Best Seats at Paycor Stadium
Paycor Stadium — or simply “The Jungle” — has been the home of the Cincinnati Bengals since 2000, sitting right on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. Originally named Paul Brown Stadium after the franchise’s legendary founder, the venue earned its nickname long before the Joe Burrow era turned it into one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
The open corners of the stadium give you glimpses of the downtown skyline and the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge, which is a genuinely cool touch you don’t get at most NFL venues. The honest reality? This is a 25-year-old open-air stadium that gets brutally cold in December, the concourses can feel cramped on big games, and a major renovation is underway through 2026 to modernize the premium spaces. But the atmosphere when Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” drops before kickoff is electric, and knowing where to sit makes all the difference between a great experience and a frustrating one.
Seating Guide
Paycor Stadium holds 65,515 fans across three main levels — the 100-level field seats, the 200-level club and mid-tier sections, and the 300-level upper deck. The stadium wraps around the field on the sidelines but opens up at both end zones, which gives it that distinctive open-corner design. The key to getting a great seat here comes down to understanding three things: the sideline you’re on, how high up you are, and — for late-season games — where the wind and weather hit hardest.
Best Non-Premium Seats
100-Level Sidelines (Sections 102–118 and 132–148): These are your best views in the house outside of the club level. Section 110 puts you at the 50-yard line behind the Bengals’ bench, and Section 140 gives you the same vantage behind the visitors’ sideline. If you’re in these sections, aim for Row 10 and above — the first several rows directly behind either bench are partially obstructed by players, coaches, and equipment on the sideline. Rows 15–25 in the 108–112 or 138–142 range hit the sweet spot of proximity and sightlines. The tradeoff is price — these are the most expensive non-premium seats in the building, and divisional games against the Steelers, Ravens, or Browns push them even higher on the secondary market.
200-Level Standard Sections (Sections 201–203, 217–221, 231–233, 247–249): Here’s the real insider pick. The 200-level standard (non-club) sections sit on the same tier as the premium club seats, which means you get that elevated, perfectly angled perspective without paying club prices. You’re high enough to see plays develop across the entire field but close enough that you never feel disconnected from the action. Sections in the corners — particularly 202, 232, and 248 — also benefit from partial coverage by the 300-level overhang if you’re in Row 20 or higher, which is a lifesaver during Cincinnati’s notoriously unpredictable late-season weather.
300-Level Lower Rows, Sidelines (Sections 305–315 and 335–345, Rows 1–12): The budget option that actually delivers. Sections 310 and 340 give you dead-center 50-yard-line views at the lowest prices in the stadium. The critical thing to know about the 300-level is the Row 12/13 divide — the concourse tunnels enter at that point, creating a clear split. Rows 1–12 require walking down toward the field, and those seats offer legitimately solid, unobstructed upper-deck views. Rows 13 and above send you climbing steeply into true nosebleed territory. Always prioritize Row 12 or lower up here.
Best Value Seats
100-Level End Zone (Sections 152–156, Rows 35–45): The east end zone sections are unusually deep — some have 50-plus rows — which means the mid-range rows here offer lower-bowl energy with an elevated enough angle to see plays develop across the field. You’re trading the sideline perspective for significantly cheaper prices, and for a regular-season game against a non-divisional opponent, these are some of the best bang-for-your-buck seats in The Jungle. You’ll also have a shorter walk up to the concourse than fans stuck in Row 1 of these deep sections.
Budget Option
300-Level Upper Rows (Rows 13+, Sideline Sections): If you’re on a strict budget and just want to be inside the stadium, grab a seat in the upper rows of the 300-level sideline sections. You’ll be steep, you’ll be high, and the players will look small — but the atmosphere still carries up there, and you’ll have a full view of the field. One small silver lining: the very last rows of the upper deck are among the only seats with overhead cover, so if you’re attending a late-December game with rain or snow in the forecast, these become surprisingly practical. Just know the climb is no joke.
Our Pick: For a first-timer visiting The Jungle, grab seats in the 200-level standard corner sections — specifically Sections 202 or 248, Rows 10–20. You get the elevated sightline that makes football so much fun to watch, partial weather protection in the higher rows, and prices that won’t wreck your budget. It’s the best overall experience in the building without paying club or lower-level sideline premiums.
Weather and Shade Reality
Paycor Stadium is completely open-air with no dome or retractable roof. Only about 15 percent of seats have any shade or cover, so plan accordingly. For early-season day games (September and early October), the west side of the stadium gets afternoon sun — sections along the 100-level east sideline (132–148 range) and the 200-level east side will be more exposed. The partial 300-level overhang provides some relief to the highest rows of Sections 202, 232, and 248 on the 200-level.
For late-season games, sun isn’t your issue — wind and cold are. The open end zones channel wind through the stadium, so end zone seats in the 200-level above Row 20 can get particularly exposed. Dress in layers, bring hand warmers, and don’t underestimate a Cincinnati December. Here is the Forecast for Cincinnati from the National Weather Service.
What to Avoid
300-Level Aisle Seats, Rows 10–17: Be very cautious buying seats near the aisles in this row range. The steep angles combined with safety railings create genuine obstructed views of the near sideline. If you’re looking at the seating chart and see a great price in this zone, there’s a reason it’s cheap. Check seat view photos before buying.
100-Level Front Rows Behind the Benches (Sections 109–111, 139–141, Rows 1–8): It sounds amazing — front row behind the Bengals’ bench! In reality, you’ll spend the entire game trying to peer through massive offensive linemen, coaching staff, and equipment tents. The sideline activity is cool for about ten minutes, then you realize you can’t actually see the field. Row 15 or higher is where these sections actually start delivering clear sightlines.
200-Level End Zone Upper Rows (Sections 222–230, Row 20+): These sections face the Ohio River, which sounds scenic but creates real problems. The seats push you far from the action, and because the stadium structure opens up at the end zones, wind exposure gets uncomfortable in cold weather. The lower rows here are fine, but above Row 20 the value drops off quickly.
Worth It Once — The Dawg Pound Effect in “The Jungle”: For a big divisional game — especially Steelers or Ravens — sitting in the 100-level end zone sections near the rowdiest fans is an experience worth having at least once. The sightlines aren’t ideal and you’ll be craning your neck for action on the far end, but the atmosphere during a competitive AFC North game in those sections is genuinely special. The “Who Dey” chant hits different when you’re surrounded by face-painted diehards and the Bengal Bomb Squad is doing their thing in the nearby lots.
Premium Seating and Clubs
Paycor Stadium’s premium landscape is undergoing its biggest transformation since the building opened, with a $120 million team-funded renovation of club spaces and suites set for completion in 2026. That means if you’re visiting in the 2026 season or later, the premium experience will look significantly different — and better — than what’s been available in recent years.
Club Level Seating (Sections 203–217 and 233–247): The club level sits between the lower bowl and the upper deck, offering what many consider the best overall sightlines in the stadium. Currently home to approximately 7,600 club seats (with over 2,000 additional seats being added in the renovation), club ticket holders get wider, more comfortable seating plus access to the climate-controlled East Club or West Club lounges. These lounges feature upscale dining options, full-service bars, and plenty of TVs for catching early or late games. VIP entrances at the East Club (near Gate D) and West Club (near Gate A) open 90 minutes before kickoff, letting you settle in early and escape the weather. The 2026 renovation will reimagine these lounge spaces with a Bengals-inspired design, higher-quality finishes, new bar concepts, and upgraded restrooms.
Private Suites: Paycor Stadium has 114 private suites across three tiers — Plaza Suites (closest to the field, above the 100-level), Club Suites (between the club seats and the upper suites), and Bengals Suites (above the Club Suites). All suites feature retractable glass windows so you can choose between climate-controlled comfort and open-air atmosphere. Suite guests also get access to the club lounges. Pricing varies dramatically by opponent — expect to pay a significant premium for Steelers, Ravens, or Chiefs matchups. The 2026 renovation will modernize all suites with updated interiors and enhanced hospitality features.
Paycor Stadium Seating Chart
Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati has a capacity of 65,515. It’s the home of the Cincinnati Bengals and opened in 2000. The stadium was originally named Paul Brown Stadium and was renamed to Paycor Stadium in 2022. Here is an updated Paycor Stadium Seating Chart.
Tickets to Cincinnati Bengals Games
Cincinnati is one of the more fan-friendly ticket markets in the NFL. This isn’t a market like Dallas or Las Vegas where every game is packed with premium-paying tourists — the Bengals’ ticket pricing consistently ranks among the most affordable in the league, and the secondary market reflects that. The average ticket typically falls in the $75–$300 range depending on seat location, with upper-deck options sometimes available for under $50 on the resale market for less desirable matchups.
The key demand driver in Cincinnati is opponent quality and team performance. Divisional games against the Steelers, Ravens, and Browns always command premiums — the Pittsburgh game especially, given the long-standing rivalry and the contingent of Steelers fans who travel well. When the Bengals are competitive (as they were during the Burrow-Chase era playoff runs), the entire market tightens up. When the team is struggling, you’ll find genuine bargains even for decent seats.
For timing, prices on the secondary market generally trend downward as game day approaches, with the biggest drops happening in the final 48 hours for non-marquee matchups. Mid-week games and cold-weather December dates tend to see the steepest discounts. If you’re flexible on your game, patience usually rewards you in Cincinnati — this isn’t a market where everything sells out months in advance.
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Paycor Stadium Bag Policy
Paycor Stadium enforces the NFL’s clear bag policy — no exceptions. You’re allowed one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc style). Small clutch purses no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ are also permitted and don’t need to be clear. Everything else — backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera bags — stays in your car or doesn’t come. There’s no bag check at the stadium, so if you show up with a non-compliant bag, your only option is to take it back to your vehicle or toss it. Sealed bottled water is allowed, but outside food is not (medical/dietary exceptions apply). Leave it simple: phone, wallet, keys, clear bag. Done.
Key Stadium Policies
No re-entry. Once you’re inside, you’re inside. The only exception is a medical emergency, and you’ll need to register at the Kettering Health First Aid Station on the plaza level near Gate C before leaving. Plan accordingly — if you’re tailgating, make sure everything you need is in your clear bag before you head through the gates.
Cashless facility. Every purchase inside Paycor Stadium — concessions, merchandise, everything — requires a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment. No cash accepted anywhere. Cash-to-card kiosks are available throughout the stadium if you need to load cash onto a payment card.
Smoke-free, vape-free, marijuana-free. There are zero designated smoking areas inside the stadium. This includes cigarettes, vapes, e-cigarettes, and all related products. Violators risk ejection.
Alcohol stops at the end of the third quarter. You can purchase up to two alcoholic beverages per transaction, but once Q3 ends, the taps shut off. No outside alcohol is allowed in.
Children under two are free. Kids under two don’t need a ticket as long as they sit on an adult’s lap. The Bengals also offer child identification wristbands at the Season Ticket Member tent behind Section 152 near Gate E.
For an up to date list of all policies check out this guide from the Bengals website.
Getting To Paycor Stadium
The stadium’s downtown riverfront location gives you more transportation options than you’d expect for an NFL venue. If you can avoid driving yourself, do it — parking is the most stressful part of the gameday experience here.
Driving and Parking: Surface lots (1, 1U, A, B, D, E, Hilltop, Hilltop North, and Broadway) open four hours before kickoff. Garage lots (CRG Premium, West, Mid, East) open six hours prior. Season ticket holders lock up most of the closest lots, so single-game visitors should either purchase parking passes in advance through Ticketmaster or look at nearby alternatives. The Central Riverfront Garage (behind Smale Park) offers convenient access.
For cheaper options, park in Covington or Newport — ample parking is available at Newport on the Levee garage — and walk or shuttle across. Expect to pay $25–$40 in the official lots on gameday, with independent lots and garages in the surrounding blocks sometimes offering lower rates.
Walking from Kentucky: If you’re staying in Covington or Newport (which is a smart move — more on that in the hotel section), you can walk to the stadium across the Roebling Suspension Bridge (from Covington) or the Purple People Bridge (from Newport). Both walks take 10–15 minutes and are the most enjoyable way to arrive at a game. No traffic, no parking stress, and the views are great.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): The designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zone is on Second Street, just west of Race Street. Pregame, rides are usually reasonably priced if you’re not arriving right at gate-opening time. Post-game is a different story — expect significant surge pricing and longer wait times. The best strategy is to walk a few blocks away from the stadium to a pickup point on Fourth or Fifth Street, where surge pricing drops noticeably and drivers can actually reach you without fighting stadium traffic.
TANK Southbank Shuttle: From the Northern Kentucky side, the Southbank Shuttle runs to a stop just across the street from the stadium for $1 each way, with service starting two hours before kickoff and running every 15 minutes. This is a genuinely great option if you’re staying in Covington or Newport.
Queen City Riverboat: For a more memorable arrival, park in Newport and take the Queen City Riverboat to the stadium. At $10 per person round trip, it’s a fun and practical option. Boats start running two hours before kickoff every 30 minutes, with return trips beginning at halftime and continuing until 45 minutes after the game ends.
Paycor Stadium Gameday Tips
Paycor Stadium is a venue where the food, the tailgate scene, and the gameday energy consistently outperform what you’d expect from a mid-market NFL stadium — fans who’ve been here repeatedly will tell you the concessions alone are a reason to show up early. Here’s what actually matters when you’re planning your visit to The Jungle.
Access and Gate Strategy
Use the west gates for faster entry. The east entrance facing Freedom Way draws the heaviest foot traffic because it’s where most fans walk in from The Banks and the pregame festivities. If your seats are on the west side of the stadium, loop around to Gate A instead — the lines are noticeably shorter, especially in the 60 minutes before kickoff. Club seat holders have dedicated VIP entrances near Gate A (West Club) and Gate D (East Club) that open 90 minutes before kickoff.
Fifth Third cardholders get a 30-minute head start. If you have a Fifth Third Bank Bengals Checking card, flash it at the Fifth Third Southeast Gate for access 120 minutes before kickoff — a full half hour before general gates open. That extra time lets you explore the concourses, grab food with zero lines, and settle in before the rush. The Fifth Third Southeast Gate is on the south side of the stadium near Section 152, not to be confused with Gate E on the opposite end.
Download the Bengals App before you leave the house. All tickets are mobile-only — PDF tickets and screenshots won’t get you through the gates. The app also has an interactive stadium map with step-by-step navigation to your seats, concessions, and restrooms, which is genuinely useful in a stadium where the upper levels don’t offer 360-degree concourse access.
Food and Drink Strategy
The Skyline coney is the non-negotiable eat. Skyline Chili became the exclusive chili provider at Paycor Stadium in 2023 (Gold Star is out), and their coneys are available at concession stands throughout the building. Cincinnati-style chili on a hot dog with mustard and onions is polarizing — the cinnamon-and-chocolate-spiced meat sauce isn’t what most people expect from “chili.” But trying one at a Bengals game is part of the experience. If you want to go deeper, get a three-way (chili over spaghetti topped with shredded cheddar).
Glier’s goetta brat is the sleeper hit. Goetta is a Cincinnati-specific breakfast meat made with ground pork, beef, and steel-cut oats — it sounds bizarre, but it’s savory, crispy, and addictive. On a bratwurst at Paycor, it’s genuinely one of the best food items in any NFL stadium. Glier’s has stands scattered across all three levels (Sections 108, 131, 138, 148, 158, 201, 207, 231, 248, 304, 309, 316, 334, 339, and 344), so you’re never far from one.
Skip the regular beer lines — use the grab-and-go options. This is the real hack that saves you from missing a full quarter standing in line. Paycor Stadium invested heavily in speed-of-service upgrades, and the results are noticeable. Walk Thru Bru’s is a grab-and-go beer market with self-checkout — walk in, grab your beer, scan, and leave — at locations throughout all three levels (Sections 112, 116, 129, 142, 154, 224, 307, 313, 337, and 343). There’s also the Garage Beer Cave and Drink MKT near Section 305 with the same self-service concept. If you hate concession lines, these are the answer. The stadium also has 78 self-service kiosks and 14 additional grab-and-go stands like “The Go Route” placed throughout the building.
The Perch is your 300-level drink shortcut. If you’re sitting in the upper deck, The Perch offers grab-and-go drinks on both sides of the canopy level. It’s quieter and faster than the main concession pods, and most upper-deck fans don’t seem to know about it.
Beer prices here are legitimately affordable by NFL standards. Paycor Stadium consistently ranks among the cheapest venues for beer in the league. The Jungle Bar on the west sideline and the new east sideline destination bar are the best spots if you want a drink with atmosphere, but you’ll save time at the grab-and-go locations. Alcohol sales stop at the end of the third quarter, so plan your last round accordingly.
Timing your food run matters. The concession areas at Paycor are grouped in pods around the concourses, and they get brutally congested during quarter breaks and halftime. The best window to grab food is during the first or second quarter when most fans are still in their seats. By halftime, the pods become a bottleneck. If you must eat at halftime, hit one of the self-service express markets instead of the traditional stands — they’re much faster.
Tailgating
Longworth Hall is the epicenter. Tailgating is permitted in all Bengals parking areas, but the Longworth Hall lot (700 W. Pete Rose Way) is where the scene really happens. You’ll find grills running in every row, cornhole boards everywhere, Bengals-themed vehicles ranging from repainted school buses to full RVs, and a welcoming atmosphere where strangers hand you a beer and a coney without thinking twice. The Bengal Bomb Squad — one of the oldest and most visible fan tailgate groups in the NFL — sets up near Longworth and brings serious energy. Surface lots open four hours before kickoff.
Lot 1 is the closest to the stadium and has the highest-energy tailgate atmosphere, but it fills fast. Lots A and E (east side of the stadium) have more room for larger group setups with tents, grills, and games, plus river views of the Northern Kentucky skyline. The Central Riverfront Garage works for fans who want easy stadium access while still catching the tailgate vibe.
Don’t want to tailgate? Hit Pregame at The Banks. The Bengals host an organized pregame party called Pregame at The Banks along Freedom Way, starting three hours before kickoff. It features live entertainment, a pregame pep rally, appearances from Bengals alumni, boardwalk-style games, food stalls, and team merchandise. It’s free to attend and is a great alternative if you don’t have a parking pass or grill setup.
Traditions and Atmosphere
Participate in Stripe The Jungle. On select games, the Bengals assign each section as orange or black to create a tiger-stripe visual effect across the entire stadium. Check the team’s social media before the game to see if your section has a color assignment — it’s one of the coolest visual traditions in the NFL when the whole crowd buys in. Locals take this seriously, and you should too.
The “Who Dey” chant is constant and contagious. From the tailgate lots through the final whistle, you’ll hear “Who Dey, Who Dey, Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals?” all day long. It gets loudest after big defensive stops and touchdowns, and the whole stadium joins in. Even visiting fans get swept up in it during close games. Division matchups against the Steelers, Ravens, or Browns crank the intensity up another level — Bengals fans are generally welcoming, but those rivalry games bring out serious trash talk.
“Welcome to the Jungle” before kickoff is the moment. When Guns N’ Roses hits the PA system right before the team takes the field, The Jungle earns its nickname. It’s one of those stadium traditions that genuinely delivers on the hype — the crowd goes nuclear, the Bengals take the field, and the energy is palpable even in the upper deck. Don’t be in the concessions line when this happens.
Photo Ops and Instagrammable Spots
The Cincinnati mural on the east concourse is the signature photo. As part of recent stadium renovations, a local artist painted a large Cincinnati-themed mural on the east side of the stadium. It’s eye-catching, photogenic, and unique to Paycor — you won’t confuse it with any other NFL venue. Hit it on your way in before the concourses get packed.
The media day jungle set is a can’t-miss photo op. Near the concession stands, the Bengals have set up the same jungle-themed backdrop they use for official player media photos — the one you’ve seen Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase pose in front of for gameday hype videos. It’s a fantastic, unique-to-this-stadium souvenir photo and it’s open to all fans. Do this early because it draws a crowd as the game approaches.
Catch the skyline views from inside the stadium. The open corners of Paycor Stadium frame the downtown Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River bridges beautifully — it’s one of the best in-stadium views in the NFL. Sections near the east end zone (around 222–230) face the river, and on a clear day the view alone makes the trip worthwhile. September and October sunset games are particularly photogenic from this angle. Walk to an open corner at some point during the game even if your seats don’t face that direction.
First-Timer Must-Do
Pick up your first-game certificate. If it’s your first time at Paycor Stadium, stop by the Fan Information Table behind Section 151 or Section 129 and grab a first-game certificate. It’s a small touch, but it’s free and makes a nice keepsake — especially if you’re bringing kids.
Walk the Roebling Bridge on gameday. This is the experience I recommend to anyone visiting Cincinnati for a Bengals game. The Roebling Suspension Bridge — the one that inspired the Brooklyn Bridge — connects Covington, Kentucky to The Banks, and on game days the pedestrian walkway fills with orange-and-black-clad fans heading to The Jungle. It’s a 10–15 minute walk that drops you right near the stadium, and the river views are fantastic. I did this exact routine the first time I visited Cincinnati for a game — walked the Roebling from Covington, grabbed a Rhinegeist Truth at Moerlein Lager House overlooking the river, and arrived at The Jungle with the kind of genuine anticipation you only get from approaching a stadium on foot through a gameday crowd. It completely set the tone for the rest of the day.
Families: get a Child ID Wristband. Free Child Identification Wristbands are available at the Season Ticket Member tent located just inside the Fifth Third Southeast Gate behind Section 152. In a loud, crowded stadium with a small kid, this is a no-brainer safety measure — the wristband helps staff reunite families quickly if anyone gets separated.
Escalator Hack
The 300-level east side is only accessible via escalator — plan accordingly. This is a quirk that catches a lot of first-timers off guard. Because Paycor Stadium’s open end zones break the concourse into separate sections, the upper level does not offer 360-degree access. If your seats are on the east side of the 300-level, you have to use the escalator on that side to get up. You can’t walk around from the west side. This means if you enter through Gate A on the west side and your seats are in the 300-level east (Sections 333–347), you’ll need to go back down and cross over to the east escalator. Know which side your seats are on before you enter, and use the closest gate — Gate D for east-side upper deck, Gate A for west-side upper deck. This alone will save you 15 minutes of confused wandering on your first vis
Hotels Near Paycor Stadium
Here’s the deal for out-of-towners, or for football staycation weekends: Paycor Stadium sits on the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, directly across the water from Northern Kentucky. That geography gives you two distinct options, and the smart play depends on what kind of gameday experience you want.
Option one is staying on the Cincinnati side — either right at The Banks entertainment district (walking distance to the stadium, surrounded by bars and restaurants) or in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood a bit further north (Cincinnati’s best food and nightlife scene, short rideshare to the game). This is the convenience play. You walk to the stadium, walk to postgame bars, and never think about parking or bridges.
Option two is staying across the river in Covington or Newport, Kentucky. Hotels here are meaningfully cheaper than downtown Cincinnati, many include free parking, and you’re still only a 10–15 minute walk to the stadium via the Roebling Suspension Bridge (from Covington) or the Purple People Bridge (from Newport). You can also take the TANK Southbank Shuttle for $1 or the Queen City Riverboat for $10 round trip. Honestly, the bridge walk on gameday — surrounded by fans in orange and black with the stadium growing larger ahead of you — is one of the best parts of the whole experience. This is the value play, and it doesn’t sacrifice much.
If you’re coming for a single game and want maximum ease, stay at The Banks. If you’re making a weekend out of it with nightlife and restaurants, base yourself in OTR and rideshare to the game. If you want to save real money without feeling like you’re staying in the middle of nowhere, go Kentucky side and walk the bridge.
Hotel Recommendations
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks — The closest quality hotel to the stadium. Right in the middle of The Banks district, walking distance to both Paycor and Great American Ball Park. Rooftop bar with Ohio River and Roebling Bridge views. Modern rooms, European-style breakfast. Dog-friendly. This is the no-brainer pick if walkability is your priority.
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza — One of the most stunning hotel lobbies in the Midwest, housed in the Art Deco Carew Tower downtown. Walking distance to the stadium with the kind of old-school grandeur that makes a gameday trip feel like an event. A great option for couples or anyone who appreciates a hotel with real character.
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati — Large, reliable downtown hotel with an indoor pool, solid rooms, and easy access to everything. Valet parking available. Works well for families and business travelers who want a known quantity close to the action.
Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps — Suite-style rooms in a converted historic building with full kitchens and a rooftop restaurant. Ideal for families or groups staying more than one night who want the option to cook or spread out. Walking distance to the stadium.
Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati-Downtown — Free breakfast, consistent quality, and an easy walk to the stadium. One of the better value options on the Cincinnati side for fans who want a reliable stay without paying boutique hotel rates.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter (Covington, KY) — Right across the river with a complimentary evening reception (free drinks and snacks) and cooked-to-order breakfast included. Walk the Roebling Bridge to the game in 12 minutes. This is the best all-around Kentucky-side option — you get genuine perks that offset the slightly less convenient location.
Some Budget Options
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront (Covington, KY) — The best true budget play for gameday visitors. Clean rooms, free breakfast, indoor pool, and — crucially — free parking. That free parking alone saves you $30–$50 per night compared to downtown Cincinnati hotels. The TANK shuttle or bridge walk gets you to the stadium easily, and you’re right in Covington’s MainStrasse Village area with German-heritage pubs and restaurants within walking distance.
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront (Covington, KY) — Another solid Kentucky-side option with lower rates and inexpensive self-parking. No-frills rooms but a functional base, and the Roebling Bridge walk to the stadium takes about 15 minutes. Good fallback if the Holiday Inn Express is booked on a gameday weekend.
Fun Restaurant/Bars Near Paycor Stadium
Paycor Stadium sits at the western edge of The Banks, Cincinnati’s riverfront entertainment district that stretches between the football stadium and Great American Ball Park (home of the Reds). This is where the gameday scene happens. The entire Banks district is a DORA zone — a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area — which means you can buy a drink at one bar and walk the whole district with it. On gameday Sundays, this strip of bars and restaurants fills with orange and black starting three hours before kickoff, and the energy carries well into the evening after the final whistle. The Banks is the default pregame and postgame spot.
The options beyond The Banks — in Over-the-Rhine and across the river in Covington — are worth knowing about if you want to dodge the biggest crowds or experience more of what makes Cincinnati’s food and drink scene genuinely special.
Kitty’s Sports Grill — The closest bar to the stadium, directly across on West 3rd Street. This is an old-school, family-owned Bengals bar with a massive Bengals mural on the exterior and memorabilia covering the walls inside. The real draw is the smoked wings — grilled on natural wood coals and flash-fried for a crisp that’s earned a legitimate citywide reputation. Solid pub fare across the board. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so check the schedule for early-week games.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille — A Banks staple about 100 yards from Great American Ball Park with 31 HD TVs, multiple patios, and garage doors that open up the whole space. Gets packed 2–3 hours before kickoff on gameday, but the energy is worth the crowd. Good for groups — the larger floor plan handles volume better than most spots nearby. Works equally well for Reds and Bengals games given its location between both stadiums.
Moerlein Lager House — Cincinnati’s brewing history runs deep, and Moerlein is where you experience it right at The Banks. House-brewed beers, German-American food (think schnitzel and pretzels alongside burgers), and Ohio River views from the patio. This is the pregame spot if you want something a step above typical sports bar fare without going full fine dining. A Rhinegeist Truth or a Moerlein OTR on the river patio before walking to The Jungle is a perfect Cincinnati gameday move.
Tin Roof — The Banks’ live music spot, open every night with bands on the stage Friday and Saturday. The atmosphere skews younger and louder than the other options — think Nashville-meets-Cincinnati energy. Good chicken tenders and wings. NFL Sunday Ticket on 24 TVs with game sound, so it works for football too. Gets going earlier in the day than most bars in the district.
Knockback Nat’s — A 10-minute walk north of the stadium at 10 W. 7th Street, this is the downtown dive bar locals swear by. Free popcorn, affordable cocktails, and smoked wings that rival Kitty’s. The Cajun Ranch wings and the Hanky Panky’s hot BBQ have cult followings. The vibe is laid-back, no-frills, and genuine — a refreshing change from the polished Banks spots if that’s your thing. Open seven days a week.
O’Malley’s in the Alley — Tucked away on Ogden Place between Race and Vine, this is the second-oldest bar in Cincinnati and it feels like it. Classic Irish pub energy with a full menu and great burgers. It connects to The Blind Pig next door, which has a patio with a stadium view. If you want a pregame spot that feels like a locals-only secret rather than a crowded tourist bar, this is it.
Rhinehaus — Up in Over-the-Rhine at 119 E. 12th Street, about a 15-minute rideshare from the stadium. This is Cincinnati’s original OTR sports bar and the city’s go-to soccer bar, with 14 TVs, a projector, and every sports package. Official pub partner for FC Cincinnati and home base for supporter groups for Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, West Ham, and more. Opens early on weekends for Premier League matches. It’s also a great spot for NFL Sundays if you want to watch outside the stadium-area crush.
Braxton Brewery — Across the river in Covington, Kentucky, Braxton hosts watch parties for every Bengals game with craft beer and solid food. A good option if you’re staying on the Kentucky side or want a more relaxed pregame scene before walking the Roebling Bridge to the stadium. Multiple locations (Covington, Cincinnati, Fort Mitchell) give you flexibility.
Pregame Pro Tips
Use the DORA. The Banks’ outdoor refreshment area lets you buy a drink at any participating bar and walk the entire district with it. This is the move for bar hopping before the game — grab a beer at Moerlein, stroll through The Banks, stop at Holy Grail, and work your way toward the stadium. No need to commit to one bar for the whole pregame.
Get there early. Banks bars hit capacity 2–3 hours before kickoff for divisional games and primetime matchups. If you want a table or a patio seat at Holy Grail or Moerlein, arriving three hours early isn’t overkill — it’s necessary.
Consider the cross-river option. Covington bars like Braxton and spots along MainStrasse are less crowded, cheaper, and you’re still a 10–15 minute bridge walk from the stadium. Park in Kentucky, pregame in Covington, walk the Roebling to The Jungle.
Don’t skip Cincinnati-style chili. Skyline Chili locations are scattered throughout downtown and the stadium area. Whether you love it or hate it (and people have strong opinions), trying a three-way or a coney before a Bengals game is a Cincinnati rite of passage. If you want to go upscale, Taste of Belgium at The Banks does excellent waffles and brunch for earlier kickoffs.
Things to Do in Cincinnati
Cincinnati offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Cincinnati:
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Explore one of the oldest and most respected zoos in the country, known for its conservation efforts and diverse animal collection.
Explore the Cincinnati Museum Center: Located in the historic Union Terminal, this center houses several museums, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.
Take a stroll along the Cincinnati Riverfront: Enjoy the scenic views of the Ohio River, visit Smale Riverfront Park, and take a ride on the SkyStar Observation Wheel for panoramic vistas of the city.
Discover the American Sign Museum: This unique museum showcases the history of signage in America, featuring a collection of neon signs, vintage advertisements, and other memorabilia.
Tour the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: Learn about the history of the Underground Railroad and the struggle for freedom, with exhibits highlighting the stories of those who fought against slavery.
Explore the Cincinnati Art Museum: Visit this impressive art museum with a collection spanning over 6,000 years, including works from renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River: Enjoy a relaxing cruise and take in the picturesque views of Cincinnati’s skyline while learning about the city’s history.
For all of our NFL Guides here as well as some relevant stadium guides for Bengals fans below:
Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday. Shoot us an email if you have any questions or if we missed anything.