Paycor Stadium Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Cincinnati.
Last updated: 3/4/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Paycor Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Permitted bags include clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12"x6"x12", one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, and small clutch purses no larger than 4.5"x6.5". |
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| Doors open | For Cincinnati Bengals games, gates generally open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Patrons with a Fifth Third Bank Bengals Checking card can gain earlier access at the Southeast Gate, 120 minutes before kickoff. For other events, opening times may vary, typically between 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled start. |
| Cashless? | Paycor Stadium operates as a cashless facility, accepting only credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments for all purchases. Cash-to-card kiosks are available at sections 120/122 (near Gate B) and 148/149 (near Gate E) for cash conversion to a debit card. |
| Rideshare zone | 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. |
| Re-entry | Re-entry into Paycor Stadium is not permitted once a guest has exited, except in cases of medical emergencies. |
| Transit | 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. |
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.
Family & accessibility
- Family perks: Children under two years of age do not need a ticket for admission if they sit on an adult's lap. Paycor Stadium provides nursing stations at Sections 114 and 144, and family restrooms are available at various locations throughout the stadium.
Culture layer
- 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.
- Local 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.
Verified places nearby
- The Filson25 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)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 Banks161 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)What to order: Affordable pub fare and buckets of beer (especially on Bengals game days).
- Tom's Watch Bar - Cincinnati175 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)What to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and seltzers.
- Queen City Radio222 W 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Over-the-Rhine (OTR)What to order: Numerous beers on tap, craft cocktails, and boozy slushies.
- The Blind Pig24 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · DowntownWhat 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 Grill218 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · DowntownWhat to order: Smoked wings (grilled on natural wood coals then flash-fried), 'Bengal Bombs', burgers, sandwiches, and homemade chili.