Step Inside: University of Dayton Arena – Home of the Dayton Flyers

Home of the Dayton Flyers

The University of Dayton Arena is located in Dayton, Ohio and is the home of the Dayton Flyers basketball teams. It is most well-known for hosting the first games of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball tournament since 2001. The University of Dayton Arena is just a short drive from the University of Dayton’s main campus in a part of Dayton that houses the sports complexes for the school. It is recognized for hosting more March Madness games than any other arena.

University of Dayton Arena History

Most commonly referred to as UD Arena, the University of Dayton Arena was built in 1968 and opened in 1969. It has been the home to the university’s basketball teams since it opened and has undergone renovations multiple times over its lifespan. The most recent renovation took place over three years, from 2017–2019, in preparation for the arena’s 50th anniversary. The $72 million renovation project was the largest in the school’s history and increased the arena’s square footage by 23%. Every seat in the arena was replaced and portals were added from the stands to the concourses on both sides. A new video board, updated audio, improved Wi-Fi, better broadcasting facilities, and updated lighting are just a few of the upgrades made during this renovation. UD Arena also received new concession areas, premium seating and lounge upgrades, new locker rooms for both home and away teams, and additional bathroom improvements.

The University of Dayton Arena lands right in between Cincinnati and Columbus, making it a premiere stop for concert tours. Elton John, Elvis Presley, Usher, Kenny Chesney, Rush, and Jay-Z are just some of the artists and bands who have played UD Arena. The Royal Hanneford Circus was a staple in the 1990s at the arena and WWE has hosted numerous events for over four decades there. It also holds the university’s graduation ceremonies each year.

Parking and Admission at University of Dayton Arena

Parking Lots A, B, C, and D are for University of Dayton season ticket holders. Parking passes often sell out each season. Those who do not have season tickets or parking passes can park in the O Lot, which is located on River Park Road. Parking there costs $5 and it includes a shuttle to and from the arena. Shuttles begin when doors at the arena open and will run continuously until one hour after the event ends.

Upon entry to the arena, every person must go through a metal detector. All bags and purses will be inspected. Most common items, including cell phones, keys and wallets can just be brought through the metal detector. It is UD Arena’s policy to prohibit weapons of any kind, outside food and drink, strollers, signs larger than 8.5” x 11”, tripods, large camera lenses, laser pointers, and noisemakers.

University of Dayton Arena Capacity & Seating Options

The University of Dayton Arena has a capacity of 13,407 and all of the seats are new following the renovating that was completed in 2019. The Flyer Faithful have multiple seat options with the 100-level seats being the closest to the floor and the 200-level seats sitting above them. The 300- and 400-level seats are only on the east and west portions of the arena and are in the upper tier. There are also suites and club and loge seats that fans can sit in.

The Boesch Suites provide a view line from the north baseline and can house between 20 and 35 fans. These provide exclusive access to the pre-game buffet, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, premium leather chairs with cup holders, and more amenities. These are sold as a part of a full season or multi-game package or can be purchased for single games when available. The Terrace Suites are located in all four corners of the arena and have an elevated terrace that overlooks the lower section. These accommodate between 12 and 20 fans and are sold on a full-season, multi-game, or single-game basis when available. Fans get to customize their menu before the game as well as choose what beverages stock their fridge in the suite, including beer, wine, and soda. These come with leather furnishings and flat-screen TVs as well.

Loge seating is adjacent to the Flight Deck and is available for $4,000 for the full season or $250 per game. It comes with leather seats, access to a pre-game buffet, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Food & Beverage Options at University of Dayton Arena

There are numerous concession stands and food carts around UD Arena that serve up both classic arena eats and local favorites. The Bud Light Landing and Connor Flight Deck offer over 20 different beers combined and there are 12 portable beer kiosks around the concourses. Food offerings include Donato’s pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, shrimp or fish tacos, French fries, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches, nachos, Dippin’ Dots, and more. UD Arena serves Pepsi products for sodas and water.