The 2023 MLS season is underway, and FC Cincinnati is off to a great start. FCC hosted their opening day game at TQL Stadium on Feb. 25, securing a 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo.
In four games, the club locked down two wins, two draws and no losses with six total goals scored. Cincinnati sits third in the Eastern Division rankings heading into this week’s match against FC Nashville on Sat. March 25. The next home game is April 1 at TQL Stadium.
With Ohio sports betting up and running, FC Cincinnati fans now have the option to bet on MLS soccer using an online sportsbook or the team’s retail sportsbook located at Taft’s Ale House in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Of course, the in-stadium experience is an even bigger draw. Planning to attend a game this season? Here’s everything you need to know about visiting, parking, pre-gaming and making the most of the FC Cincinnati game day experience at TQL Stadium.
Use mobile ticketing with the FC Cincinnati app
Tickets are available online through SeatGeek for as low as $24. The average ticket price is $46. Fans can also find season tickets, half-season tickets, flex packages and more at SeatGeek via the team website.
Mobile ticketing through SeatGeek and the FC Cincinnati app make getting into the stadium quick and easy. A screenshot of your ticket will not work. To use mobile, you’ll have to download the app.
With the app, ticket holders can manage, transfer or sell tickets. Add your ticket to your Apple wallet for even easier entry by tapping your phone or Apple watch on the reader at the gate. Learn more about FC Cincinnati Mobile Ticketing at the FC Cincinnati website.
FC Cincinnati 2023 home game schedule:
Parking is plentiful surrounding TQL Stadium
On-site parking at the stadium is limited, and the closest garages require a parking pass. However, with plenty of restaurants, bars and game day events in the surrounding area, many visitors choose to park near their favorite pre- or post-game gathering spot. You might avoid some of the heaviest auto traffic by parking a few blocks away from the stadium.
Cash or credit card parking is available at surface lots and garages surrounding the stadium, including but not limited to the following:
- Temporary North Surface Lot: West Liberty at the corner of Central Avenue, 45214
- Ziegler Park Garage: 1322 Sycamore St., 45202
- Parkhaus: 1123 Sycamore St., 45202
- Kroger Garage: Between Court and Walnut streets at 107 E. Central Parkway 45202
- Mercer Commons Garage: 1310 Vine St. 45202
The following garages are the closest and require a parking pass. Pre-paid parking passes are available through SeatGeek when buying game tickets.
- West End Garage: 1530 John St., 45214
- Town Center Garage: 1223 Central Parkway, 45214
- East Garage: Entrance is located off Central Parkway on the east side of TQL Stadium
- West Surface Lot: Entrance is located off John Street on the southwest side of TQL Stadium
FC Cincinnati pre-match festivities at Washington Park
Every game day starts with pre-match revelry at Washington Park, just steps away from TQL Stadium. It’s fun for all, with music, family-friendly activities and food trucks. Adult beverages are available at the Porch, located near the splash fountain inside the park.
As kickoff approaches, a collective of FC Cincinnati’s Supporter Groups lead a raucous march into Washington Park, complete with giant flags, chanting and drumming. After a short pep rally to get fans fired up, the march continues to the stadium.
The Bailey is loud and proud
The Bailey is a standing-room section of the stadium, where die hard fans and Supporter Groups (SGs) keep up the vibe and energy displayed during the march throughout the game. Drumming and chanting combine with blue and orange smoke flares and hand-painted tifos (huge signs that are unfurled atop the entire section). The SGs coordinate with stadium officials to keep the area regulated, making the Bailey a safe and inclusive area for fans.
To nab a spot in the Bailey, you’ll have to show up early and get a little lucky. It’s first come first serve, and space is limited. Some of the Bailey is reserved for SG members, and only pre-approved members can bring instruments, megaphones or smoke devices.
Other FC Cincinnati pre-gaming options
Inside the stadium, pre-match Happy Hour takes place up until kickoff. The Happy Hour offers $2 off all beer, wine and seltzers at the Heineken Bar and the Coors Light bar, behind the Bailey and sections 111 and 112.
Outside the stadium, the surrounding area is home to several bars where you’re likely to find other FCC fans — whether it’s a game day or not.
Cincinnati’s soccer bar, The Pitch, is located right across the street from TQL Stadium, and features outdoor seating and a rooftop patio with a view of the stadium. Rotating food trucks and space for private events make the Pitch a great pregame spot (1430 Central Pkwy., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202).
House of Orange in Covington is completely FC Cincinnati-themed, and serves as the home away from home for fans on the other side of the river. There’s plenty of space whether you’re just dropping in or want to book a party room for your group (433 Johnson St., Covington, Ky. 41011).
For a proper Over-The-Rhine vibe, Rhinehaus — about three blocks from Washington Park — is the place to be. The historic building that houses it is narrow, and the space fills up more quickly, but sports and good times are always on tap (119 E. 12th St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202). Rhinehaus is known for opening its doors bright and early for English Premier League matches, attracting die-hard fans of the EPL.
A number of other bars in town have committed to show all FC Cincinnati home and away games. Check out FC Cincinnati’s pub partners.
Bet on FC Cincinnati with the team’s sportsbook partner
Until a new sportsbook location opens on site at TQL, fans can bet on game in-person just around the corner at Taft’s Ale House. The street-level bar in the renovated historic church hosts FCC’s sportsbook partner, SuperBook. The space features a full bar including Taft’s craft micro brews, plus five kiosks, 17 TVs and ample seating (1429 Race St., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202). The Superbook Sportsbook Ohio app is also available for use anywhere in the state, including inside TQL Stadium.
SuperBook at Taft’s Ale House Operating Hours:
- Monday-Thursday 4-10 p.m.
- Friday-Sunday 11:30 a.m.-midnight
