Keep the Flyer Pep Band Playing! Don’t Replace Tradition and Identity.
The Issue
The University of Dayton Pep Band is not just another source of music, such as one DJ.
It is a nationally recognized, award-winning student organization that embodies the spirit, pride, and culture of the University of Dayton.
The Flyer Pep Band is a huge part of the experience at UD Arena. Our pep band is the embodiment of UD’s culture. It’s distinct diverse look, energy and lively performances allows for the Flyer Pep Band to lead our students, alum and fans into celebrating not just our basketball program but everything that makes the University of Dayton special.
In 2023, the band received the prestigious Stan Musial Award for Sportsmanship, earning national recognition for supporting Fairleigh Dickinson University during its historic NCAA Tournament upset of Purdue. This band put a National spotlight on service and leadership that is part of the University of Dayton’s motto: “Learn. Lead. Serve.”
UD Alumni created this petition because very recently UD fans witnessed an unwarranted change.
DJ music dominated the arena at the first basketball game of the 2026-2027 season, excluding the energetic live pep band performances that have helped define the University of Dayton for decades.
Alumni, Donors, Students and season ticket holders are also concerned by reports that these changes were implemented without prior communication with the pep band.
This raises serious questions about the university’s commitment to its student musicians and the traditions that distinguish UD Arena from other college basketball venues.
We are not opposed to modernizing the experience. We are opposed to modernization that comes at the expense of the students, alumni, traditions, and the authentic atmosphere that puts Dayton basketball on a National level in sell out streaks and attendance.
We call upon the University of Dayton administration and athletics leadership to: Restore the Flyer Pep Band to its prominent, traditional role during basketball games and communicate directly and transparently with the pep band leadership and student musicians before making decisions affecting their participation.
Furthermore, transparency is important to alumni, students, donors, season ticket holders and fans. Please include us in changes about UD Arena’s unique basketball atmosphere.
The University of Dayton is known for celebrating its history, its community, its service and its commitment to students.
Our pep band represents all four.
One DJ can play a recorded song and sometimes will pick the wrong songs. The Flyer pep band creates an authentic identity, an energetic atmosphere, reminds us of our traditions, and brings generations of Flyers together.
Don’t silence the tradition that helped put the National spotlight on the University of Dayton.
The Flyer Pep Band IS UD. WE ARE UD!
1,237
The Issue
The University of Dayton Pep Band is not just another source of music, such as one DJ.
It is a nationally recognized, award-winning student organization that embodies the spirit, pride, and culture of the University of Dayton.
The Flyer Pep Band is a huge part of the experience at UD Arena. Our pep band is the embodiment of UD’s culture. It’s distinct diverse look, energy and lively performances allows for the Flyer Pep Band to lead our students, alum and fans into celebrating not just our basketball program but everything that makes the University of Dayton special.
In 2023, the band received the prestigious Stan Musial Award for Sportsmanship, earning national recognition for supporting Fairleigh Dickinson University during its historic NCAA Tournament upset of Purdue. This band put a National spotlight on service and leadership that is part of the University of Dayton’s motto: “Learn. Lead. Serve.”
UD Alumni created this petition because very recently UD fans witnessed an unwarranted change.
DJ music dominated the arena at the first basketball game of the 2026-2027 season, excluding the energetic live pep band performances that have helped define the University of Dayton for decades.
Alumni, Donors, Students and season ticket holders are also concerned by reports that these changes were implemented without prior communication with the pep band.
This raises serious questions about the university’s commitment to its student musicians and the traditions that distinguish UD Arena from other college basketball venues.
We are not opposed to modernizing the experience. We are opposed to modernization that comes at the expense of the students, alumni, traditions, and the authentic atmosphere that puts Dayton basketball on a National level in sell out streaks and attendance.
We call upon the University of Dayton administration and athletics leadership to: Restore the Flyer Pep Band to its prominent, traditional role during basketball games and communicate directly and transparently with the pep band leadership and student musicians before making decisions affecting their participation.
Furthermore, transparency is important to alumni, students, donors, season ticket holders and fans. Please include us in changes about UD Arena’s unique basketball atmosphere.
The University of Dayton is known for celebrating its history, its community, its service and its commitment to students.
Our pep band represents all four.
One DJ can play a recorded song and sometimes will pick the wrong songs. The Flyer pep band creates an authentic identity, an energetic atmosphere, reminds us of our traditions, and brings generations of Flyers together.
Don’t silence the tradition that helped put the National spotlight on the University of Dayton.
The Flyer Pep Band IS UD. WE ARE UD!
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Petition created on November 4, 2026