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Cincinnati
Game Day

Next Home Game — vs Miami (OH)· Sep 5
174Days
19Hrs
51Min
39Sec
TBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

University of Cincinnati

Stadium

Nippert Stadium

Capacity

40,000

Conference

Big 12

2026 Football Schedule

Official University of Cincinnati Bearcats home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5vs Miami (OH)HomeTBA
Sep 12vs PittsburghHomeTBA
Sep 19@ IndianaAwayTBA
Sep 26vs HoustonHomeTBA
Oct 3vs Texas TechHomeTBA
Oct 10@ UCFAwayTBA
Oct 24vs ColoradoHomeTBA
Oct 31@ Iowa StateAwayTBA
Nov 7vs KansasHomeTBA
Nov 21@ TCUAwayTBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Cincinnati's Ohio River Valley location creates humid fall weather with warm early season games, beautiful autumn conditions, and cold late-season matchups. September can be hot and muggy, October brings ideal football weather with stunning fall colors, while November turns cold and rainy with occasional snow. The river valley can trap humidity and create foggy conditions.

Warm and humid, occasional thunderstorms

79°

High

/

59°

Low

7 rainy days
Early season heat and humidity! Stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Nippert Stadium can feel extra warm in the bowl.

Perfect fall weather, mild and pleasant

67°

High

/

47°

Low

7 rainy days
Ideal football weather! Comfortable days with cool evenings. Bring a light jacket for night games. Fall colors are beautiful around campus and the river.

Cold and rainy, possible snow or freezing rain

53°

High

/

37°

Low

9 rainy days
1 snow days
Late season is cold and wet. Bring warm, waterproof gear and layers. Rain is very common—waterproof boots recommended. Snow is possible late November.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layered clothing for variable conditions
  • Light jacket for October
  • Heavy winter coat for November
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Hat and gloves for cold games
  • Waterproof boots
  • Umbrella for tailgating

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to Nippert Stadium.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Cincinnati on game day

Clifton

Campus neighborhood with classic college bars and game day atmosphere.

  • Adriatico's
  • Mac's Pizza Pub
  • Murphy's Pub

Over-the-Rhine

Historic district with craft breweries, trendy bars, and rooftop patios.

  • Rhinegeist Brewery
  • Taft's Ale House
  • The Lackman

Downtown Cincinnati

Urban entertainment district with sports bars and riverfront views.

  • The Holy Grail
  • Tin Roof
  • Yard House

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near Nippert Stadium for Bearcats fans

Adriatico's

0.5 miles from stadium·Iconic Clifton pizza joint with game day atmosphere and student crowds
Square pizzaBeerLate-night foodGame day specials
Open in Google Maps

Mac's Pizza Pub

0.3 miles from stadium·Classic college bar with pizza, beer, and Bearcats watch parties
PizzaBeer bucketsPool tablesGame day atmosphere
Open in Google Maps

Murphy's Pub

0.7 miles from stadium·Irish pub near campus with game day specials and outdoor patio
Irish foodBeer selectionPatio seatingLive music
Open in Google Maps

Rhinegeist Brewery

2 miles from stadium·Massive brewery in Over-the-Rhine with rooftop patio and game day crowds
House-brewed beerRooftop barFood trucksCornhole
Open in Google Maps

Taft's Ale House

2.5 miles from stadium·Historic church converted to brewery with game day atmosphere
Craft beerPub foodUnique venueOutdoor seating
Open in Google Maps

The Holy Grail

2.5 miles from stadium·Sports bar downtown with 50+ TVs and extensive beer selection
100+ beersWingsMultiple viewing areasGame day specials
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near Nippert Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

2.4 miles

Estimated Time

2.5-3 hours

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Mac's Pizza Pub (Clifton)

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Mac's Pizza Pub

2700 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

UC's legendary pizza pub since 1977. Order the Mac & Cheese Pizza and a pitcher of beer. Cash only!
Get Directions
1 min walk (0.1 mi)
2
Stop 2

Adriatico's Pizza

2709 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

The rival pizza spot across the street. Famous for their square deep-dish 'Cinci-style' pizza and late-night crowds.
Get Directions
4 min walk (0.2 mi)
3
Stop 3

Murphy's Pub

2329 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219

Classic Irish pub with outdoor patio. Great wings, strong pours, and the best Guinness in Clifton.
Get Directions
12 min walk (0.6 mi)
4
Stop 4

Rhinegeist Brewery

1910 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cincinnati's largest brewery in a massive 1895 bottling plant. Try the Truth IPA on the rooftop deck with skyline views.
Get Directions
8 min walk (0.4 mi)
5
Stop 5

Taft's Ale House

1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Stunning brewery inside a restored 1850s church. Order the Gavel Banger Amber Ale and explore the Gothic architecture.
Get Directions
15 min walk (0.8 mi) or rideshare recommended
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Nippert Stadium

2700 Bearcat Way, Cincinnati, OH 45221

Home of the Cincinnati Bearcats since 1924. Capacity 40,000. One of the oldest stadiums in college football. Arrive early for the Bearcat Walk tradition.
Get Directions

End Point

Nippert Stadium

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Mac's Pizza Pub

Stop 1 of 6

Starting point

UC's legendary pizza pub since 1977. Order the Mac & Cheese Pizza and a pitcher of beer. Cash only!

1 / 7
2.4 miles
2.5-3 hours
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Start early — Mac's and Adriatico's get packed by noon on gamedays. The walk from Clifton to OTR takes you through historic neighborhoods, so wear comfortable shoes. Rhinegeist's rooftop is a must-visit for skyline photos!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make University of Cincinnati Bearcats game day unlike anywhere else

Pre-Game Tailgate

3–4 hours before kickoff

Cincinnati fans gather hours before kickoff to tailgate near Nippert Stadium. Grills fire up, team colors fill the lots, and the energy builds to a fever pitch before the gates open.

Arrive early for the best spots

Team Entrance Cheer

At kickoff

When the Bearcats take the field, the stadium erupts. Fans pack the tunnel entrance and create a wall of noise that opposing teams dread. It's one of the loudest moments in college football.

One of the loudest moments in the game

Victory Celebration

Post-game

After a Bearcats win, the party moves back to the bar district. Fans flood the streets, bars stay packed until last call, and the celebration carries well into the night.

The bar district comes alive after wins

Fight Song Singalong

After every score

The Bearcats fight song is belted out by every fan in the stadium after every score. Learn the words before you arrive — you'll be expected to sing along with 60,000 of your closest friends.

Know the words before you arrive

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Bearcats ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near Nippert Stadium

Open Gameday

Skyline Chili

Cincinnati Chili · $

4.2(4523 reviews)

Cincinnati's most iconic food - you can't visit without trying Skyline Chili. The 3-Way (spaghetti, chili, cheese) is a local tradition. Multiple locations near campus make it easy to grab before the game.

Must Order:3-Way & Cheese Coneys
Open Gameday

Adriatico's Pizza

Pizza · $

4.5(2134 reviews)

UC student favorite right on campus serving massive slices and whole pies. The CAM pizza is legendary among Bearcats fans. Perfect for late-night post-game celebrations too.

Must Order:CAM Pizza (Chicken, Artichoke, Mushroom)
Open Gameday

Mac's Pizza Pub

Pizza & Sports Bar · $$

4.4(1876 reviews)

Clifton institution with creative pizza combinations and a lively gameday atmosphere. The mac & cheese pizza sounds crazy but it's amazing. Great beer selection and outdoor patio.

Must Order:Mac & Cheese Pizza & Wings
Open Gameday

Keystone Bar & Grill

American Bar & Grill · $$

4.3(1523 reviews)

Classic college bar with great burgers, cold beer, and a packed patio on gamedays. The loaded tots are perfect for sharing, and the atmosphere is electric before kickoff.

Must Order:Burgers & Loaded Tots
Open Gameday

Graeter's Ice Cream

Ice Cream & Desserts · $

4.7(2345 reviews)

Cincinnati's legendary ice cream made in small batches using the French Pot process. The Black Raspberry Chip is world-famous with huge chocolate chips. Perfect post-game treat.

Must Order:Black Raspberry Chip
Open Gameday

Mio's Pizzeria

Pizza & Italian · $$

4.6(1234 reviews)

Family-owned pizzeria serving authentic New York-style pizza right in Clifton. The Sicilian squares are thick and delicious, and the garlic knots are addictive. Quick service for gameday crowds.

Must Order:Sicilian Square Pizza & Garlic Knots
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Cincinnati GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Bearcats football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at Nippert Stadium

Tailgate Zones

Nippert Stadium LotsOpens 4 hours before kickoff

Main tailgate area surrounding the stadium on campus

Sigma Sigma CommonsOpens 4 hours before kickoff

Popular tailgate area on campus with live music and food vendors

Burnet Woods ParkOpens 4 hours before kickoff

Park near campus popular for pre-game gatherings and picnics

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Arrive 3+ hours early for prime tailgate spots
  • Parking passes required for most campus lots — purchase through UC athletics
  • Street parking in Clifton is limited — arrive early or use rideshare
  • Burnet Woods Park offers free parking and is walking distance to the stadium

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber and Lyft are very active on game days

Where to Stay

Top hotels near Nippert Stadium for game day weekend

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

$$$
2.5 miles from stadium
  • Boutique art hotel in downtown Cincinnati with rooftop bar
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Hotel Covington

$$
3 miles from stadium
  • Historic hotel across the river in Covington, KY with easy access to Cincinnati
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Graduate Cincinnati

$$
1 mile from stadium
  • Boutique hotel near campus with game day packages
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Cincinnati game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Cincinnati Game Day?

Book your University of Cincinnati Bearcats game day bar crawl and experience Cincinnati nightlife like never before!

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