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Step Inside: Paycor Stadium – Home of the Cincinnati Bengals

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Stadium History | Parking & Admission | Seating & Capacity | Food & Concessions

Football lovers far and wide know Cincinnati ‘s Paycor Stadium as the place where the Bengals prowl in their native habitat. The NFL team’s pump-up song, Guns N’ Roses ‘ “ Welcome to the Jungle ,” not only gets adrenaline flowing in crowds and athletes alike, but is also responsible for Paycor Stadium’s affection nickname among the hometown crowd: The Jungle. The stadium has been the Bengals’ home since the start of the 21 st century, and there’s plenty more going on there, too — everything from college ball to spectacular music festivals. 

Originally named Paul Brown Stadium (after the late Bengals founder) until 2022, the stadium’s nickname “The Jungle” dates back even further to the team’s previous residence at Riverfront Stadium.

Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati and directly across from the Ohio state border with northern Kentucky, Paycor Stadium attracts a wide group of fans. In September 2022, the stadium reached a new attendance record when 67,260 people witnessed the Bengals defeat the Miami Dolphins, 27-15, during a Thursday Night Football matchup.

Aside from serving as the home turf for the Cincinnati Bengals, Paycor Stadium has played host to several bouts in the annual Victory Bell college football rivalry game between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the Miami University RedHawks. And then at perhaps the polar opposite end of the competitive spectrum — the stadium also hosts the annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament. There’s a lot less sweating and shouting, but certainly no less intensity on the part of the competitors. 

Over the last several years, the stadium has also become a go-to spot for some of the most renowned musical artists around, with the biggest names from multiple genres treading the boards. From country king Kenny Chesney and R&B siren Fantasia to pop superstar Demi Lovato — and yes, even the rockers whose aforementioned banger gave the stadium its nickname — Paycor Stadium has hosted them all. It’s also the home of the Cincinnati Music Festival , which draws a huge flock of the most renowned R&B artists and their fans every year.

Paycor Stadium is located at 1 Paycor Stadium, with alternate local transportation options available via shuttle bus and riverboat.  

What events are coming up at Paycor Stadium?

See upcoming events and  buy tickets for Paycor Stadium  right here on Ticketmaster.

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Paycor Stadium History

A relative youngster in terms of American stadiums in major metropolitan areas, Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium first opened its gates on August 19, 2000, following two years of construction. The Bengals, who had previously called Riverfront Stadium their home when the Reds weren’t using it, were happy to take up residence in a brand-new venue. With a capacity of more than 65,500, it’s able to boast that more than 70 percent of the seats are positioned along the sidelines, and two towering video screens (one at either end of the field) ensure that no one feels left out of the action. None of these design considerations have gone unnoticed; among many architectural nods Paycor Stadium has received, the eminently crowd-friendly stadium was the first NFL venue ever to nab a coveted design award from the American Institute of Architects.

Formerly known as the Paul Brown Stadium, this state-of-the-art facility was named after the Bengals’ founder, Paul Brown. The Bengals’ home became known as Paycor Stadium in 2022. Until then, the Bengals’ stadium was one of the only NFL stadiums that didn’t have a naming rights deal. When the stadium first opened in 2000, the field was paved with Kentucky Bluegrass, but due to maintenance issues they later installed synthetic turf.

The stadium’s exterior boasts a sleek, eye-catching modern design and was the first NFL stadium to win an American Institute of Architects (AIA) design award. It remains one of only a select few sports venues to receive the distinction. You really get a feel for Cincinnati at its best when you visit Paycor Stadium, not only on account of what’s going on inside, but also for what’s happening all around it. The stadium was built with open corners, which allow for glimpses inside the stadium. Bengals fans can take in views of the downtown skyline and bridges crossing the Ohio River from inside the venue. It’s the kind of view that fills the local crowd with civic pride and also gives visitors a taste of the best the city has to offer.

Parking and Admission at Paycor Stadium

Paycor Stadium encourages fans to purchase parking passes in advance of gameday for a hassle-free experience. Parking passes can be purchased on Ticketmaster .

The stadium’s main parking lots open six hours prior to kick off. There are also rideshare pickup and drop-off locations on 2nd Street between Vine and Walnut. Fans can also take buses and shuttles from all around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky that stop at Paycor Stadium.

Paycor Stadium Bag Policy

The Bengals encourage fans to travel lightly. When entering the stadium, only one-gallon clear plastic bags or other clear bags no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ will be permitted. Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also allowed. Backpacks, fanny packs, camera bags and diaper bags are not allowed inside the stadium. Other prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, coolers, recording equipment, drones, strollers, umbrellas and weapons of any kind.

Paycor Stadium Capacity & Seating Options

With a capacity of over 65,000, there’s an array of seating options to accommodate all stadium guests. In addition to general seating, there are premium seating options available in 114 private suites and 7,600 club seats. Premium seating includes in-seat food and beverage service options and access to club lounges for fine dining.

What are the best seats at Paycor Stadium?

The best seats at Paycor Stadium vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Paycor Stadium seating charts  and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Paycor Stadium

Paycor Stadium offers several food and beverage options and is specifically known for its affordable beer. The Jungle’s concession stands received an upgrade in 2023, and enhanced self-service express markets were placed throughout the venue to reduce lines and wait times. 

There’s no need to settle for a dried-out hot pretzel or a cold hot dog when you’re here. You’ll find barbecued pulled-pork sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, tacos, meat-free Beyond brats, chicken salads and gourmet popcorn all there for the taking. And any thirst can be satisfied thanks to the array of craft beers, hard seltzer and cocktails from your choice of eight different bars. Restaurants include the very popular Skyline Chili, Tenders, Love and Chicken (TLC) and the “Smoke and Sizzle” BBQ concept that offers up authentic smokehouse flavors.

There are 114 private suites that offer in-seat service for food and drink as well as lounges and fine dining. On your way out, if you want to bring a little piece of the whole Paycor Stadium experience back home with you, pay a visit to the Bengals pro shop, where fans can snap up all sorts of merchandise and souvenirs to help foster fond memories of both Cincinnati football’s favorite sons and the stadium where they proudly prowl.

As a unique bonus, Bengals fans can take photos in front of the colorful, jungle-themed backdrop near the concession stands that the team uses for media photo opps.

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Everything you need to know about attending a bengals game at paycor stadium.

Football fans will be in for a treat this year when attending a Cincinnati Bengals game at Paycor Stadium. A newly renovated stadium debuts this season with new food and drink options, new bars and jungle-themed flair, and other visuals throughout. 

With the team once again poised for a playoff appearance and Super Bowl run, every game at Paycor this season will be an exciting one. From pre-game tailgating to game-time action and camaraderie with fellow fans, the entire experience is set to be a memorable one for all who enter the Jungle.

Attending a Bengals game should be on every football fan's to-do list this fall or winter.

What’s new at Paycor Stadium

The Bengals already rank in the top five for Season Ticket Member satisfaction and game entertainment, according to an NFL-wide fan survey. And the experience got even better for this year. 

A fun new feature this year is the jungle-themed media day set, where Bengals players had promotional photos taken in the offseason. Fans will have a chance to pose for their own photos with the set serving as a backdrop for those Instagrammable moments.

New jungle-themed banners and bengal-stripe visuals bring the atmosphere to life from the moment you arrive. An eye-catching Cincinnati mural by a local artist graces the east side of the stadium. 

New Paycor Stadium concessions 

The east side also features a new destination bar, and on the west side, the Queen City Tap House has been transformed into the Jungle Bar. Up on the 300 level, The Perch offers grab-and-go drinks on both sides of the stadium.

Speaking of grab-and-go, the stadium now offers several self-service express markets, allowing for quicker drink and snack runs. 

For more local flavor, you won’t have to walk far to find Skyline Chili because their coneys will be available at concessions throughout the stadium. Tenders, Love, and Chicken (TLC) will have two additional locations, and a new BBQ joint called Smoke and Sizzle makes its debut.

Are Bengals games family-friendly?

A game at Paycor Stadium can be a fun outing for families. PicksWise.com just rated Paycor Stadium as the most affordable NFL stadium for families attending a game. 

Paycor Stadium is steps away from Smale Riverfront Park , which is worth a visit any time of year. If the weather permits, kids will love the Great Adventure Playground near the base of the Roebling Bridge. Adults and kids will both enjoy the giant swinging benches that overlook the Ohio River. For an indoor attraction at the park, check out Carol Ann’s Carousel  which features a Bengal tiger character and other Cincy-themed animals on the ride. 

Stadium admission and safety for children

It’s a good idea to stop by the Season Ticket Member tent to get your kid a Child Identification Wristband. The tent is located behind section 152 (near entry Gate E). The wristbands aid in finding the child’s seat in the event they get separated.  

Children under two years old don’t need a ticket for entry. Keep in mind that you won’t be readmitted to the stadium once you leave. 

Parking at Paycor Stadium

Paycor Stadium operates numerous lots in the immediate vicinity. To purchase parking for a single game event, passes are available through Ticketmaster . 

Other parking options abound, including the garages at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the Scripps Building, and Fountain Square . 

Arrive at the game in style by parking in Newport and hopping on a Queen City Riverboat for a lift to the stadium for $6 per person, round trip. Board the boat at the Beer Sellar/Hooters dock. Riverboat pick up begins two hours before kickoff, departing every 30 minutes.

Also on the Kentucky side, many people find lot or street parking in Covington for very reasonable rates. From Covington , a walk across the Roebling Bridge gets you to the Banks, steps away from the stadium. 

Pre and post-game activities in Cincy

Bengals tailgating.

There’s never been a better time to experience Bengals tailgating than this year. Tailgating is allowed at all parking lots surrounding the stadium. The parking lot at the storied Longworth Hall offers arguably the best pre-game tailgating fun. Fans bring everything from Bengals flags and banners to corn hole games, grills, and drinks to kick off the party early and get pumped up for the game.

Get there early to nab a parking spot, or just walk in and make new friends. Lots typically open four hours before game time. Reserve a spot at Paycor Stadium surface parking lots 1, 1U, A, B, D, E, and Hilltop through Ticketmaster.

Bengals sports bars and restaurants

If you’d prefer to stay out of the cold and enjoy some food and drinks indoors, there are plenty of sports bars and restaurants at The Banks and in the surrounding area. The nearest to the stadium is Kitty’s Sports Bar and Cafe, known for its grilled and fried wings and other bar food. Holy Grail Bar and Grill is nearby and is very popular for its larger space, tasty food, and great service. 

For more options, check out some of our favorite local sports bars in the area.

Get Bengals tickets while you can

Games will likely sell out by game time, so plan ahead and get your tickets through Ticketmaster. All t ickets are mobile , so you’ll also need to download the Bengals smartphone app to access, transfer, and present your tickets at the gate.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to town, this is the year to root the Bengals on to (hopefully) their next Super Bowl appearance. With the new Paycor Stadium upping the ante this year, catching a live game will be more fun than ever before. So get your friends together or take the family out to one of the most exciting sporting events Cincy has to offer. Who Dey!

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Brian Cross

Brian was born and raised in Cincinnati and has been a contributing writer at CityBeat for 15 years covering the local restaurant and bar scene. Brian also covers the legal gambling and sports betting industry in Ohio for PlayOhio.com.

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Paycor Stadium

Paycor stadium information.

Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio was opened in 2000 and serves as the home of the Cincinnati Bengals. Paycor Stadium is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Downtown Cincinnati. As a result of thoughtful architecture and design, the stadium offers wonderful views of both the river as well as the downtown skyline. Likewise, the stadium offers some of the best overall sightlines in the league given that almost 70% of the 65,000 plus seats in Paycor Stadium are situated along the sidelines. The Bengals team bench is located along the west side of the field while the visitors sideline is the east side of the field. Every seat in the Bengals stadium requires a COA (Charter Ownership Agreement) in order to purchase season tickets. The seat numbers in all sections of Paycor Stadium run right to left when facing the field of play - i.e. seat #1 is always the aisle seat on the far right side of the section. Paycor Stadium is separated into 3 tiers – The Upper Level, the Lower Level, and the Club Level.

Quick Specs

• 65,515 Capacity
• Seats ordered Right to Left
• Opened in 2000

Paycor Stadium Levels and Zones

Ticket office.

1 Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 621-8383 Team Website: https://www.bengals.com/ Ticket Manager: https://am.ticketmaster.com/bengals/

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Paycor Stadium

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Bengals announce updates to Paycor Stadium including decision to keep primary logo

Paycor Stadium is undergoing several updates as the home of the Cincinnati Bengals. The team announced updates on the ongoing projects on Wednesday, including the decision behind keeping the 50-yard line logo the same after considering a change as new turf gets installed.

Cincinnati announced it would be installing new turf at Paycor Stadium ahead of the upcoming season. FieldTurf CORE system is the surface they decided to use moving forward. The Bengals used FieldTurf from 2004-11 and are now one of eight teams to use this as their playing surface.

The Bengals considered changing their primary logo that sits on the 50-yard line, Bengals.com writer Butch Hobson said . They considered the leaping tiger, helmet and tiger head as options before deciding to stick with their primary “B” logo.

"We want our field to be immediately recognizable and our primary logo accomplishes that in a clean, crisp way," Elizabeth Blackburn, the Bengals director of strategy and engagement told Hobson. "The 50-yard line is the natural spot for a team's primary logo and we feel lucky to have a mark that presents well on TV from a distance."

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Paycor Stadium also got new club seats in addition to a plaza expansion at the entrance of Gate D. The entrance widens from 60 feet to 200 feet with the hope to make arrivals and departures easier. More technology is also being added as 1,600 TVs will now be scattered around Paycor Stadium.

These upgrades are in addition to the Bengals’ decision to renovate the locker room, a year after upgrading the training room. The Bengals will learn their schedule for the upcoming season as the NFL will release the schedule in the next couple of weeks.

Bengals vs. Cowboys

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With two home games to open the season, it’s the first time since 1990 the Cowboys play at home in Weeks 1 & 2. The Cowboys will play their first game against former No. 1 pick and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on September 18th. The Cowboys are 6-1 at home against the Bengals, with their only loss occurring in 1988.

Limited tickets are available now at SeatGeek.com .

Cincinnati Bengals to face Kansas City Chiefs in week two of 2024 NFL season

The Kansas City Chiefs' week two opponent has been announced ahead of the 2024 NFL schedule release on Wednesday.

CBS announced Tuesday morning that the Chiefs would face the Cincinnati Bengals at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 15. According to the NFL website , the week two matchup marks the sixth time the AFC rivals will face off in three seasons and the first time the two teams will play before December.

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Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow missed the last matchup in 2023 against quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs due to a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11.

Burrow, who started throwing again in April, said last week that he is fully cleared to do everything that doesn’t involve contact, beat writer Kelsey Conway reports . Burrow anticipates feeling his best by the start of the season in September.

On Monday, it was announced that the Chiefs will also open the 2024 NFL season on Thursday, Sept. 5, against the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium.

The entire 2024 NFL schedule  is slated to be released at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Bengals to face Kansas City Chiefs in week two of 2024 NFL season

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Rivalry Renewed: Cincinnati Bengals Announce Date and Time for 2024 Showdown With Kansas City Chiefs

James rapien | 14 hours ago.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals will play the Chiefs on Sunday, September 15 at 4:25 p.m. ET. The Week 2 matchup was announced on Tuesday morning.

This is the first time Joe Burrow will play Kansas City since the AFC Championship Game in January, 2023. The entire 2024 schedule will be released on Wednesday night.

Check out the announcement below:

The one you all wanted. pic.twitter.com/2XrFGCexIb — Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) May 14, 2024

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JAMES RAPIEN

James Rapien covers the Bengals for Sports Illustrated's AllBengals.com and is one-half of the Locked on Bengals Podcast. He's also the co-owner/creator of Cincinnati Bengals Talk on YouTube. He earned a journalism degree from the University of Cincinnati and has spent the majority of his professional career in the Queen City. Rapien previously covered the Cavaliers and Indians in Cleveland. He has a background in radio, which includes stops at 700 WLW, ESPN 1530 and 92.3 The Fan. He loves a good trade rumor and uses copious amounts of hot sauce on his food. Cincinnati chili is his go-to meal, followed by gallons of mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. When he isn't working or eating, he's probably walking his dog Finley or spending time with family.  

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