Cincinnati is a sports city through and through. While attending a Bengals, Reds or FC game is an obvious must-do on a visit here, we also suggest trying something totally unique: catching a Cincinnati Cyclones hockey match!

 

That's right. You can experience all the thrills of a hockey match during your visit. Here's all you need to know about watching a Cincinnati Cyclones match at Heritage Bank Arena. 

photo of cincinnati cyclones hockey goalie at heritage bank arena

Who Are the Cincinnati Cyclones?

The Cincinnati Cyclones are a minor league professional ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They currently play in the ECHL (formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League), which is a "AA-level" league in the hierarchy of North American pro hockey. 

 

While the ECHL is below the NHL and AHL, it is considered a stepping stone for professional hockey players. This means that many ECHL teams are affiliated with AHL and NHL teams, so players can "move up or down" based on their contracts and the quality of their play. The Cyclones, for instance, are affiliated with the New York Rangers, a professional NHL team based in New York City. 

 

The Cincinnati Cyclones rejoined the ECHL in the 2006-07 season after a brief hiatus, and have been consistent contenders in the league ever since. The Cyclones have won the ECHL's playoff trophy (called the "Kelly Cup") twice - but are always in the mix to bring it home again! 

Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey (photo: Cincinnati Cyclones)

When and Where to See a Cyclones Game

The Cincinnati Cyclones play at Heritage Bank Arena, located in the heart of downtown and not far from the riverfront. The Cyclones season starts in October of every year (this year their opener is on October 18, against the Wheeling Nailers), and winds down the following spring. You can buy tickets (and merch!) from the Cyclones official website, with various packages available (single game, season passes, group passes, etc.).

 

One of the benefits of the ECHL is that the atmosphere tends to be more intimate and fan-friendly than in bigger pro leagues. At Heritage Bank you'll feel closer to the action, see more fan involvement/engagement, have chances to interact with players, and get to enjoy a variety of themed games. 

 

Special Nights, Promos and Fan Perks

The Cyclones are known for having fun promotional nights throughout the season. A few examples are below - check out the whole list here. 

  • Fan Appreciation: enjoy discounted concession options like $2 hot dogs, $2 beers, etc. (October 18, October 30, November 26, January 2 - 3, February 4, February 25, March 18, April 11). 
  • Kids Eat Free: January 19
  • Special Jersey and/or merch giveaways/sales: Peanuts Night (October 24), Day of the Dead Night (November 1), Shutout the Hate Night (November 7), Military Appreciation Night (November 14), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Night (December 12), Star Wars night (January 31), Miracle on Ice Night (February 13), Cyclones Fights Cancer Night (March 21)
  • Pucks N' Pups: featuring weiner dog races (March 7)
Cincinnati Cyclones

Getting There and Parking

Heritage Bank Center is located in downtown Cincinnati - near the riverfront and Great American Ball Park - with many easy parking options located nearby. 

Tip: Arrive early (30–60 mins before puck drop) to avoid traffic and get settled with parking. Also, if you prepaid your parking, go directly to the designated garage entrance to minimize stress.

Directions

  • From I-75 South: Take the Second Street exit. Stay in the right lane and follow Second Street until it ends at Pete Rose Way, right in front of Heritage Bank Center.
  • Option 2: Take the Freeman Avenue exit. Freeman Avenue ends at Mehring Way. Go left on Mehring Way. Heritage Bank Center is on the left, after passing Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ballpark.
  • From I-71 South: Follow Gilbert Avenue exit. Turn right at light by bus station onto E Court Street. Turn left onto Reedy Street, the first street on left. Turn left at light onto Eggleston Avenue. Follow Eggleston until it ends at Pete Rose Way, turn right at light. Follow Pete Rose Way and Heritage Bank Center will be on your left.
  • From I-71/75 North: Take the Second Street exit. Stay in the right lane and follow Second Street until it ends at Pete Rose Way, right in front of Heritage Bank Center.
  • From I-471 North: Stay in right lane across bridge. Follow North I-75/West US 50 exit. Stay right and exit on 3rd Street. Turn left at first light onto Broadway. Heritage Bank Center is at the corner of Broadway and Pete Rose Way.

Parking Garages & Lots

  • East Garage (address: 443 E Pete Rose Way) is the main garage, often used for prepaid parking passes. 
  • Central Riverfront Garage (149 Broadway) is another big option within easy walking distance.
  • Prepaid parking passes are often sold for events (so you can reserve your spot ahead of arrival) via various ticketing platforms. 
  • Local fan reports (e.g. on Reddit) suggest you can find parking lots within walking distance for less than $10 if you don’t mind a short walk - or hop on the totally free Connector Streetcar. 

Alternative Transportation Options

  • There is a Southbank Shuttle (operated by TANK) that runs from nearby hotels and attractions in Northern Kentucky / along the riverfront for a small fare.
  • METRO bus routes also serve downtown Cincinnati, with stops near the arena. 
  • The arena is close to the Connector Streetcar (Cincinnati’s free, electric streetcar). The closest stop is at the nearby Banks; check out the entire route here. A popular option is to park farther away from the arena (like at Fountain Square) and hop on the streetcar. Download the Transit app for real time METRO and streetcar updates. 
  • There are nearby Red Bike stations (bike share) around the arena, for those who like to ride. A docking station is also located at the nearby Banks. Download the app ahead of time. 

Venue Information and Tips

  • First time attending a Cyclones match? Head to Guest Relations/Info Booth behind section 137 for a free certificate to commemorate your first game!
  • Bring a light jacket or sweater - hockey arenas tend to be cold
  • Promotions often start well before the match, so arrive early enough to enjoy warmups, fan zones and promo moments/fan engagements
  • The inner concourse is oftentimes less crowded than the outer one. If you need to move around between periods, use that for less foot traffic

Basic Hockey Terms and Lingo

  • Puck: The black rubber disc that players shoot, pass or block. Hint: One of the Cyclones' mascot is "Puck Chop" the pig!
  • Faceoff: The method to start play. Two opposing players fight for the puck drop stationary between them. 
  • Goalie/Goaltender: The player whose job it is to stop shots from entering the net (goal). 
  • Power play: When one team has more players on the ice than the other (opponent has a penalty).
  • Penalty kill: The team with fewer players tries to prevent the opponent's power play from scoring. 
  • Offside: When an attacking player enters the offensive zone (past the blue line) before the puck. The play is whistled dead. 
  • Icing: When a player shoots the puck from his side across both center line and the opponent's goal line without it being touched. Play stops, unless waived off. 
  • Hat trick: When a player scores three goals in a single game. 
  • Check/Body Check: Using body contact to separate the opponent from the puck (within the rules). 
  • Breakaway: When a player gets past all defenders and is alone with the goalie. 
  • Assist: A pass (or two) that helps set up a goal. Up to two assists can be recorded per goal. 
  • Overtime/Shootout: If the game is tied after regulation, they may go to overtime (extra period) or to a shootout (players take penalty shot faceoffs). 

 

 

Ready to plan your trip to the Cincy Region? Order your totally FREE Visitors Guide (we'll ship it right to you!), check out our calendar of local events, and book your stay now! Stay up-to-date on all things Cincy by signing up for our e-newsletter, The Current.