The Cincinnati Bengals have historically earned a reputation for being somewhat frugal in their operations, particularly under the ownership of the Brown family. Over the past few seasons, the team has significantly increased ticket prices, utilizing a range of strategies that have raised eyebrows among fans.
These tactics have included counting international games as part of the home game package and imposing additional fees on season ticket holders, which many see as subtle ways to increase revenue without providing additional value.
This pattern aligns with the team’s reputation for prioritizing cost-cutting measures and extracting as much revenue as possible from their fanbase. As a result, Bengals fans, especially those familiar with the organization’s business practices, likely aren’t shocked by the team’s more aggressive pricing strategies. Despite this reputation, the team has made significant strides on the field recently, with stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase leading them to playoff success. However, the tension between on-field performance and business practices continues to be a point of contention among the Bengals’ loyal supporters.
City and County Officials Blast Cincinnati Bengals over Perceived Greed
It seems that the Cincinnati Bengals’ latest business move—a viewing party for their away game against the Kansas City Chiefs—did not sit well with the Hamilton County Commissioners. The event, priced at $99 per ticket, has drawn criticism, with the Commissioners essentially condemning the team’s decision. Fans attending the event will have the option to purchase discounted concession vouchers for $25 and can pay an additional $25 for access to the team’s Pro Shop.
In an attempt to sweeten the deal, the Bengals are offering attendees the chance to walk on the field and meet former players like Jim Breech, Robert Jackson, Louis Breeden, and Ira Hillary. Despite these perks, the high cost associated with what is essentially an away game viewing party has raised concerns about the team’s pricing practices, particularly in a county where taxpayer dollars have long supported the stadium. The Commissioners’ displeasure reflects a growing tension between public sentiment and the Bengals’ revenue-generating strategies, adding fuel to the ongoing debate over the team’s approach to fan engagement.
The Hamilton County Commissioners’ frustration with the Bengals’ recent $99 viewing party stems largely from the team’s rejection of a similar initiative in 2022. When the Bengals reached the AFC Championship and later the Super Bowl, the Commissioners had proposed a free viewing event at the stadium to celebrate with fans, but the team declined. This decision left a sour taste, as the commissioners viewed it as a missed opportunity to give back to the community that has supported the franchise.
Now, with the team hosting a paid viewing party for an away game, the commissioners are understandably displeased, as it highlights a stark contrast between what they had hoped to offer for free and the Bengals’ profit-driven approach. While the idea of a fan gathering to celebrate the team is something the commissioners support, the circumstances surrounding the 2022 rejection and the current pricing have amplified their concerns.
The Hamilton County Commissioners’ frustration over the Bengals’ paid viewing party stems from deeper concerns regarding the team’s relationship with the local community and government. The commissioners are particularly upset because the Bengals’ rejection of a free watch party in 2022 now appears not to have been about violating league rules, but rather about the lack of financial benefit for the team or the NFL. Hamilton County Commission President Alicia Reece expressed this sentiment strongly, calling the $99 event “a slap in the face of the taxpayers of Hamilton County.” Reece further questioned whether the previous rejection was truly necessary, or if it was just a matter of the team not being able to profit from it.
The timing of these events is critical, as the Bengals will soon need to negotiate an extension of their lease at Paycor Stadium, which is set to expire in 2026. This growing tension between the team and local government could complicate future discussions. While the Bengals are experiencing success on the field and financially, their standing with the local government is becoming increasingly strained, as they appear to neglect the community’s contributions and loyalty.
Another layer of frustration comes from concerns that the county may be left paying for the event’s expenses. Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas raised this issue, questioning whether the county would be responsible for covering the cost of extra staffing required for the event, potentially further souring relations. The combination of financial concerns, a perceived lack of respect for local taxpayers, and unresolved grievances from the past paints a picture of rising tension between the Bengals and the county at a crucial juncture for future negotiations.
