# Cincinnati Bengals: Paycor Stadium Game Day Guide > Prices, parking, seating and transit for NFL games at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. All figures are for the 2025 NFL Season and were last updated 2026-03-21. Source: https://visityourteam.com/nfl/bengals League: NFL | Division: AFC North Data source: AI-researched estimates ## Venue | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Name | Paycor Stadium | | Location | Cincinnati, OH | | Capacity | 65,515 | | Surface | FieldTurf | | Roof | Open Air | | Opened | 2000 | | Coordinates | 39.0954, -84.516 | | Official site | https://www.bengals.com/stadium | ## Game Day Cost Cheapest realistic single-person game day at Paycor Stadium: **$56** ($35 ticket + $10 parking + $6 food + $5 drink). | Category | Lowest price | | --- | --- | | Ticket | $35 | | Parking | $10 | | Food item | $6 | | Drink | $5 | ### Ticket tiers | Tier | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Upper Deck (300-Level) | $35 | Highest seats with full-field panoramic view and Ohio River backdrop | | End Zone (100-Level) | $90 | Behind the end zone with close goal-line views | | 200-Level Sideline | $145 | Mid-level with balanced sightlines and partial cover | | Lower Sideline (100-Level) | $220 | Premium field-level seats near midfield | | Club Level | $400 | All-inclusive premium seating with indoor lounge access and in-seat service | ### Concession prices | Item | Category | Price | | --- | --- | --- | | Hot Dog | Classic | $6 | | Skyline Chili Coney | Regional Specialty | $8 | | Goetta Sandwich | Regional Specialty | $10 | | BBQ Sandwich (Smoke & Sizzle) | Regional Specialty | $14 | | Chicken Tenders (TLC) | Classic | $12 | | Burger | Classic | $10 | | Pizza Slice | Classic | $8 | | Nachos | Classic | $8 | | French Fries | Classic | $6 | | Soft Pretzel | Snacks | $7 | | Domestic Beer | Alcohol | $11 | | Craft Beer | Alcohol | $14 | | Soda | Non-Alcoholic | $5 | | Water Bottle | Non-Alcoholic | $5 | ## Parking Paycor Stadium is in downtown Cincinnati on the Ohio River waterfront. The Banks entertainment district sits between the stadium and Great American Ball Park (Reds). Parking ranges from $10 in Northern Kentucky (walk across the bridge) to $35 in official stadium lots. The Pregame at The Banks (Jungle Zone) opens 3 hours before kickoff along Freedom Way. | Lot | Price | Distance | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Official Paycor Stadium Lots | $35 | 0.1-0.3 miles | Stadium-controlled lots adjacent to Paycor Stadium. Prepurchase through Ticketmaster or Bengals app. | | The Banks Garage | $25 | 0.2 miles | Parking garage at The Banks entertainment district between Paycor Stadium and Great American Ball Park. Walk through restaurants and bars to the stadium. | | Downtown Cincinnati Garages | $15 | 0.5-0.8 miles | Multiple parking garages throughout downtown Cincinnati. Budget option with a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. | | Northern Kentucky / Covington | $10 | 0.8 miles (across bridge) | Park in Covington, KY and walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge or take TANK shuttle. Cheapest option. | ### Parking tips - Pre-purchase official lot passes through the Bengals app or Ticketmaster to guarantee a spot. - The Roebling Bridge walk from Covington is a fan-favorite pregame tradition, free parking plus a scenic walk. - The Banks garages fill up fast. Book in advance via SpotHero or ParkWhiz. - Mehring Way along the riverfront becomes congested on game days, approach from downtown streets instead. - Handicap parking is available in all official lots with a valid placard. - If you're staying downtown, walk to the stadium, most hotels are 10-20 minutes on foot. ## Seating Paycor Stadium seats 65,515 fans across three main levels plus club and suite tiers. The open-air design provides beautiful views of the Ohio River and the Kentucky hillside beyond the east end zone. The compact capacity creates an intimate, loud atmosphere. It's noticeably tighter than larger NFL stadiums. The lower bowl is close to the action, the upper deck offers panoramic views, and the club level provides weather-protected comfort. | Section | Price range | View | Pros | Cons | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 100-Level Sideline | $175-$300 | Field-level sideline seats with close-up action and excellent sightlines | Closest to the field; Best for seeing individual plays; Loudest sections | Most expensive non-club seats; Limited overall field view on closest rows; Fully exposed to weather | | 100-Level End Zone | $65-$125 | Behind the end zone with river views through the open east end | Affordable lower bowl seats; Exciting for red-zone plays; Ohio River views from east end zone | Skewed angle for mid-field plays; Netting can obstruct parts of view | | 200-Level Sideline | $120-$200 | Elevated sideline view with excellent overall sightlines | Best overall viewing angle; Good balance of proximity and overview; Some overhang protection from rain | Mid-range pricing; Can feel removed from lower-bowl energy | | Club Level | $300-$475+ | Premium mid-level with access to climate-controlled lounges | Indoor heated/cooled lounge access; Wider padded seats; Exclusive food and drink options; In-seat service | Most expensive option; Removed from the rowdiest fan sections | | 300-Level Upper Deck | $30-$80 | Panoramic view of the field with Ohio River and Kentucky hills backdrop | Most affordable seats; Full field visibility; Stunning river and skyline views | Farthest from the field; Most exposed to wind and weather; Steep climb to seats | Official seat map: https://www.bengals.com/stadium/map ## Getting There Paycor Stadium sits on the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, making it walkable from most downtown hotels. Cincinnati's public transit is limited compared to other NFL cities, most fans drive or use rideshare. The I-71/I-75 corridor brings fans from across the metro area, and Northern Kentucky residents can walk across the scenic Roebling Suspension Bridge. Parking is plentiful but fills up fast for popular games. **Driving.** From the north (I-71 S or I-75 S): Follow signs to downtown Cincinnati, exit at Pete Rose Way/2nd Street. Stadium is on the riverfront. From the east (I-275): Connect to I-71 S into downtown. From the west (I-74 E): Connect to I-75 S into downtown. From Northern Kentucky (I-75 N): Cross the Brent Spence Bridge and exit at 5th Street or Pete Rose Way. Plan 15-20 minutes from I-275 beltway without traffic, 30-45 minutes on game days. **Public transit.** Queen City Metro buses serve downtown Cincinnati with game-day service. Drop-off at the Transit Center under Second Street. TANK (Northern Kentucky) offers game-day shuttle from Southbank stops to the Riverfront Transit Center across from the stadium. Jungle-to-Jungle Express runs from Jungle Jim's in Fairfield. **Rideshare.** Uber and Lyft serve the stadium area with designated zones. From downtown Cincinnati, expect $8-12. From Northern Kentucky, $10-15. Post-game surge is moderate - walk toward The Banks for faster pickup. **Walking.** Most downtown Cincinnati hotels are 10-20 minutes on foot. From Covington/Newport (Northern Kentucky), walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge or the Taylor-Southgate Bridge, about 15-20 minutes. The riverfront walk is scenic and a fan-favorite tradition. ### Transit options | Option | Price | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Metro Bus | $2 | Cincinnati Metro bus routes serve downtown and the riverfront, limited frequency on game days | | Rideshare (from downtown) | $10 | Uber/Lyft, ~5 min from downtown Cincinnati hotels | | Walking (from downtown) | $0 | Most downtown hotels are 10-20 minutes on foot via 4th Street or Walnut Street to the riverfront | | Walking from Northern Kentucky | $0 | Cross the Roebling Suspension Bridge from Covington, a scenic 15-minute walk to the stadium | ## Tailgating Tailgating is a game-day tradition for Bengals fans at Paycor Stadium. Designated parking lots open several hours before kickoff, with Lot A - Riverfront Lot serving as the most popular gathering spot. Charcoal and propane grills are permitted in designated areas, fans should keep grills on pavement, away from vehicles, and extinguish all flames before entering the stadium. Review the official tailgating policy on the team website for lot-specific rules and hours. ### Rules - Tailgating is permitted in designated parking areas at Paycor Stadium. - Lots typically open 3–5 hours before the scheduled game time. - All tailgating must end and grills must be extinguished by kickoff. - Charcoal and propane grills are allowed; no open flames on the ground or deep fryers. - Each tailgate setup must stay within one standard parking space. - Canopies and pop-up tents (10×10 max) are permitted; must be taken down before entering. - Glass containers, kegs, and beer pong tables are prohibited in all lots. ### Best areas | Area | Description | | --- | --- | | Lot A - Riverfront Lot | The main tailgate hub directly on the Ohio River. Scenic setting with the best game-day atmosphere. Grills smoking, music playing, and metts sizzling. | | Longworth Hall | Historic venue hosting organized tailgate events with food trucks, live music, and craft beer. A step up from standard parking lot tailgating. | | The Banks District | Not a traditional tailgate area, but the bar-and-restaurant strip between the stadium and Great American Ball Park serves as Cincinnati's de facto pregame hangout. | ## Food & Drink Paycor Stadium's food scene celebrates Cincinnati's unique culinary identity. Cincinnati-style chili, a sweet, cinnamon-spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti, is the headliner, and Skyline Chili has a prominent in-stadium presence. Goetta (a German-inspired meat-and-oat sausage) and metts (bratwurst) reflect the city's German heritage. Local craft breweries Rhinegeist and MadTree are well-represented. Outside the stadium, the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood offers one of America's most acclaimed dining scenes. ### Nearby restaurants | Name | Cuisine | Price range | Rating | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Sotto | Italian Restaurant | $$$ | 4.7 | | Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse | Steak House | $$$$ | 4.7 | | Maplewood Kitchen and Bar | Restaurant | $$ | 4.6 | | Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown | Breakfast Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 | | Smoke Justis | Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 | | Condado Tacos | Taco Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 | | Nada | Mexican Restaurant | $$ | 4.4 | | Yard House | American Restaurant | $$ | 4.3 | ## Game Day Timeline Paycor Stadium sits on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, offering one of the most scenic settings in the NFL. The Bengals' game-day experience centers around The Banks entertainment district, a riverfront strip of bars, restaurants, and open spaces between Paycor Stadium and Great American Ball Park. The 'Who Dey' chant echoes through the concourse, and the orange-and-black Jungle atmosphere intensifies with every big play. Cincinnati is a smaller market, which means a tighter, more intimate game-day feel than bigger cities. | Time | What happens | Detail | | --- | --- | --- | | 5 hours before | Lots Open for Tailgating | Official lots and The Banks parking areas open for tailgating. Early arrivals set up along the riverfront. | | 3-4 hours before | The Banks Comes Alive | Bars and restaurants along The Banks fill up. Longworth Hall tailgating peaks. Metts on the grill, Rhinegeist in the cooler. | | 2 hours before | Gates Open | Stadium gates open. Head in early to explore the concourse, grab a Skyline Three-Way, and watch warmups from the lower bowl. | | 90 minutes before | Player Warmups | Players take the field for stretching and warmups. Great photo opportunities from the end zone seats. | | 30 minutes before | Find Your Seats | Grab your goetta sandwich and settle in. The pregame hype video plays on the jumbotron. | | Kickoff | Game Time | WHO DEY! The crowd erupts as the Bengals take the field. 65,000 fans chanting in unison creates an electric atmosphere despite the smaller capacity. | | Post-game | Exit Strategy | Walk back to The Banks for post-game food and drinks. The riverfront area stays lively well after the final whistle. Most downtown hotels are an easy walk. | ## Lodging | Hotel | Per night | Distance | | --- | --- | --- | | Hyatt Regency Cincinnati | $180 | 0.3 miles | | Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza | $180 | 0.4 miles | | The Westin Cincinnati | $180 | 0.4 miles | | Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel | $180 | 0.4 miles | | Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter | $180 | 0.4 miles | ## Typical Weather | Month | High (F) | Low (F) | Precipitation | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | September | 80 | 56 | 3.1 inches | | October | 68 | 44 | 3.0 inches | | November | 55 | 34 | 2.9 inches | | December | 45 | 28 | 3.3 inches | | January | 41 | 24 | 2.9 inches | ## FAQ ### What is the bag policy at Paycor Stadium? Paycor Stadium enforces a clear bag policy. Fans may bring one clear plastic or vinyl bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". All bags are subject to inspection at entry gates. Diaper bags and medically necessary items are permitted after inspection. Leave prohibited bags in your vehicle to avoid delays at the gates. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### How early can I enter Paycor Stadium? Gates at Paycor Stadium typically open 2 hours before the scheduled game time. Arriving early gives you time to explore the stadium, find your seats, and enjoy pre-game activities. Check the team's official website or app for specific gate times on game day, as times may vary for special events. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Can I bring outside food or drinks into Paycor Stadium? Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside Paycor Stadium. Exceptions typically include one sealed, clear water bottle (up to 20 oz) and medically necessary items. There are a wide variety of food and beverage options available inside the stadium. Check the venue's A-to-Z guide for the most current policy. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### How much does parking cost at Paycor Stadium? Parking at Paycor Stadium starts at $10 for northern kentucky lots. Prices vary by lot location and proximity to the stadium. Pre-purchasing parking passes through the team's official app or website is strongly recommended, as many lots sell out on game day. Arrive early for the best selection. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Is Paycor Stadium a cashless venue? Paycor Stadium is a cashless venue. All concession stands, retail shops, and vendors accept only credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Cash-to-card conversion kiosks are available throughout the stadium for fans who prefer to pay with cash. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Can I leave and re-enter Paycor Stadium during a game? Paycor Stadium does not allow re-entry once you have exited the stadium. Make sure you have everything you need before entering. If you need to visit your vehicle, plan to do so before going through the gates. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies at the discretion of stadium management. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### What accessibility services are available at Paycor Stadium? Paycor Stadium is fully ADA-compliant and offers wheelchair-accessible seating, companion seats, accessible restrooms, and elevators throughout the stadium. Assistive listening devices are available at the guest services desk. Service animals are welcome. Contact the stadium's accessibility services or guest relations in advance to arrange any special accommodations. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Does Paycor Stadium require mobile tickets? Paycor Stadium uses mobile-only ticketing for most events. Tickets are managed through the team's official app or authorized ticketing partner. Download your tickets to your mobile wallet before arriving, cellular service can be limited near the stadium on game day. Screenshots of tickets are typically not accepted for entry. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### What items are prohibited at Paycor Stadium? Prohibited items at Paycor Stadium include weapons of any kind, outside alcohol, large bags or backpacks, umbrellas, noisemakers (air horns, vuvuzelas), laser pointers, professional cameras with detachable lenses, drones, and any items that could be used as projectiles. Strollers may need to be checked at guest services. Review the full prohibited items list on the team's official website before attending. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Is smoking or vaping allowed at Paycor Stadium? Paycor Stadium is a smoke-free facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the stadium, including seating areas, concourses, restrooms, and clubs. Some venues have designated smoking areas outside the gates, but re-entry is not permitted. Plan accordingly. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ### Is tailgating available at Paycor Stadium? Traditional tailgating is not available at Paycor Stadium. The stadium is located in an area without dedicated tailgating lots. Fans typically enjoy the pregame scene at nearby bars, restaurants, and entertainment districts before heading inside. Check the team's website for recommended pregame spots and official watch parties. Source: https://www.bengals.com/stadium ## Provenance - Season: 2025 NFL Season - Last updated: 2026-03-21 - Last verified: 2026-03-25 - Canonical page: https://visityourteam.com/nfl/bengals - Prices are researched per venue and represent typical published rates, not live market pricing.