On July 1, 2013, Cincinnati's Fountain Square became Cintas Center-south for a lunch-time pep rally. Xavier coaches and student-athletes hosted demonstrations, played games and took pictures with fans as Xavier Nation celebrated its official entrance into the BIG EAST Conference. "Xavier Day," as proclaimed by Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, continued into the evening as the party moved to the riverfront where the Cincinnati Reds hosted Xavier Night at Great American Ball Park.