Similar to the Cincinnati Reds offseason Caravan where the team takes its offseason message on the road, the University of Cincinnati is about to embark on a three-city tour promoting their upcoming move to the Big 12. The Bearcats officially join the Power Five conference July 1.
According to Stanley Frazier Jr., Associate AD for Marketing and Fan Experience, Big 12 fever has rapidly spread to the Bearcat fan base.
"We just finished our season ticket renewal cycle and we had an expectation of 88% and we reached that," Frazier said. "Our deposits are open for season tickets and we had quite a few deposits as well. When we go on to sell new season tickets I think we'll have a big turnout. I think the fans are excited about the Big 12."
In addition to a stop to be scheduled in Cincinnati, the red and black attack will hit Cleveland, Columbus and Chicago.
"We're excited to bring the Day One Tour to our fans across the state and in the Chicago area," UC athletic director John Cunningham said. "As we enter the Big 12, the Cincinnati athletics brand will continue to grow and it's important for us to have those touchpoints in our top markets for alumni. This will be an excellent opportunity for fans to meet our head coaches and hear directly from them on our move to the Big 12 and the state of our Bearcat programs."
UC Day One tour dates
Cleveland: May 17, Great Lakes Brewing Company 6 p.m.
Columbus: May 18, Brewdog Dogtap, 6 p.m.
Chicago: June 6, River Roast, 6 p.m.
Speaking at all or some of the events will be University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto, UC athletic director Cunningham, UC football coach Scott Satterfield, UC basketball coach Wes Miller and new UC women's basketball coach and 2001 grad Katrina Merriweather. UC Hall of Fame broadcaster Dan Hoard will emcee the festivities. Other coaches on staff will also appear.
Why these three cities?
It may seem bold marching right into Big 10 country planting a Big 12 flag, but that's the competitive part of the job Frazier likes. There are also sizable University of Cincinnati alums in each area.
"Cincinnati is not just a brand for the city," UC Associate AD for Communications and Strategic Brand Engagement Zach Stipe said. "It's a state-wide brand. Over 30,000 people go to this university, hundreds of thousands of alumni across the nation. This brand is strong. Being in the College Football Playoff (2021) certainly helps that too and going to the Big 12 helps it as well."
These events are complimentary but require registration which includes light appetizers and one drink ticket. Coach autographs and photo opportunities will be available as well as giveaways, a selfie station, ticket sales information, and a pep rally featuring the UC Spirit Squad, Pep Band and Bearcat mascot.
"We're working with the UC Alumni Association on this event and they're reaching out to the alumni base in each of the cities," Frazier said. "We're around 100 RSVPs for each of these locations already. We want to try to get our fans out in droves. I want to engage our fans and plant the UC flag in as many places as we possibly can."
Additional dates could be added.
Where is the Cincinnati stop?
UC is currently working on a location bigger than the three venues currently listed.
"We have an expectation of around 200 at each of these other venues but the one in Cincinnati is going to be big!" Frazier said. "We want to make sure we have a place that's big enough to accommodate all of our fans. Once we get all of those details settled we'll make the big announcement. We know it's going to be huge."
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