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 fantastic food and drink options, new bars, television monitors, 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 to Expect at Paycor Stadium

The Bengals rank in the top five for Season Ticket Member satisfaction and game entertainment, according to an NFL-wide fan survey. And the experience just continues to get better with every season.

A fun, interactive feature is the jungle-themed media day set, where Bengals players have had promotional photos taken during past off seasons. Fans will have a chance to pose for their own photos with the set serving as a backdrop for those IG moments.

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

Paycor Stadium concessions 

The east side also features a destination bar, and on the west side you'll find the aptly-named 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 conveniently offers several self-service express markets, allowing for quicker drink and snack runs. You don't want to miss a second of the game!

For more local flavor, you won’t have to walk far to find Skyline Chili because their coneys are available at concessions throughout the stadium. Tenders, Love, and Chicken (TLC) has multiple locations, and a BBQ joint just added last season called Smoke and Sizzle has quickly become a fan favorite for delicious game grub.

Are Bengals games family-friendly?

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

Paycor Stadium is just steps away from Smale Riverfront Park, which is worth a visit ANY time of the year. If the weather permits, kids will love the Great Adventure Playground near the base of the iconic 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 Banks, 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 $8 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 or Newport for very reasonable rates. From Covington, a walk across the Roebling Bridge gets you to the Banks, steps away from the stadium. In Newport (ample parking is available in the Newport on the Levee garage), cross the pedestrian-friendly Purple People Bridge. 

Or, park in Northern Kentucky and hop aboard the Southbank Shuttle. A ride across the river is just $1, service starts two hours before the game, and you'll be dropped off right across the street from the stadium. Check out the route here. 

Pre and post-game activities in Cincy

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 Tavern and Grille 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 tickets are mobile, so you’ll also need to download the Bengals smartphone app to access, transfer, and present your tickets at the gate. Be sure and check out Paycor's bag policy before you plan your day. 

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 an updated field, new club seats, an expanded plaza entrance and, most importantly, a healthy Joe Burrow - 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!