Paul Brown Stadium

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Lore & Background

The journey to this venue began in 1996 when Hamilton County voters approved a sales tax increase to fund new homes for both the Bengals and the Reds. The teams had previously shared Riverfront Stadium, but complaints about its lack of modern amenities drove the push for replacement. Construction on Paul Brown Stadium started with a groundbreaking in 1998, opening just in time for the 2000 NFL season. The deal was controversial; in 2011, The Wall Street Journal called it "unusually lopsided" and risky for taxpayers, estimating costs would reach $1.1 billion by the lease's expiration in 2026. Despite the financial debates, the stadium became a unique architectural landmark, designed by NBBJ led by Dan Meis. It was the first NFL facility to win an AIA design award and remains one of only two sports venues honored on Harris Interactive's list of "America's favorite 150 buildings," ranking 101st among all major structures in the nation.

In Their Own Story

The playing surface has seen significant evolution since opening. For its first four years, the field featured natural Kentucky Bluegrass, which suffered maintenance issues and was once rated the third worst in the league. In response, Hamilton County installed synthetic FieldTurf for the 2004 season, a system that saved $100,000 annually in maintenance and eliminated the need to repaint lines. The field is unique for having five miles of piping underneath to heat rubber inlays. Upgrades continued with Act Global turf in 2012 and Shaw Sports Turf's Strenexe XD fibers in 2018. In February 2024, citing player safety concerns, the Bengals announced a return to FieldTurf CORE. The stadium has also hosted major non-NFL events, including college football games like the 2002 matchup between Cincinnati and Ohio State before a sold-out crowd of 66,319. In 2026, new phases were announced to extend the lease to 2036, featuring renovated restrooms, upgraded concessions, and a larger videoboard.

Reader's Guide

Visitors enter a facility that houses Bengals administrative offices and training areas nearby. Premium seating includes 114 private suites and 7,600 club seats offering in-seat service and lounge access for fine dining. On-site retail is located on the north plaza level in the Bengals pro shop, alongside 56 concession stands and eight stores. Transportation options include the Cincinnati Metro's Jungle-to-Jungle Express, which runs from Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield. The stadium features two LED video displays at each end zone installed in 2000, later upgraded to larger HD models after the 2014 off-season, along with over 200 feet of ribbon display. While primarily a football venue, it hosts the annual Queen City Classic Chess Tournament and the Cincinnati Music Festival every year. The open corners provide views of the downtown skyline and bridges crossing the Ohio River.

Did You Know?

• The stadium is nicknamed "The Jungle" because the Guns N' Roses song "Welcome to the Jungle" serves as the team's unofficial anthem.
• Paycor Stadium was the first NFL facility to win an AIA design award and one of only two sports venues on Harris Interactive's list of America's favorite 150 buildings.
• The playing field contains five miles of piping underneath to keep rubber inlays heated, a feature shared by only one other stadium in the NFL.
• In August 2022, Paycor HCM Inc. secured naming rights for 16 years, leaving Lambeau Field and Soldier Field as the only two NFL stadiums without a corporate naming partner.
• The original natural grass field was replaced with synthetic turf in 2004 after maintenance problems led to it being rated the third worst in the league.