
TOGETHER, WE MAKE AN IMPACT Every donor’s story is different, but every gift helps provide scholarships, championship-caliber opportunities and transformative experiences for UC student-athletes. Whether through annual giving, endowments, planned gifts or capital projects, your support helps shape the future of UC Athletics. Scan the QR code to read more stories that showcase the power of your support.
“I was told, ‘choose two or three areas that you are truly passionate about and concentrate your donations and service to them.’ For me, that was my church and my university. That way, I could make an everlasting impact. If everyone chooses to support their passion, this would be a better, kinder and more loving world.” CINDY COGGINS, CECH ’73 20
METHODS OF GIVING ONLINE GIVING
GIFTS-IN-KIND
Manage your support of UC Athletics through your UCATS account. Donors can make a gift, view UCATS Priority Points, access giving history, establish payment plans and update account information online.
Gifts of tangible property can provide valuable assistance to UC Athletics while offering potential tax benefits to the donor. All gifts-inkind must be approved in advance by UC Athletics.
RECURRING & PAYROLL GIVING
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS & IRA GIVING
Recurring gifts provide year-round support for Bearcats studentathletes through convenient scheduled payments. University of Cincinnati faculty and staff may also support UCATS through the university’s payroll deduction program.
Many supporters choose to make charitable gifts through donoradvised funds or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA. Consult your financial advisor to determine the giving strategy that best aligns with your philanthropic goals.
MATCHING GIFTS
MAIL OR PHONE
Many employers match charitable contributions made by employees and retirees. Check with your company to determine whether your gift qualifies and maximize your support of UC student-athletes at no additional cost.
The UCATS team is available to assist with gifts, pledge payments and questions about supporting UC Athletics by phone at 1-877-55U-CATS or by mail: UCATS Office University of Cincinnati Athletics P.O. Box 210021 Cincinnati, OH 45221
GIFTS OF SECURITIES & REAL ESTATE Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, mutual funds and real estate can provide meaningful support for UC Athletics while potentially offering significant tax advantages. Contact the UCATS Office for transfer instructions and additional information.
Questions? We’re here to help. Whether you’re making your first gift or exploring a major philanthropic investment, the UCATS team is ready to assist. Phone: 513-556-4884 | Toll-Free: 1-877-55U-CATS | Email: UCATS@uc.edu | GoBearcats.com/UCATS UCATS MEMBERSHIP GUIDE 21
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF UC ATHLETICS To learn more about membership benefits, premium seating or philanthropic opportunities, contact the UCATS team at 1-877-55U-CATS, UCATS@uc.edu, or visit GoBearcats.com/UCATS. Tristan Mulcahy Deputy AD/Associate Vice President, Development Karen Hatcher Executive Sr. Associate AD, Sr. Associate Vice President, Principal Giving Mark Berger Assistant AD, Senior Director of Development Becky Schaaf Program Director, Athletics Reporting & Data Niki Cianciola Director, UCATS Gianna Salzbrunn Director, Development Noah Nichols Director, Development
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Justin Roberts Assistant Director, Development Michaela Buriff Assistant Director, Development Taylor Maier Associate Director, Donor Experience and Events Stanley Frazier Jr. Director, Annual Giving Daniel Ester II Associate Director, Annual Giving Brendan Bergen Athletics Advancement Writer, Strategic Communications
“My scholarship didn’t just bring me to Cincinnati—it gave me the opportunity to compete at the highest level and redefined what I thought was possible for my future. Being able to graduate in three years while pursuing my Olympic goals is something I’ll never take for granted. Donor support makes that journey possible, allowing student-athletes like me to grow, lead and represent UC at our very best.” JULIETTE LARACUENTE-HUEBNER ’26 UC Track and Field
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UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT Richard E. Lindner Center 2751 O’Varsity Way Suite 470 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0021 513-556-4884