Saturday, May 9, 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.

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