Paycor Stadium: Guide for Visiting Fans

Flying in? You're landing at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is actually in Kentucky — about 13 miles from the stadium, a 20–30 minute drive depending on traffic, or roughly a $35–50 rideshare. There's no direct rail link from CVG to downtown, so rideshare or rental car are your realistic airport options.

Once downtown, you have real transit choices. The Cincinnati Bell Connector, a free light-rail circuit, runs through the downtown area; its stop at Second and Main streets is about a four-block walk from Paycor Stadium — easy and free if you're already staying downtown. The nearest light rail station to Paycor Stadium is the Aronoff Center Station at 7th & Walnut, a 5-minute walk away.

Coming from Northern Kentucky? The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) operates buses from Northern Kentucky, and you can catch the Southbank Shuttle to and from areas along the Covington and Newport riverfronts on game day for $1, with service every 15 minutes. Walking over the Roebling Bridge from Covington is also a perfectly pleasant option on a decent day — about 15 minutes on foot with a great view.

By car from I-75, take exit 58A and follow the signs to the stadium. For rideshare, the designated pickup and drop-off locations are on 2nd Street between Vine and Walnut.

Parking near Paycor is tighter than it looks on a map — the Ohio River cuts off one side and I-71 boxes in the other. There isn't a lot of room between I-71 and the Ohio River, and some of that space has been reserved for parking to accommodate both Paycor Stadium and nearby Great American Ballpark.

There are three parking garages within walking distance: CRG East, CRG West, and CRG Mid. Garage parking is typically the most expensive option but also the most convenient; these lots are located just east of the stadium and open 6 hours prior to kickoff. CRG East, West, and Mid lots run around $40 in advance or $50+ on game day; Lots 1, A, B, D, and E are cheaper at around $30 in advance and $35 on game day.

The practical move for away fans: book through SpotHero in advance, or consider parking in Covington across the river and walking or taking the TANK shuttle — you'll often save $15–20 and avoid the post-game gridlock. South of Third Street adjacent to the stadium is largely sold out with pre-paid season parking , so don't show up expecting walk-up spots close in.

The obvious answer is downtown Cincinnati, and it's the right one. The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati is 0.3 miles away, the AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks is 0.4 miles away, and the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is 0.4 miles away. The Banks district puts you within a five-minute walk of the gate, which matters enormously after a night game when the rideshare surge hits $3/mile.

The AC Hotel at The Banks is the most game-day convenient — you'll practically be able to hear the crowd from the lobby. The Netherland Plaza is a better choice if you want to feel like you're actually in Cincinnati rather than a sports complex; it's a stunning art deco building in the heart of downtown, and you can walk down to the stadium in about 12 minutes.

Budget travelers should look at Covington, Kentucky, just across the Ohio River. Hotels there run noticeably cheaper than downtown Cincinnati, the Roebling Bridge walk to the stadium is scenic, and Covington's MainStrasse Village has solid bars and restaurants that aren't packed with away-game tourists.

Moerlein Lager House — Located on the riverfront site where Riverfront Stadium once stood, Moerlein Lager House is one of the current establishments good for fans before events at Paycor Stadium. A locally owned Cincinnati brewery and restaurant right on The Banks plaza, with a live music lawn and riverfront views. Get there early on a nice day; the outdoor deck fills up fast.

Kitty's Sports Grill — Often described as the perfect game-day spot, Kitty's Sports Grill is located directly across the street from Paycor Stadium and has 12 TVs and a projector for game viewing from any angle of the building. This is the rowdiest pre-game spot closest to the gates. It'll be Bengals-heavy, but it's good fun and manageable if you arrive 2+ hours early.

Holy Grail Tavern and Grille (The Banks) — The Banks DORA zone spans from Paycor Stadium to the west and Great American Ballpark to the east, covering an 85-acre entertainment area with over 18 bars and restaurants you can carry drinks through on the pedestrian plaza. The Holy Grail is the anchor of this strip — multiple TVs, good burger options, and you can take your drink outside and stroll the plaza.

Rhinegeist Brewery (Over-the-Rhine) — About a mile north of the stadium in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, Rhinegeist Brewery's massive taproom is a perfect pre-game spot; they'll have the game on all TVs and their big screen, and will pour their Jungle Cat beer on draft. Takes a rideshare or a solid walk, but worth it for the atmosphere and beer quality.

The Bengals strongly encourage fans to not bring any bags at all. If you must bring one, only one of the following is permitted per person: a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag not exceeding 12"×6"×12". One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags like Ziplocs are also permitted, and small clutch purses approximately 4.5"×6.5" are allowed with or without a handle or strap. Paycor Stadium does not offer a bag check or storage area for prohibited items , so if you arrive with a non-compliant backpack, you're going back to your car or hotel.

All Paycor Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Patrons showing a Fifth Third Bank Bengals Checking card at the Fifth Third Southeast Gate are granted access 120 minutes prior. Most of the crowd funnels in through the west-side gates closest to the parking and transit drop zones — most fans enter at the gate on the west side, which is closest to parking and transportation, resulting in a massive backup. As an away fan, use one of the less-trafficked north or east gates if your section permits. Once you enter the stadium, you may not exit and then re-enter , so make sure you've eaten and aren't juggling too much.

Accessible (ADA) seating is available throughout Paycor Stadium on all three levels. Guests who require ADA seating should contact the Bengals ticket office at 513-621-8383 to purchase those seats in advance, as they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA ticket holders plus one companion can use the elevators on the East and West sides of the stadium. Single-game accessible parking is available in Lot 1 at the corner of Pete Rose Way and Central Avenue. If you have sensory accommodation needs, the stadium is open-air, which naturally reduces some of the enclosed sound pressure compared to a dome — though it still gets very loud.

There is no designated dedicated away section at Paycor Stadium — visiting fans are scattered throughout, typically concentrated in whatever sections opposing team's fan bases buy up on the secondary market. Practically, that means upper-deck end zone sections near the visiting team's side of the field.

Sections 120 and 122 are on either side of the visiting team tunnel — good for proximity to the action if you want to be near your team's sideline. For pure value and sightlines, the upper west deck (sections 303–317) is the most underrated spot in the building. The west side upper deck offers a good vantage point to the field, and the outside view really shines — to the left is the close skyline of downtown Cincinnati, while to the right is the Ohio River and the Roebling Bridge.

More than 70 percent of seats are positioned along the sidelines , so the bowl design is favorable — even the end zones aren't as bad as stadiums where the upper deck is steeply raked away from play. Avoid aisle seats in the 300-level if you can, as railings and other structural elements partly block views from seats near the aisles in rows 10–17 on the 300 level.

This is where Paycor Stadium earns points. For unique-to-Cincinnati items, check out the coneys and "3-ways" — spaghetti topped with chili — served at the Gold Star Chili stands, or the bratwursts and "metts" (German smoked sausage) made by local purveyor Glier's. The Gold Star Chili coney is the thing to order — a Cincinnati-style chili dog that doesn't exist anywhere else in the NFL, and it's legitimately good.

Restaurants include the very popular Skyline Chili, Tenders Love and Chicken (TLC), and the "Smoke and Sizzle" BBQ concept. Selections from Braxton Brewing Company, based across the river in Covington, supplement the beer choices around the stadium and are available on every seating level.

Concession prices run approximately $7 for a hot dog, $11 for a pizza slice, and $10–$13 for a beer. Drink prices also run around $7.50 for a soda, $14.50 for a craft beer, and $6.50 for a bottle of water. That's mid-range for the NFL — not San Francisco prices, but you'll notice it. Paycor Stadium is a fully cashless facility; all purchases require a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. Cash-to-card kiosks are located around the stadium for guests who need to convert cash to a prepaid card.

Bengals fans are genuinely passionate — the "Who Dey" chants roll through this stadium in waves on big plays — but Cincinnati doesn't have the tribal hostility of, say, an AFC North rival road game in Pittsburgh or Baltimore. You can wear your colors without incident, have normal conversations with the people around you, and generally enjoy yourself. That said, when the Bengals are good and the crowd is hot, the open-air design funnels noise in a way that surprises people who haven't been here. The open corners that look so picturesque also act as a natural amplifier when the home crowd stands up. One thing that only registers in person: the concourse on the 300 level is notably dark and cave-like — bring your bearings because it's easy to lose your sense of orientation relative to the field. The concourses within the stadium are dark and cave-like with few areas of natural light, with bare concrete walls throughout most passageways. Once you're in your seat and looking out at the river, none of that matters.

Transit: The Cincinnati Bell Connector runs post-game but frequency can be spotty late at night — don't count on it as a reliable express exit option. The TANK Southbank Shuttle back to Covington is $1 and keeps running after games, with pickups near the stadium. If you're headed north into downtown, the four-block walk to the Connector stop at Second and Main is manageable and often faster than waiting for any bus.

Driving: After the game, lots remain open for two hours post-game, or until midnight for night games. The surface lots west of Central Avenue clear faster than the CRG garages, where everyone stacks up on ramps simultaneously. I-71 north is your best bet out of downtown; I-75 south toward Kentucky gets gridlocked for 30–45 minutes after a sold-out game. Realistically, expect 20–35 minutes to reach moving traffic after a full house.

Rideshare: The designated rideshare pickup zone is on 2nd Street between Vine and Walnut. Surge pricing after a game routinely doubles or triples the base fare. The opinionated tip: walk four to six blocks north into downtown, away from the stadium plaza, before requesting your ride. You'll cut 5–10 minutes off your wait and often save $8–15 on surge. Wait at least 20 minutes after the final whistle if you want any chance of a normal fare — or head to a Banks bar, grab a post-game beer, and let the first wave of the crowd disperse.

How do I get to Paycor Stadium without a car?

If you're staying in a hotel in downtown Cincinnati, walking to Paycor Stadium is most convenient. There is also the free Cincinnati Bell Connector light-rail circuit that can get you around the downtown area. From Northern Kentucky, the TANK Southbank Shuttle runs game-day service for $1 per ride.

What is the bag policy at Paycor Stadium?

One clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag per person, not exceeding 12"×6"×12", is permitted; a one-gallon Ziploc-style bag also works. A small clutch purse approximately 4.5"×6.5" is also allowed with or without a strap. No backpacks, fanny packs, or opaque bags.

How much does parking cost at Paycor Stadium?

The CRG garage lots (East, West, Mid) run about $40 in advance or $50+ on game day. Surface lots like Lots 1, A, B, D, and E are cheaper at around $30 in advance or $35 on game day.

What time do the gates open?

All Paycor Stadium gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff.

Does Paycor Stadium accept cash?

Paycor Stadium is a cashless facility. All purchases require a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. Cash-to-card kiosks are available inside if you need them.

Where are the best seats for away fans?

Sections 120 and 122 are on either side of the visiting team tunnel at field level. For budget-conscious away fans, the upper west deck (sections 303–317) offers great sightlines, cheaper tickets, and that famous Ohio River view.

What is the signature food at Paycor Stadium?

The Gold Star Chili stands serve Cincinnati-style coneys and "3-ways" (spaghetti topped with chili), and Glier's provides bratwursts and mettwurst — a German smoked sausage unique to the region. Get the coney. It's the real thing.

When did Paycor Stadium open and what is it called locally?

The stadium opened on August 19, 2000. It is nicknamed "The Jungle," tied to the team's unofficial anthem "Welcome to the Jungle." Locals and Bengals fans still sometimes call it "Paul Brown Stadium" or just "PBS," which was its name until 2022.