Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals Unveil $20M In Upgrades For Aging Stadium

  • Planned work covers a wide array of fan experience areas
  • Effort represents a boost for team in one of the NFL’s smallest markets
Cincinnati Bengals

Few NFL teams are as electric on the field as the Joe Burrow-led Cincinnati Bengals — but the team’s 23-year-old Paycor Stadium could use a jolt.

On Tuesday, the team unveiled a $20 million set of planned upgrades including new videoboards, upgraded concession stands — featuring 78 self-service kiosks — two new bars, a new social gathering space, and a jungle-themed photo set.

A series of new banners, graphics, and murals will also be installed throughout the facility.

The Bengals already sell more than 101% of its stadium capacity including standing room, ranking sixth in the league. But the planned enhancements will still provide critical fan experience improvements and new revenue potential for a team operating in one of the NFL’s smallest markets.

“We think our fans deserve the best experience,” said Caroline Blackburn, the Bengals’ senior manager of digital strategy. “We’re going to do everything in power to keep building on that.”

The upgrades are slated to be completed in time for the start of the Bengals’ regular-season home opener against AFC North rival Baltimore on Sept. 17.

Meanwhile, the team remains in talks with Ohio’s Hamilton County over the future of the publicly owned Paycor Stadium following the 2026 end of its current lease.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFLPA Rips Owners Who ‘Roll Out The Green Carpet’ For World Cup

New executive director JC Tretter is an advocate for grass fields.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL Red Zone.”

NFL Spotlights Legacy Networks As D.C. Streaming Criticism Mounts

Fox, NBC, and CBS each gained additional national broadcast windows.

Featured Today

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Tottenham Hotspur
May 6, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.

Braves Earnings Show Promise and Pressure of RSN Shift

The club’s revenue surged, aided in part by the earlier season start.
May 11, 2026

Investor Recalls Kang’s Tense Takeover of Spirit

The Spirit’s valuation has increased 4,200% since 2020.
May 11, 2026

Clippers Were the Quiet Winners of NBA Draft Lottery

The Clippers will pick fifth in June’s draft. 
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 10, 2026

Pacers President to Fans After Losing NBA Draft Lottery Pick: ‘I’m Sorry’

Indiana had a 52.1% chance of keeping their pick.
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban walks off the court after the game against the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.
May 8, 2026

Why Mark Cuban Bought Into a Canadian Basketball Team

“Canada is producing more stars than any other country.”
May 5, 2026

Dallas Wings Coach: Team Will Play 2027 Games at Mavericks’ Arena

The Wings CEO said that the move is not final.
May 4, 2026

Bulls Hire Hawks SVP Bryson Graham in Effort to Return to Relevance

Graham spent 15 years working for the Pelicans.