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Paycor Stadium Guide

NFL · Cincinnati · 65,515 capacity

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Everything for gameday happens right in The Banks. This riverfront district is home to Paycor Stadium, with walkable hotels in both The Banks and Downtown, plus pregame spots like The Filson. Getting between the two neighborhoods is easy—the free Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar links them together.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry into Paycor Stadium is not permitted once a gu…
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
Sealed water only
Getting here
Public transit options to Paycor Stadium include the Southbank Shuttle Trolley, Metro Bus services (routes such as 27, 32, 25, 40, 74X, 8, M+, 49, 23X, 52X, 1, 3, 5, 7, 25X, 50), and the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar, which provides access to The Banks District.
Family friendly
Children under two years of age do not need a ticket for admission if they sit on an adult's lap.
Capacity
65,515
Home team:Cincinnati Bengals

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Paycor Stadium on the calendar. See Cincinnati home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Paycor Stadium

Ideal hotel neighborhoods include Downtown Cincinnati and The Banks due to their proximity to Paycor Stadium and other attractions. Northern Kentucky, across the river in areas like Covington and Newport, also offers convenient lodging options.

The Banks

This modern riverfront district is situated directly between Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium, making it ideal for sports fans seeking immediate proximity to major venues. It offers a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) has multiple stops in The Banks, providing free access to Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The TANK Southbank Shuttle also serves The Banks, offering connections to Northern Kentucky (Covington/Newport).

Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati offers a central and compact location with easy walkability to major sports venues and a wide range of hotels. It serves as a hub for various city attractions.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) runs a 3.6-mile loop through downtown, connecting to The Banks and Over-the-Rhine with 18 stops, and is free to ride. The Cincinnati Metro bus system also provides extensive routes throughout the city.

Covington/Newport (Northern Kentucky)

These Northern Kentucky cities across the Ohio River offer an alternative to staying directly in Cincinnati, providing scenic views and a different ambiance. They are well-connected to downtown Cincinnati's sports venues.

The TANK Southbank Shuttle Trolley is a key transit option, directly connecting Covington and Newport to The Banks and the major stadiums in downtown Cincinnati for a low fare. The Airporter 2X bus also provides service from CVG airport to downtown Cincinnati and these Northern Kentucky areas.

See full Cincinnati stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transit options to Paycor Stadium include the Southbank Shuttle Trolley, Metro Bus services (routes such as 27, 32, 25, 40, 74X, 8, M+, 49, 23X, 52X, 1, 3, 5, 7, 25X, 50), and the Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar, which provides access to The Banks District. The Riverfront Transit Center is a major event bus staging facility conveniently located near the stadium.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are located at 2nd Street between Vine and Walnut, and another main drop-off point is at 3rd Street and Central Avenue.

Parking: It is highly recommended to purchase parking passes in advance, as many lots adjacent to Paycor Stadium require a Bengals Parking Pass. Accessible (ADA) parking spaces are available in Lot 1 on a first-come, first-served basis, and are also provided in other lots for season ticket holders with passes.

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Paycor Stadium is situated on the Cincinnati Riverfront, within The Banks area, offering views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River. The official address is 1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is a permitted and encouraged tradition in all Paycor Stadium parking lots. Open-flame tailgating is restricted to surface parking lots. Surface lots (including 1, 1U, A, B, D, E, Hilltop, Hilltop North, and Broadway Lot) typically open four hours before kickoff and close two hours after the event, with evening tailgating concluding by midnight.
  • Signature food: Paycor Stadium features Cincinnati specialties such as Glier's goetta brats and various Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili dishes (like coneys and chili bowls). Other popular food options include Donatos Pizza, Buffalo Wings and Rings, tacos, cheesesteaks, and items from the Who Dey Melt Grill.
  • Fan tradition: Significant local fan traditions for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium include extensive tailgating before games, with fans gathering hours prior to kickoff to grill and celebrate 'Who Dey Nation.' The 'Jungle Zone' at The Banks provides pre-game entertainment, and playing 'Welcome to the Jungle' by Guns N' Roses is a strong tradition before kickoff.
  • Pregame institution: The Filson (25 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • The Filson
    25 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    An upscale yet relaxed modern sports bar conveniently located between the Reds and Bengals stadiums. It offers a lively atmosphere with large screens for game viewing, specialty cocktails, local beers, and elevated bar food, making it a go-to spot for pre-game, post-game, and social gatherings.

    What to order: Elevated bar food, specialty cocktails, and local beers. Specific menu items mentioned include 'Uber Pretzel', 'Court Street Nachos', Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Porkopolis Burger.

  • Holy Grail at The Banks
    161 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    Located just 100 yards from Great American Ball Park, it's a popular sports bar featuring 31 hi-def TVs and outdoor patios with garage doors that open to the street. It's known for hosting official pre-game shows for the Bengals.

    What to order: Affordable pub fare and buckets of beer (especially on Bengals game days).

  • Tom's Watch Bar - Cincinnati
    175 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    The ultimate destination for live sports and entertainment, featuring a signature 360-degree viewing experience with over 75 screens. It's a high-energy setting with elevated food and drinks, catering to a wide range of sports fans year-round.

    What to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and seltzers.

  • Queen City Radio
    222 W 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Over-the-Rhine (OTR)

    A multi-level cocktail lounge and music venue housed in a renovated 1920s gas station, offering a large outdoor beer garden and indoor bar. It's considered an 'every-person' bar with diverse drink options, 9 TVs always showing games (Reds, Bengals, Cyclones, FCC), and a vibrant atmosphere.

    What to order: Numerous beers on tap, craft cocktails, and boozy slushies.

  • The Blind Pig
    24 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    A modern-day speakeasy within a 5-minute walk of both Reds and Bengals stadiums. It boasts a rooftop patio with scenic views of the city and Ohio River, 10 TVs for game viewing, local craft beers, pub grub, and daily drink specials.

    What to order: Local craft beers, pub grub, and daily drink specials such as $4 Jameson on Wednesdays and $5 drafts on Thursdays.

  • Kitty's Sports Grill
    218 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    An iconic Bengals bar located directly across from Paycor Stadium. It's known for fresh pub food, unique sports memorabilia, good craft beer, and a convenient location for pre- and post-game stops for both Bengals and Reds games.

    What to order: Smoked wings (grilled on natural wood coals then flash-fried), 'Bengal Bombs', burgers, sandwiches, and homemade chili.