Concrete Jungle Wears Thin
For two decades, Paycor Stadium has been a fixture on Cincinnati’s riverfront, a concrete cathedral that has seen heartbreak, resurgence, and roaring crowds clad in orange and black. It has hosted playoff thrillers, nail-biting rivalries, and the rise of Joe Burrow into an elite NFL quarterback. But behind the highlight reels and fan chants lies a growing truth: Paycor Stadium is in urgent need of modernization. The fan experience is faltering, critical infrastructure is aging out, and behind-the-scenes political drama is threatening the future of the Bengals’ home turf.
At first glance, Paycor still carries an architectural charm. When it opened in 2000, it was hailed as an award-winning design, even earning a spot on the American Institute of Architects’ top 150 buildings list. At the time, it was one of the most visually distinct stadiums in the league. But fast forward to 2025, and its sheen has dulled. In national rankings, Paycor is now considered one of the worst stadiums in the NFL. The Athletic ranks it 27th out of 30. Pro Football Network puts it at 28th. What was once a shining example of sports design now struggles to keep up with newer venues offering retractable roofs, climate-controlled suites, and immersive tech displays.
One of the most glaring issues is infrastructure. Escalators throughout the stadium have aged poorly, with some now considered safety risks during peak crowd times. In fact, a $1.5 million project to upgrade these critical systems was recently voted down by a Hamilton County commissioner. The reason? Lease uncertainty. Rather than approve safety updates that fans and staff need now, county officials want to hold off until a new stadium lease is signed with the Bengals. That lease, which expires in 2026, has become a battleground of mistrust and public finger-pointing.
The Bengals have publicly accused Hamilton County of making false statements during negotiations and raised red flags over the hiring of a consultant tied to the Cleveland Browns. For fans, this behind-the-scenes infighting might seem abstract, but the fallout is very real. Delaying escalator replacements could stretch into the 2026 season, which coincides with the NFL's 100th anniversary and the possibility of Cincinnati hosting major events. Imagine national headlines focusing not on Burrow’s touchdown passes, but on a stadium bottlenecking crowds because of broken machinery.
Beyond escalators, Paycor is due for sweeping changes. A proposed $830 million renovation plan would be carried out in four phases. Phase one alone carries a $185 million price tag and includes new elevators, concession upgrades, refreshed suites, and enhancements to concourses and plazas. About $64.5 million of that phase is supposed to come from Hamilton County. The Bengals and the NFL are expected to contribute $120 million in private investment. But none of that matters if the lease stalemate holds up progress.
This fight over funding and control is more than just a Cincinnati problem. It reflects a broader question facing mid-sized American cities with aging stadiums: how do you fund renovations in a public-private partnership while keeping fans safe and engaged? In Cincinnati’s case, the answer so far is not inspiring. Political turf wars have stalled even the most basic improvements. Fans are stuck walking endless ramps or navigating crowded exits because their escalators are outdated. Concession stands lack the modern offerings and tech that other stadiums now use to reduce wait times and increase satisfaction.
Compare Paycor to other NFL venues like SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles or Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and the gap is undeniable. Fans in those markets enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, massive wraparound screens, curated dining experiences, and seamless transportation in and out of the venue. At Paycor, fans are still waiting for working escalators and updated concourses.
Even the stadium’s potential to host non-NFL events is being threatened by its lack of modern infrastructure. Concerts, soccer matches, and even World Cup hosting opportunities could slip through the city’s fingers unless the facility is brought up to modern standards.
The Bengals have one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in the league. These fans have weathered decades of disappointment, showed up in freezing temperatures, and bought into the new era of success. They deserve a stadium experience that matches the team’s promise. They deserve safety, efficiency, and excitement—not delays, excuses, and political gridlock.
If Cincinnati wants to keep pace with other NFL cities and preserve the long-term future of the Bengals downtown, the time to act is now. The escalator issue is symbolic. It is not just about moving people from one level to another. It is about moving the franchise and its home into the next era of football.
Cincinnati cannot afford to let its stadium crumble under the weight of bureaucracy. The fans, the city, and the future of the Bengals deserve better.