Pass Go, Collect a Flyer: What Would a UD Monopoly Board Look Like?

Photo via University of Dayton

Kylee Nickel | Contributing Writer

What if students could buy Kennedy Union, charge rent on Brown Street, and own UD Arena without leaving campus?

This hypothetical could become a reality if the University of Dayton ever received its own licensed version of Monopoly.

The possibility comes as Cincinnati prepares to launch its own city-themed Monopoly board. Hasbro officials announced in early February that the city of Cincinnati will receive a customized version of the classic board game featuring local landmarks instead of the traditional Baltic Avenue, Boardwalk and more.

The public has been invited to submit ideas for the board’s spaces as the board is set to be released October 2026.

The idea of a Dayton-themed or University of Dayton-themed Monopoly board has already sparked the interest of students, alumni, and faculty.

UD President Eric Spina said, “We certainly would have no shortage of new and old nostalgic places for choices.”

Spina prefers that the board would focus on campus rather than on Brown Street properties, though.

“If someone were to make a ‘Flyer-opoly,’ it may be good to conduct a poll, but since we are just having fun, I would vote to have the Chapel replace Boardwalk and the Arena replace Park Place!” Spina said.

Chad Painter, Department of Communication chair, said that from a communication standpoint the game could also be a strong branding opportunity for the university. He suggested that graduation could symbolically take the place of Monopoly’s most valuable property.

“I think it’s graduation, but that’s conceptual,” Painter said.

Students have also had their own ideas on what campus landmarks should be included in the UD version of Monopoly.

“Obviously I have to go with Marycrest. That’s a staple first year,” said Orion Parnell, sophomore. “And then Empo [emporium] and Fitz Hall.”

Parnell also suggested that UD Arena would make a fitting replacement for Boardwalk.

Junior Bryseydi Diaz said the game would be a fun keepsake after leaving UD. Other students said the game could become a meaningful souvenir for graduates.

Junior Riley Howell noted that Brown Street businesses should also be featured on the board, especially long-standing student favorites.

“I feel like the Brown Street spots should be included, but only the ones that have been around for a while and are important to students,” she said.

Another part to show the UD community through a Monopoly game would be the game pieces.

“I think the English Terrier game piece would have to be changed to a Yorkie in honor of our dog, Theo,” Spina said. “We also could have a basketball, maybe a library, or a stack of books.”

Provost Darlene Weaver, the university’s executive vice president for academic affairs, said, “Maybe a house in the student neighborhood, or a little porch chair in a nod to our porches.”

Weaver also suggested Rudy Flyer would be a good addition. Many students and faculty interviewed for this story suggested some of the same game pieces.

“I think Rudy, a basketball, and a plane,” said Brianna Kelley, a junior.

Diaz also suggested Rudy Flyer. She also would love to see the Chapel and a bagel, to represent Fly By.

“A plane would be good and Rudy,” said Painter, who also suggested the Flyer logo “D” as a game piece.

“Definitely Rudy,” said Sophia Pickrel, a UD alumna, “a basketball player and the Lowe’s street sign.”

Students, alumni, and faculty also suggested that the game cards, Chance and Community Chest, would be a fun way to add the inside jokes about UD to the game.

“That’s a big part of group communication is inside jokes,” Painter said. “What you are going for in something like this is kind of insiders, outsider. The part of being an insider is knowing all those little things.”

Several suggested similar inside jokes that could cost players money during the game.

“They’d probably do something with St. Patty’s Day.” Painter said. “Maybe fall break, Dayton to Daytona, that kind of stuff for students.”

Pickrel also suggested that senior trips should cost players money: “Like the trips when everybody goes to Nashville or the senior trips. Like the Dayton to Daytona, stuff like that.”

Parnell suggested that pulling a Day Drink card would cost players money, an idea shared by several students.

Many of the people interviewed for this story expressed interest in buying a UD-themed Monopoly for graduation or as an alumni keepsake.

“Absolutely!” Weaver said. “And I’d probably give it as a gift to trustees, donors and distinguished alumni.”

To be able to get a UD licensed Monopoly by Hasbro, students would have to make a physical prototype, re-theme everything, and showcase it for visual appeal. After that, the university would have to submit to the “Hasbro Spark” program and create a pitch.

After that, it’s a wait for approval.

If it ever became reality, “Flyer-opoly” could also showcase the University of Dayton’s defining value: community.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nickel is enrolled in the flyer News Practicum, where students are exposed to experiential learning about journalism and the media professions. The Practicum is offered fall and spring through the Department of Communication.