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X-Men

Official Review by Conrad Klank, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

The Cintas center is a 10,250 seat multipurpose arena located just west of I-71 in the heart of the Xavier University campus. This $46 million arena, primarily serves as the home to the Xavier men's and women's basketball teams, as well as the school's volleyball team. In addition to athletics, the complex has seen its fair share of big concerts, speakers, conventions and other corporate events, trade shows, commencements, and even weddings.

The facility can be easily transformed to accommodate any size event. This state-of-the-art venue opened its doors in 2000 and features some of the most innovative and ahead of its time amenities. In addition to the arena itself, the center provides a full size practice gym, training room, and strength and conditioning room available not only for varsity athletes, but students as well. The center is also home to the majority of the athletic offices and a fully functional conference center. Read on to find out what makes this much more than a nice gathering complex.

Food & Beverage    5

The food and beverage offerings at the Cintas Center are simply fantastic. What I enjoyed the most is the mutual support that the venue has for the local food/restaurant providers. The arena serves fairly priced Cincinnati favorite, John Morrell hot dogs, which are a refreshing change to the boring stadium dogs found most places. Another Cincy favorite, Skyline Chili, is a featured treat at the concessions. If you've ever had Skyline you probably have the same question I had, "How do you eat a 3-way at your seat?" They have a very sensible response to that, the walking 3-way, which is a cup of noodles covered in their signature chili and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. May sound a little bizarre to some, but you'll be a believer after you give it a try. For those brave enough, they do serve the traditional coney as well. Lastly, City Barbeque has a stand on the main concourse, which serves some excellent barbeque sandwiches.

On the beverage end, the venue deserves some props for the selection provided to fans. As one would expect, the typical soft drinks and light beer are sold, which is always good. However, the Cintas Center goes above and beyond that to satisfy their guests by offering frozen margaritas and daiquiris, wine, and even specialty craft beer at certain concession locations. Selections like this have come to be expected from some larger venues like nearby like Paul Brown Stadium, but for a smaller college basketball arena, this is very surprising and unique.

Atmosphere    4

The athletic and non-athletic history and spirit of Xavier is very well represented in the Cintas Center and is noticeable from first glance as soon as one enters the building. From trophy cases to murals in the concourse to the banners hung in the rafters of the arena, one is sure to get the proud feeling that the school has for their history. I strongly recommend getting to the game early to beat the crowds and get a good opportunity to explore some of the intriguing exhibits provided in the concourse areas; basketball fans of any kind will gain an appreciation for the history of XU. While it is a fairly new arena, one is sure to find plenty of uniqueness to the arena.

Neighborhood    3

Unfortunately for the fans, there aren't a ton of great pre/post-game places for food and drinks especially within walking distance. However, there are a few which are worth the short drive. The first place worth mentioning is Betta's Italian Oven, which is a very popular place before Xavier basketball games. Their Napoli style pizzas with freshly homemade dough and sauce make this an excellent pre-game meal. Betta's has been voted some of the best pizza in all of Cincinnati by numerous newspapers. If Italian doesn't tickle your fancy, give McAlister's Deli a try. There's nothing too fancy about these delis, but they serve wonderful freshly made deli style sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.

If you're looking for more of a bar for a pre or post-game drink, then Monty's on Montgomery might be the perfect place to meet up with some friends or meet some new ones. Another bar/restaurant, which is a little more convenient since it's actually located on campus is Ryan's Eatery & Pub, which offers a nice atmosphere, good bar food, and daily drink specials. Ryan's is located on the lower level of the Gallagher Student Center. Let us know what your favorite local dining is below.

There are a few hotel options, which aren't quite walking distance to the arena, but good nearby places to stay.

Fans    3

Overall, the fans that show up to the Cintas Center seem to be pretty excited and happy to be in attendance. The arena has seen a good amount of success in terms of attendance in its shorn span of existence, selling out the majority of games held. In addition to attendance, the team has seen an impressive .888 winning percentage in that same time span.

Access    4

If you are traveling from out of town, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) will be the most convenient airport, located 18 miles south of the arena.

The access to and from the arena is a little tricky if you're unfamiliar with the immediate surrounding area; refer to the parking map for directions and more information about permit and public parking lots. One thing that you will find to be a great surprise is the free public parking all around the arena. All of the public game day parking lots are free of charge to all guests.

Once inside the arena itself, you'll have no problem moving about in the concourse, finding your seat according to signs, and finding the appropriate restrooms. Accordingly, you will find concourse areas and restrooms very neat and tidy.

Return on Investment    4

Overall, all things considered, the Cintas Center provides a relatively good return on investment. Single game tickets range from $22 for upper level end court to $28 for upper level corners and sides. Single game lower level tickets are not available to the general public through the ticket office. Those prices for upper deck seating are not very attractive on paper, however, this arena has a cozy feel, making the upper deck not as far back as rival school as UD Arena's upper level seats are. Food and beverage prices are on par with the product received in the respective arena. As mentioned, parking is free, adding to the value of the overall experience.

Extras    2

The audio visual standard in college basketball is raised in the Cintas Center with massive LCD boards hanging from the ceiling, others on the end wall, and a beautiful ribbon spanning from one end to the other.

The variety, selection, and quality of the food and beverage offerings at the arena deserves some extra credit.

Love the Cintas Center

I finally made it to the Cintas Center this year, to see the Women's Crosstown Shootout(the rivalry game versus the University of Cincinnati). The place is amazing for basketball, really great sightlines. I agree with Conrad's thoughts on the upper deck, you still feel incredibly close to the action, a good ticket value.
A note on the surrounding neighborhood, the university has undertaken a project to create their own "village", w/ shopping and restaurants, etc. Currently it's just open fields, but hopefully they'll start building soon.
Also, another great place to eat in the area is Gordo's(http://www.gordospub.com), about a mile north of the XU campus. One of the best burgers in the city, and an adventurous beer list.

by cadence80 | Jan 22, 2012 11:48 AM

RE: Love the Cintas Center

Thanks for the feedback cadence80, be sure to let us know when the village is completed so we can visit again. We appreciate your support!

by conradklank | Jan 23, 2012 12:21 AM

My take

Pretty much how I would rate it except I would give the fans a five star rating. They average 10k per game in a 10,250 venue, that is outstanding in my book, plus they are plenty loud.

I would probably give a star for the heritage of the program that they display in the concourse and in the rafters and a star to the fans too. That kind of support is rare among Mid-majors.

Cintas is a fav of mine.

by CigarBoy | Jan 23, 2012 10:57 AM

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