Tailgating is an art as old as time. Okay, maybe not that old, but it’s a time-honored tradition, and if you’ve been to a few good tailgaters, you know that every team has its own specific flavor. All tailgates are fun, but some have unique, team-specific qualities.
Cincinnati is a city that takes its football seriously, even in the down times. While the Bengals may be in a rebuilding phase right now, Paul Brown Stadium is still a special place to gather before a game and enjoy an afternoon capped off by NFL competition.
What to Expect While Tailgating at a Bengals Game
Ticket Prices
Expect to pay between $45 and $130 per seat when attending a Bengals game. Passes to the Tailgating Zone of Paul Brown Stadium are an additional fee, but they might be worth it depending on the experience you want. If you’re planning to bring extra goodies into the stadium, keep the NFL Clear Bag policy in mind. It specifies that you can only bring a 12 x 6 x 12-inch clear vinyl or plastic bag into the stadium. Purses or clutches smaller than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are also allowed.
Cincinnati is a fun city to visit with lots of options for visitors who come to town for a football game. For those who choose to tailgate at Paul Brown Stadium, be aware that each tailgating pass covers a single vehicle up to 20 feet in length. No over-sized vehicles are allowed in regardless of how many passes you buy, so don’t plan on bringing the RV unless you have a specific ERV pass.
Motorcycles aren’t allowed, and drive lanes for vehicles must remain clear at all times. It might read like a restrictive set of rules, but do you really need your motorcycle at a tailgate? Plus, loud music has to be turned down one hour before game time. Don’t worry, the speakers inside work quite well.
Food and Tailgating Fun
Assuming you can get your reasonably-sized vehicle into the tailgating area, there’s a lot to look forward to, including $4 or less fan-friendly food and options like pizza, burgers, cheesesteaks and brats. Of course, the tailgate-approved method of procuring sustenance is to grill it yourself. Bring your handy tailgate grill, and you might be the most popular truck in the lot. Don’t opt for something small just because it takes up less space. Bring a pick up truck and opt for something like the Pit Boss grill that can cook 32 burgers at once.
You can’t bring alcoholic beverages inside the stadium, so your cooler can keep you company up until game time. Sure, football is great for drinking, but remember that there are families there trying to enjoy themselves so try not to get too carried away. After are, we’re not the Bills.
Speaking of families, they’ll be excited to learn that the fun-filled Jungle Zone is available for attendees up to three hours before game time. It’s a family-friendly area with DJs, food and drinks, face painting, child-focused activities, and physical activities like obstacle courses. For parents, it’s a great way to enjoy your tailgate and keep the kids entertained.
Stadium Alternatives
There are a few options for those who don’t want to pay for a parking spot at Paul Brown or prefer to congregate with fellow fans in an alternative location. Longworth Hall is a local favorite, typically charging between $20 to 30 for parking and offering close proximity to the stadium. It’s famous for drawing a sizeable crowd, likely due to its Tailgate Crasher parties held before every home game.
If you plan to tailgate at Longworth, be sure to arrive early. The success of this venue has made it into a well-known hot spot. If you’re willing to travel a little further, there’s a specific contingent of fans committed to tailgating in Kentucky and moving to the game from there.
Plan Your Tailgating Experience Before the Game
Ultimately, tailgating is about being with people you enjoy for a good time. Cincinnati offers lots for local fans and visiting tailgaters alike, in the tradition of a perennial sports city. Now, if the Bengals could put a few win streaks together, things would be even better.
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Embed from Getty Images
