Welcome to Historic James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium, home of Cincinnati football since 1901. We hope you have an enjoyable visit regardless of whether this is your first trip to our stadium, or you’ve been attending games for years. Use this A-to-Z guide to answer many of the questions you may have about a game day in Cincinnati.

Nippert Stadium
2700 Bearcats Way
Cincinnati, OH 45221

ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES

Patrons with disabilities should contact the UC Athletics Ticket Office to ensure their needs may be attended to effectively.

Parking for patrons needing accessible parking is available in Woodside Garage for a rate of $25 (credit/debit card only). A golf cart shuttle from Woodside Garage to a drop off point near the stadium will be provided. A state-issued handicap pass is required.

For more information, call (513) 556-2283.

UC offers captioning at multiple live sporting events and venues including football, men's and women's basketball, and volleyball; open captions on all pre-corded videos on the main video board; and the opportunity to access live captioning on smart phones (which can be accessed at Nippert Streamtext link during games).

Additionally, any student, employee or visitor who is d/Deaf or hard of hearing can request ASL Interpreters for any UC event, including athletics events, using our online request form: ASL/CART request . Visitors who need other access or disability-related accommodations can email our accessibility office at AccessResources@uc.edu and we will work together with campus partners to coordinate access.

Nippert Stadium follows the University of Cincinnati's Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Policy, which can be viewed HERE.

ALCOHOL POLICY

• No alcohol may be brought into Nippert Stadium. 
• Guests that are intoxicated or are perceived to be intoxicated will be denied entry into Nippert Stadium. 
• Guests must be 21 years of age or older and in possession of valid government issued identification to purchase, handle, or consume alcoholic beverages at Nippert Stadium. 

• There is a maximum of two (2) alcoholic beverages per purchase. 

• All alcohol sales will be discontinued at the end of the third (3rd) quarter or earlier at Nippert Stadium Management’s discretion. 

• Guests providing alcohol to minors will be ejected and subject to arrest. 

• Guests possessing alcohol, who do not have proof of being at least 21 years of age, will be ejected and subject to arrest. 

• Drunk and disorderly conduct or violation of any alcohol policy will result in ejection from Nippert Stadium without refund and the violator(s) may be subject to loss of season tickets and arrest. 

• Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. 

• Alcohol purchased at Nippert Stadium is not to be removed from the premises. 

• Stadium Management reserves the right to change policies or procedures at any time without notice.

ALLERGY INFORMATION

• Please be advised that food prepared at Nippert Stadium may contain the following ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, soy bean, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame seeds.
• All concession stands are equipped to accept credit and debit cards. You can view the Concession Map and more information HERE.

ANIMALS

Nippert Stadium follows the University of Cincinnati's Service Animal and Emotional Support Animal Policy, which can be viewed HERE.

APP

• Download the app HERE or by searching "Cincinnati Bearcats" in your app store.

ATMS (SPONSORED BY FIFTH THIRD BANK)

• There is an ATM located inside Fifth Third Arena and Tangeman University Center (TUC).

• Reminder: Concession stands are cashless. 

BABY CHANGING AND LACTATION/NURSING ROOMS

• Baby changing stations are in restrooms throughout Nippert Stadium. 

• These restrooms can be found on all concourses and on each Club and Suite level. 

Tailgate lactation rooms: 

• Lindner Hall - College of Business, Rooms 0012A, 0012B, 0012C, 0012D, 0012 Enter in the main lobby of the Linder Hall College of Business. If you take the steps down, take the first right and follow the hallway to the left of the elevators. If you take the elevator, go to floor 00. Once you are off the elevator, follow the hallway to the right. 

Stadium lactation rooms: 

• Tangeman University Center, Room 432 

• Fifth Third Arena, Room 432 (Behind section 108)

• Lindner Athletic Center, Room 338 

CLEAR BAG POLICY

• To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite fan entry into Nippert Stadium requires fans to follow its clear-bag policy.

• Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.

• Diaper Bag – must be clear and within the size limit.

• Our full Clear Bag Policy can be found HERE.

CAMERA AND VIDEO POLICY

Please be courteous to those around you when taking photos to avoid sightline obstruction of other guests. 

• Cameras and lenses are permitted. 

• Camera bags are prohibited inside Nippert Stadium. 

• Lights may not be used with video recording equipment. 

• Flash photography is prohibited. 

• Tripods and monopods are prohibited.

CHILDREN AND INFANTS

Children three and under years of age are allowed entry without a ticket if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket and must share the adult’s seat.

CODE OF CONDUCT

THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI PROMOTES AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE GUESTS, PLAYERS, COACHES AND OFFICIALS CAN ENJOY THEIR GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE FREE FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING: 

• Obscene or abusive language and/or behavior 

• Fighting, taunting, or threatening remarks and/or gestures 

• Intoxication or signs of impairment related to alcohol or drugs 

• Irresponsible drinking or behavior 

• Use of tobacco products and/or vaping 

• Inappropriate displays of affection 

• Gang activity; including but not limited to wearing or displaying gang clothing and/or indicia 

• Offensive clothing 

• Any distraction to the progress of the game or event 

• Throwing objects of any kind 

• Occupying any seat without the appropriate ticket 

• Mistreatment of visiting team fans, players, guests, staff, and coaches, including age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, military status (including veteran status), national origin, parental status (including status as a nursing mother and status as a foster parent), pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. 

• Failure to follow the directions of law enforcement, security, ushers, ticket takers or any other authorized personnel 

• Violations of any University of Cincinnati rules, policies, or procedures, local City of Cincinnati ordinances, or state, or federal laws or regulations 

• Other actions that cause a disruption and/or hinder the enjoyment of the event 

• Any behavior that impairs the safety and/or enjoyment of the event from other guests 

• Any vandalism or damage to University property 

• Committing any of the above listed violations may result in ejection from the venue, prohibition from attending future events, discipline from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and/or Office of Equal Opportunity and/or arrest. Guests should immediately report violations of the Code of Conduct using one the following methods: Contact game management, ushers, security personnel or law enforcement officer or use of the venue texting service, if applicable. 

We thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance in maintaining a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at the University of Cincinnati.

 

CONCESSIONS

Concession stands, including local vendor locations, are available on the east and west concourses of Nippert Stadium. All concession stands are equipped to accept credit and debit cards. You can view the Concession Map and more information HERE.

EMERGENCIES

Should you need immediate assistance, please notify the nearest usher, security personnel, police officer or visit one of the First Aid Stations on the concourse. In the event of a stadium emergency, pertinent information regarding the situation and evacuation procedures will be provided over the public address system and on the stadium video board.

For non-emergency help on gameday, fans can text (513) 450-8556 for assistance.

FAST PASS

Fans are encouraged to utilize the Fast Pass and to download digital tickets to make entry as smooth as possible on gameday. Fans are able to scan their tickets prior to gates opening at the Fifth Third Arena ticket office, outside TUC, or The Grid to obtain a wristband for fast entry at one of the designated gates. To obtain a Fast Pass, fans are not permitted to carry bags. Fast Pass gates are marked on the Nippert Stadium Gates Maps.

See Fast Pass maps here.

FIELD ACCESS

Per Big 12 Conference rules, fans are not permitted on the field before, during or following the game with the exception of anyone with proper pre- or postgame credentials.

GATE MAP

All gates open two hours prior to the game start, you can view Gate maps HERE.

Sheakley Lawn has extended hours see HERE for more details.

FIRST AID

First Aid rooms are staffed by trained medical personnel provided by UC Health. Locations are behind sections 117, 111 and in Victory Plaza as well as in the Club level in the West Pavilion.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather approaching Nippert Stadium, public address and video announcements will be made to update fans on the situation. 

Should a lightning strike occur within close proximity of the stadium, play will be suspended immediately. Play will resume 30 minutes after the last strike occurs within the threat radius.

Fans are required to exit the seating areas and seek shelter during weather delays.

Updates may also be communicated via GoBEARCATS.com and on X at @GoBearcats.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available for rent outside of Gate B and Gate J, perfect for storing items that cannot be brought into the stadium on gameday.

LOST & FOUND

Guests that have lost an item during an event are encouraged to visit the UC Public Safety office in Three Edwards Center. Inquiries about lost items can be made by calling 513-556-4925.

MISSING OR FOUND CHILDREN PROTOCOL

If a child is reported missing, please immediately notify the nearest Police Officer, Usher, BEST Security team member, or UC Staff member. Time is critical in these situations, and swift communication ensures the proper steps can be taken to locate the child safely.

If you find a child who appears to be lost or does not belong to your party, notify the nearest Police Officer, Usher, BEST Security team member, or UC Staff member right away so they can assist in reuniting the child with their family or guardian.

MERCHANDISE

Several locations are available to purchase Bearcats gear on gameday, including replica jerseys, hats and the latest from UC's official outfitter Nike.

In addition to the main bookstore location inside Tangeman University Center (which is located inside the stadium perimeter and opens two hours before kickoff), satellite tents are located on the East side of the Stadium in the Nippert Market and inside Fifth Third Arena.

Fans can also purchase gear online.

NOISEMAKERS

No noise-making devices of any kind are permitted inside Nippert Stadium.

Please refer to “Permitted and Prohibited” for further information.

PARKING

See 'Football Parking Information' below.

PERMITTED & PROHIBITED ITEMS

ALL INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR BELONGINGS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH. THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Fans with medical bags or items they must carry with them must be inspected and either have a wristband or sticker placed on it to show that it has been inspected. PLEASE ARRIVE EARLIER TO AVOID LAST MINUTE GATE PRESSURE.

The following ARE PERMITTED in the stadium:

• Bags that comply with the Clear Bag Policy
• Blankets
• Cameras and video equipment (no flashes, lights, tripods or monopods)
• Clear Diaper bags accompanying a child
• Flags (No Poles)
• Seat cushions (no larger than 18 inches)
• Water Bottles (two unopened)

The following ARE PROHIBITED ITEMS:

• Backpacks
• Compressed gases, such as air horns
• Coolers
• Food or Beverages (excluding the two unopened water bottles)
• Flashes on camera
• Knives, guns, any explosives, such as firecrackers, etc.
• Large purses and bags
• Laser pointers
• Noisemakers
• Strollers
• Umbrellas

RE-ENTRY

Re-entry is not permitted at any Nippert Stadium event. In case of emergency, guests can contact the ticket taker and/or security supervisor at the nearest gate.

SCALPING & PROFITEERING POLICIES

The unlawful resale of any event ticket on Nippert Stadium grounds, and/or event parking lots is strictly PROHIBITED and may result in the loss of ticket privileges and/or prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.

TOBACCO

Nippert Stadium and the University of Cincinnati campus is tobacco free.

Smoking and any type of tobacco use is no longer allowed in any public place, including all areas of Nippert Stadium.

Your cooperation in the following policy is appreciated.

Guests who fail to comply with the policy after appropriate warnings may be subject to ejection from the stadium.

UMBRELLAS

For the safety and consideration of all guests, umbrellas are prohibited in Nippert Stadium. Umbrellas will not be checked and are the responsibility of the owner if left at the gates. Guests should bring appropriate rain gear in case of inclement weather.

Lockers are available for rent at Gate B and Gate J, perfect for storing items securely on gameday.

WATER BOTTLES

Fans are permitted to bring up to two unopened water bottles into the stadium.

WILL CALL

Will call tickets for regular fans can be picked up at the Fifth Third Arena Ticket Office, located in the Southwest corner of the arena (near the Oscar Robertson statue/UC Baseball Stadium’s right field).

Football player guest, coaches guest and spirit squad guest tickets will all be transferred digitally via Ticketmaster. Tickets should be accepted and added to mobile wallets prior to gameday for convenience.

Visiting team player/coaches guest tickets will likely be transferred digitally. If the visiting school chooses, a representative will be available on the West Concourse of Fifth Third Arena.

All gameday ticket resolution will be handled at the Fifth Third Arena Ticket Office.

YEARBOOKS

While attending Bearcats games, be sure to pick up your official souvenir yearbook! It’s packed with feature stories, stats, rosters, and a look back at Bearcats history. Whether you're following along during the game or keeping it as a memento for the season, it’s a must-have for any fan. Yearbooks are available at both Guest Services locations and the marketing tent on Sheakley Lawn.

THE GRID

The Grid tailgate is located on Campus Green and offers more than 125 tailgating zones, a stage for a DJ, and food trucks, allowing fans to bring their pregame parties to the heart of campus. The Catwalk will proceed through The Grid 2.5 hours prior to kickoff. This tailgating location utilizes REVELxp for turnkey tailgating services.

BEARCATS FAMILY FUN ZONE

Join us at the Bearcats Fan Zone on Sheakley Lawn (between UC Baseball Stadium and O'Varsity Way) before every UC home football game. Fans of all ages can enjoy inflatables, the Ford Big Screen, face painters, balloon artists, and more. The Bearcats Fan Zone is available three hours before the game and concludes at halftime, allowing fans time to take a break from the game while following along on TV. Be sure to come out early to enjoy all of the unique pregame fun!

Please note: Because the Bearcats Family Fun Zone is within the security perimeter of Nippert Stadium, a ticket to the game is required to gain access. Bearcats Family Fun Zone will open two hours before kickoff if the game time is noon

THE COMMONS

The Commons tailgate is located on Bearcats Commons in front of the College of Arts and Sciences Building. This premium location utilizes REVELxp turnkey tailgate services. REVELxp and their team will provide all tailgate equipment, set it up before you arrive, and break everything down after the game. Bellhop service is available to assist with any additional items you may bring. Catering options provided by local restaurants will be delivered to your tailgate zone.

Learn more about REVELxp here.

ROOFTOP TAILGAITING

Located atop the University Avenue Garage, Bearcat football fans have an exciting tailgate opportunity on the Rooftop. This is a traditional style tailgate experience out of your vehicle. Guests will be given a parking spot for their vehicle and another for tailgating. Rooftop Tailgate spots are sold on a season-long basis.

GAMEDAY PARKING - DAY OF, SINGLE GAME

While spots last, fans are able to Purchase from the following parking garages on gameday with credit card:

• Eden: $25/game

Note: This ticket is valid until 4 a.m. If exiting after 4 a.m., you will need to press the Lost Ticket button and pay $20 to exit the facility.

Shuttle buses will be running from Eden Garage to campus starting 7 hours prior to the game until 1-hour post end of the game.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING (SINGLE GAME)

A portion of pre-sold parking in Woodside Garage will be designated as accessible parking passes for patrons with mobility issues at a rate of $25. A state-issued handicap placard or license plate will be required on Gameday with that parking pass. Anyone showing an ADA pass without a proper placard or license plate will not be permitted to park. Golf cart shuttles will run from outside the garage to the entry gate.

Gameday parking (credit/debit card only) will be available in Eden Garage for $25. Bus shuttles from Eden Garage will be ADA accessible. For more information, call (513) 556-2283.

NORTH/SOUTH TRAFFIC PATTERNS

Passholders in Calhoun and Corry Garages accessing campus from the south will be asked to enter the structure from the Calhoun Street side. Patrons entering from the north off Jefferson Avenue can reach their garages from Corry Street.

SHUTTLES

Bus shuttles are available from Eden Garage before, during and after the game. Shuttles start 4 hours before the game starts and will continue for one hour post-game. Shuttles will drop off at the corner of Commons Way and Daniels Street. To enter Nippert Stadium, fans can walk through Sigma Sigma Commons to enter gate J, use the sidewalk to head to Fifth Third Arena and enter into Gate A or use the sidewalk to walk around the UC Baseball Stadium and down Corry Street to enter gate B.

DIGITAL TICKETS

With Ticketmaster, fans will no longer need to wait for an email to download their tickets. Once purchased, the tickets will be available in your Cincinnati Bearcats app or Account Manager page (am.ticketmaster.com/bearcats).

Digital ticketing provides rapid and safe delivery of tickets. It creates fewer physical contact points on gameday while also significantly reducing ticket fraud and loss of tickets.

With digital ticketing, fans will have the flexibility to easily store tickets on their mobile device through their Apple Wallet (iPhone) or to Google Pay (Android). Accessing Digital Tickets and transferring tickets will be simplified through their online account fans can access at gobearcats.com/tickets.

DIRECTIONS TO DOWNLOAD TICKETS

1. Purchase tickets at am.ticketmaster.com/bearcats
2. Open your Cincinnati Bearcats app or Ticketmaster Account Manager page to access tickets.
3. Download tickets to Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Pay (Android).
4. At the stadium/arena, pull up the ticket within the wallet and have the gate attendant scan the barcode.
5. Enjoy the game!

For assistance on anything Ticketmaster, see our help guide at gobearcats.com/help.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Digital tickets will be protected by Ticketmaster’s SafeTix rotating barcode to help limit fraud. Tickets that have been screenshotted will not scan as valid at the gates.