The Bengals have had three home stadiums since their first AFL season in 1968, all in Cincinnati: Nippert Stadium on the University of Cincinnati campus, Riverfront Stadium on the Ohio River and, since 2000, the stadium now called Paycor Stadium.
Here is every home in order, with the years the Bengals played there, what made each one matter and what stands on the site today. Each stadium with a ThrillZing guide links to it.
Every Bengals Stadium, 1968 to Today
- Cincinnati
- 1968–1969
Nippert Stadium
The University of Cincinnati's campus stadium hosted the expansion AFL Bengals for their first two seasons while the city built Riverfront Stadium.
Today: Still home of Cincinnati Bearcats football
1970–1999Shared with the Reds for 30 seasons and renamed Cinergy Field in 1996. The Bengals won the 1981 AFC Championship Game here, the Freezer Bowl, on January 10, 1982.
Today: Demolished in 2002; Great American Ball Park and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center cover much of the site
Stadium history →- 2000–presentCurrent home
Opened in 2000 as Paul Brown Stadium, named for the team's founder, and renamed under a 2022 naming-rights deal. A 2026 lease extension runs through 2036 and comes with phased upgrades.
Visiting guide →
Bengals Stadium FAQ
Where did the Bengals play before Paycor Stadium?
At Riverfront Stadium, which they shared with the Reds, from 1970 through 1999. Their first two seasons, 1968 and 1969, were at Nippert Stadium on the University of Cincinnati campus.
How many stadiums have the Bengals had?
Three: Nippert Stadium, Riverfront Stadium (renamed Cinergy Field in 1996) and Paycor Stadium, which opened as Paul Brown Stadium.
Why did the Bengals start at Nippert Stadium?
Paul Brown chose Cincinnati after the city, Hamilton County and the Reds agreed to build a stadium for both baseball and football on the riverfront. It had to be ready for the 1970 season, so the expansion Bengals used Nippert Stadium in the meantime.
Is Riverfront Stadium still standing?
No. It was imploded on December 29, 2002. Great American Ball Park, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and new development now cover the site. Nippert Stadium is still the home of Cincinnati Bearcats football.
Where do the Bengals play now?
At Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. It opened in 2000 as Paul Brown Stadium, seats 65,515 and also holds the team’s headquarters. A 2026 lease extension keeps the Bengals there through 2036.