CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Cincinnati Bengals gameday experience at Paycor Stadium (formerly Paul Brown Stadium) offers a fun, energetic, and rapidly growing football culture that’s gone from underdog territory to AFC contender pride in just a few short years. It’s a mix of blue-collar Midwest loyalty, riverfront views, creative tailgating, and rising swagger—all set against the backdrop of a city that loves its football and chili.

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1) Stadium: Paycor Stadium

• Located downtown along the Ohio River, next to the Reds’ Great American Ball Park.

• Easy to walk to from downtown hotels, bars, and The Banks entertainment district.

• Modern, open-air stadium with great sightlines and a loud, energized fan base.

• Atmosphere has exploded in recent years thanks to the success of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the defense.

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2) Pregame & Tailgating Scene

 Where It Happens:

• Lot 1 / Lot E / Lot D – Closest to the stadium, where long-time tailgaters park with serious setups.

• Longworth Hall Lot – Huge, party-style lot with DJs, smokers, giant TVs, and fans of all ages.

• The Banks – Bars and restaurants right outside the stadium; packed for big games, especially prime time.

• The Bengal Bomb Squad – One of the oldest and best-known fan tailgating groups in the NFL, set up near Longworth.

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3) Tailgating Vibe

• Loud, festive, and inclusive: Bengals fans love to party and welcome others to join.

• You’ll see:

  • Grills firing up brats, burgers, and smoked meats

  • Fans dressed in orange & black, tiger stripes, and creative costumes

  • Music blasting (everything from rap to rock to country)

  • Cornhole games, portable bars, and massive tents

• Mix of old-school and new energy: Legacy fans meet new-wave “Burrow era” fans.

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4) Food & Drink

• Classic tailgate fare meets Cincinnati flavor:

  • Skyline Chili dip is a staple (yes, that’s chili + cream cheese + cheddar).

  • Brats, metts, BBQ ribs, wings, and sometimes full smokers or breakfast burritos.

  • Plenty of local beer (Rhinegeist, MadTree, Braxton), hard seltzers, and Bengal bombs (orange vodka + energy drink).

  • Some fans bring Bengals-themed Jell-O shots or orange jungle punch.

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5) Inside the Stadium

• “Who Dey” chant is constant throughout the game: “Who Dey, Who Dey, Who Dey think gonna beat them Bengals?!”

• Fans are loud and involved, especially on defense or in key AFC North games.

• The Jungle (home end zone) has the most passionate, rowdy fans.

• The stadium experience has gotten faster, louder, and more modern with hype videos, player intros, and music since the Bengals’ 2021 playoff run.

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6) Fan Culture

• “Who Dey Nation” has expanded massively—expect face paint, Bengal-striped suits, tiger masks, and glittery game-day looks.

• Visiting fans are usually treated well, but Steelers and Browns fans will hear it—division games get extra heated.

• Fans love trash talk, beer toasts, and chants, but it’s rarely hostile.

The Cincinnati Bengals tailgating experience is one of the most underrated but electric scenes in the NFL. It combines Midwestern friendliness, die-hard loyalty, orange-and-black passion, and a growing sense of swagger that’s taken over the city since the rise of Joe Burrow and the “Who Dey” Bengals.

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1) Where the Tailgating Happens

 Key Tailgate Zones:

• Lot 1 & Lot E: Closest to Paycor Stadium. Longtime season ticket holders, serious setups, early start.

• Longworth Hall Lot: The biggest and rowdiest. Massive tailgates, music, grills, and lots of space. It’s the party hub.

• Lot D / Lot B / Hilltop lots: Overflow spots with great fan energy and slightly more relaxed vibes.

• The Banks: Technically not a tailgate zone, but the bars and restaurants here turn into pregame party centers. Great for drinks, walkable from the stadium.

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2) The Vibe

• Inclusive and energetic: Bengals fans are welcoming, loud, and love to share food, drinks, and stories.

• Tailgating starts 4–6 hours before kickoff, even earlier for prime time or playoff games.

• You’ll find:

  • Fans in tiger-striped overalls, orange wigs, and face paint

  • Jungle flags, cornhole tournaments, and Who Dey chants on repeat

  • Music blasting—everything from classic rock to trap to country

  • Families, superfans, and newcomers all mixing it up

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3) Food Scene – Cincinnati Style

Tailgates in Cincy bring heat and local flavor:

• Skyline Chili Dip (Skyline + cream cheese + cheddar) is everywhere

• Brats, metts (Cincy-style sausages), BBQ ribs, burgers

• Homemade chili (often spicy) and breakfast burritos for early tailgates

• Goetta sliders—a local specialty made with pork and oats

• Many fans cook with pride and may offer you a bite if you show team spirit

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4) Drinks & Jungle Juice

• Bengal Bombs: Orange vodka + energy drink—a Cincy tailgate classic

• Local brews: Rhinegeist, Braxton, MadTree, and more

• Jungle Juice in coolers or water jugs (usually mystery-flavored and very potent)

• Jell-O shots in orange and black, plus Fireball and whiskey when it’s cold

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5) Fan Traditions

• The “Who Dey!” chant is shouted constantly — especially after a touchdown or great tailgate moment

• Face paint, tiger ears, custom jerseys (“Joey Brrr” and “Chase the Bag” are popular)

• Fan clubs like the Bengal Bomb Squad and Die-Hard Jungle Fans host huge tailgates with music, raffles, and themed parties

• Expect to see mascots, flag-waving superfans, and homemade signs and banners

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6) Family-Friendly or Party Central?

• Longworth Hall has both vibes:

  • Front areas: More chill, family-friendly, lots of food

  • Deeper in: Louder music, party atmosphere, adult drinks flowing

• The Banks is more bar-heavy and better for adults or 21+ fans pregame

• Generally, Cincinnati tailgates are welcoming and safe, with room for all types of fans