DAYTON – When the University of Dayton basketball teams take the court for exhibition games this week, the Flyer Faithful will not just get their first look at their favorite teams on the court.  Fans will also get their first look at what's new at their favorite Arena as the University moves past the halfway point of the three-year, $72 million Arena Transformation project.

"Phase II of the transformation has gone exceptionally well," said Neil Sullivan, UD's Vice-President and Director of Athletics.  "Our construction team is pleased with the progress, and we look forward to our fans seeing the Arena this week.  While opening up Thursday is a key milestone, it's important to remember the project remains ongoing and is still under construction…but it's really good-looking construction site!

"Some spaces remain under active construction or have a temporary feel to them.  That has always been part of the three-phase plan, but fans will certainly get a feel for what the future Arena will look like."

The Dayton women's team will lead off exhibition week with a game against Indianapolis on Thursday, Nov. 1.  Game time is 7 p.m. ET, and doors open at 5:30 p.m..  

Men's basketball season ticketholders are encouraged to take advantage of the free voucher for complimentary admission to a women's game included in their season ticket booklet to come to the game and familiarize themselves with the new changes in the building.  In addition, the Flight Deck will be open before-and-during the game with a limited selection of free appetizers.

On Friday, the Flyer men will play their exhibition game against Capital, also at 7 p.m. ET.  Doors for the men's game open at 5 p.m..  Friday's game will be a coaching matchup of two former Flyer teammates.  

Dayton coach Anthony Grant and Capital coach Damon Goodwin were teammates for three seasons at UD, including Dayton's 1984 Elite Eight team. Grant was a Flyer team captain and MVP as a senior, while Goodwin was a class ahead of Grant and is a member of the UD Athletic Hall of Fame.  The Flight Deck will operate as usual with pre-game dining.

Tickets are still available for Friday's exhibition and the men's season opener against North Florida on Wednesday, Nov. 7.

The transformation of University of Dayton Arena began in 2017, and is occurring over three phases.  Phase I included a new center-hung video board, new seats in the 100 and 200 levels and infrastructure upgrades.  Phase II includes new entrances on three of the four sides, a new ticket office, new seats in the 300 and 400 levels on the east side, and a new and expanded walkway and concourse on the east side.

In addition, here are other changes at the Arena for 2018-19:

•    Wi-Fi Information
New Fioptics Free Wi-Fi, powered by Cincinnati Bell, will be available in the arena bowl seating area for the 2018-19 season. All other areas of the arena will have Wi-Fi available for the 2019-20 season.

Just log in to the Fioptics Free Wi-Fi on your phone or tablet to enjoy this new UD Arena feature.

•    New Updated Arena Map
An updated Arena map can be found here.

•    Concession Offerings
In addition to Donato's Pizza and Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in select concession stands in the West Wing, and new East Concourse, UD Arena will now feature City Barbeque and McAlister's Deli favorites. McAlister's Deli items can be found in the West Wing and East Concourse, and City Barbeque is featured in the new Craft Beer Concession Stand behind section 214.   New menu items including steak and shrimp tacos, and the "Rudy Flyer Jumbo Dog" will be available at select stands.


•    New Ticket Office Location
The UD Arena Ticket Office is now located in the southeast corner of the Arena.  During business hours, customers should still turn in at Gate B off of Edwin C. Moses Blvd.

•    Door Open Times
For the first two games of the men's and women's seasons, doors will open 90 minutes before game time for women's games and two hours before game time for men's games.  Beginning Nov. 10, it will be 60 minutes for women's games and 90 minutes for men's games.