EVANSVILLE - Ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 University of Evansville men's basketball season, the University of Evansville athletics marketing department has announced a refresh for the student section at the Ford Center and new student incentives.

Students attending UE Men's Basketball contests at the Ford Center will now be located in permanent seats directly behind the visitor's bench in section 107, providing students with a front row seat to the action and more convenient access to the concourse. The student section will also bear a new name for 2025-26 – the "5-Ring Circus" – celebrating UE Men's Basketball's five National Championships and encouraging students to bring the noise and campus pride to the Ford Center this season.
 
"We're excited for what we have been building over the last seven months to help enhance the gameday experience for our students," said UE Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing & Fan Engagement Michael Robertson. "A lot of work, feedback generation, and brainstorming went into our initiatives to greater appeal to students and ultimately help increase student attendance and involvement."
 
Along with the new location and name for the Aces student section, new incentives have been introduced for UE students who attend sporting events. An all new student rewards system, called the "Purple Passport", allows students to earn stamps for each athletics event they attend. After a set amount of stamps, students will receive different rewards including exclusive gear, gift cards, and be entered into special giveaways. 
 
At UE Men's Basketball games, the first 15 students to fill the first two rows of the student section at each game will receive a special food voucher from a local restaurant. 
 
"Our goal is to build one of the best student sections in the Missouri Valley Conference through listening to what our students want most and providing an environment they are excited to be part of," said Robertson. "We are excited for a new and thrilling year on the court and in the stands at the Ford Center!"
 
Information about further student initiatives for on-campus athletic events will be released in the coming weeks.