Paycor Stadium sits on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as the home of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. Opened on August 19, 2000, the outdoor stadium was originally named Paul Brown Stadium in honor of the Bengals’ legendary founder. In August 2022, Cincinnati-based payroll company Paycor HCM Inc. secured a 16-year naming rights agreement, giving the venue its current name.
Designed by architectural firm NBBJ under lead architect Dan Meis, the stadium quickly earned national recognition — it became the first NFL facility ever to receive an AIA (American Institute of Architects) design award. Its open corner design offers sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River, a feature that sets it apart from most enclosed NFL venues. Fans and the team alike call it ‘The Jungle,’ a nod to the Bengals’ tiger theme and the famously raucous home-game atmosphere.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Opened: August 19, 2000
- Capacity: 65,515
- Record Attendance: 67,260 (vs. Miami Dolphins, September 29, 2022)
- Construction Cost: $455 million
- Architect: NBBJ (Dan Meis)
- Nickname: The Jungle
Design and Architecture
NBBJ’s design for Paycor Stadium prioritized the spectator experience while anchoring the venue visually to its riverfront setting. The stadium’s open corners — an intentional architectural choice — allow natural light and Cincinnati’s skyline to become part of the backdrop on game days. This design earned the facility its historic AIA award, the only football stadium ever to appear on Harris Interactive’s survey of ‘America’s favorite 150 buildings and structures.’
Construction cost approximately $455 million, with $555 million in public subsidies from Hamilton County funding both the stadium and the adjacent Great American Ball Park for the Reds. The synthetic turf playing surface has been updated several times since opening, with FieldTurf CORE reinstalled ahead of the 2024 season.
Memorable Moments at the Jungle
Paycor Stadium’s biggest NFL highlight came during the 2021 season, when the Bengals — led by quarterback Joe Burrow — made a surprising Super Bowl run, eventually falling to the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. The playoff run generated record noise levels and attendance at the stadium, cementing its reputation as one of the louder outdoor venues in the league.
Beyond football, the venue has hosted major concerts including Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Garth Brooks, and Guns N’ Roses — fitting for a stadium nicknamed after one of the band’s most famous songs. The Cincinnati Music Festival, an annual celebration of R&B and gospel, also draws massive crowds to the stadium each summer.
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Paycor Stadium FAQs
What was Paycor Stadium called before?
The stadium was originally named Paul Brown Stadium when it opened in 2000, honoring the Cincinnati Bengals’ founder and Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown. It was renamed Paycor Stadium in August 2022 after a 16-year naming rights deal with Paycor HCM Inc.
How many people can Paycor Stadium hold?
Paycor Stadium has a listed seating capacity of 65,515. The record single-game attendance is 67,260, set during a Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins game on September 29, 2022.
Why is Paycor Stadium called ‘The Jungle’?
The nickname ‘The Jungle’ plays on the Bengals’ tiger theme and the team’s black-and-orange colors. Guns N’ Roses’ song ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ became an unofficial anthem for the team and stadium, reinforcing the nickname among fans.
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Photo: JonRidinger / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.