A-to-Z Guide
Your resource for everything related to FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium. Contact the Guest Experience team at GuestExperience@tqlstadium.com if you need more assistance.
Your resource for everything related to FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium. Contact the Guest Experience team at GuestExperience@tqlstadium.com if you need more assistance.
Accessibility:
Administrative Offices:
Alcohol Policy: All alcohol sales within the seating bowl of TQL Stadium will end at the 75-minute mark for FC Cincinnati matches. FC Cincinnati staff members strongly encourage all guests to exercise responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages. Fans should be aware of the following policies during FC Cincinnati matches and all major events at TQL Stadium:
Animals: All properly identified guide, signal, and service animals are welcome within the gates of TQL Stadium. All other animals are prohibited inside the stadium. For information regarding service animals, please refer to the Service Animals section.
Approved Items: Each ticketed guest may bring one (1) sealed water bottle (up to 20 oz) into TQL Stadium.
Blankets are permitted and are subject to standard screening procedures. Bags containing blankets must adhere to the bag policy.
Fans may bring umbrellas into TQL Stadium, but they cannot be opened in the seating areas.
ATM: TQL Stadium is a cash-free stadium. Guests can visit our reverse ATMs located at the TQL Stadium Team Store, section 103, and section 125, where they can receive a universal debit card that can be used both inside and outside the stadium. Fans will not be charged any service fees, and the universal debit card can be used anywhere VISA cards are accepted. Please refer to the Cash Free section for more information on our cash-free policy.
Bag Policy: The clear bag policy affects the type and size of the bags permitted into the Stadium, not the items (keys, phones, wallets, etc.). Clear bags are available at the TQL Stadium Team Store.
Based on recommended public safety best practices, we strongly encourage fans not to bring any bags.
Bag Searches: All bags brought in TQL Stadium must be compliant with the clear bag policy. All guests will be subject to a search of their person and possessions prior to entering TQL Stadium. Guests should be prepared to open their clear bags to be inspected upon direction by security staff. Guests may be asked to move/remove items from their bags in order to complete a full inspection.
Balloons and Inflatables: Balloons and other inflatable objects are not permitted inside TQL Stadium unless provided by FC Cincinnati.
Banners, Flags, and Signs:
Bicycle Parking: There are several self-service bike rack locations in the immediate area surrounding TQL Stadium that guests arriving via bicycle are encouraged to take advantage of on event day. Bike racks for fan use are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will be located along the exterior of the building near entry gates.
Binoculars: Binoculars are allowed inside TQL Stadium; however, they must be brought into the stadium in compliance with the clear bag policy. They must not be in their own case that exceeds the permissible size for non-clear bags.
Birthday Treat: Fans celebrating a birthday are encouraged to purchase a Birthday Treat for the home match closest to their birthday. This can be purchased here. The Birthday Treat must be purchased one week prior to the intended match. The treat includes one (1) dessert, one (1) birthday hat, one (1) birthday card from Gary the Lion, one (1) scoreboard message, and a donation to the FCC Foundation. Limited quantity per match.
Blankets: Blankets are permitted at TQL Stadium. Blankets are subject to standard screening procedures. If there is a bag that holds the blanket, the bag must still meet the stadium bag policy.
Box Office: The TQL Stadium Box Offices are located directly outside Allegiant Gate on the south side of TQL Stadium, and on the Carl and Martha Lindner East Plaza outside the First Financial Gate on the east side of TQL Stadium. The box office opens four (4) hours prior to each event and remains open until the end of the event.
Camera Policy: Guests are welcome to bring any still cameras without a detachable lens into TQL Stadium to take pictures of the game or of the facility itself. Video cameras, tripods, monopods, cameras with a detachable lens, and selfie sticks are prohibited. All cameras are subject to search, and all camera cases are subject to the clear bag policy standards.
Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza: The Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza in front of the First Financial Gate is used on matchdays to host prematch and other fan activation zones. Stay updated on our website, app, and social media outlets for information about all the happenings on the Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza. The Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza opens two (2) hours before kickoff.
Cash Free: TQL Stadium is cash-free to reduce wait times and get guests back to their seats faster. Payments accepted at retail and concessions locations include all major credit cards, debit cards, FCC gift cards (retail only), and contactless payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
There are three cash-to-card reverse ATMs located throughout the stadium. Guests with cash who do not have a valid credit or debit card can insert their cash into the self-service ATM and will receive a prepaid card back for the same amount of money. No service fee is charged to the fan, and the cards can be used anywhere VISA cards are accepted.
Guests can load any amount of money from $1 up to $100 per card without a transaction fee. All cards can be used inside or outside the stadium, allowing guests to use them everywhere major cards are accepted.
Cash Policy: TQL Stadium is a cash-free stadium. Guests will have the option to visit our Reverse ATMs located at the TQL Stadium Team Store, section 103, and section 125 where you can receive a universal debit card that can be used both in and outside the stadium. Fans will not be charged any service fees, and the universal debit card can be used anywhere VISA cards are accepted.
Code of Conduct: Major League Soccer, FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable gameday experience for all fans visiting MLS stadiums and facilities. MLS and its clubs are also deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment. This Fan Code of Conduct addresses conduct that is inconsistent with these goals and detracts from the gameday experience.
Costumes: Costumes are permitted inside TQL Stadium, however, non-medical masks or facial coverings must be removed during the security screening process, on the concourse, and at all concession/retail locations. Non-medical masks or facial coverings may only be worn within the stadium bowl in the ticketed seating area as long as they do not create a distraction for other fans. Costumes with sharp edges or tips, including all metal or hard plastic costume accessories and props, are not allowed. Additionally, costumes are subject to further security screening. FCC reserves the right to ask anyone to remove their mask or costume due to stadium security measures.
Dress Code: To ensure the safety and security of all fans at TQL Stadium, FCC reserves the right to ask anyone scantily clad or with clothing deemed to be derogatory, profane or offensive to either remove the item or cover up prior to being permitted entry into or while inside the venue. Supporter sections do not allow yellow or opposing team colors. Those who refuse to abide by this policy will be denied entry or removed from TQL Stadium.
Drones: For the safety of all guests and staff, all drones and unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited in and around TQL Stadium at all times without prior written consent from FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium.
Ejection Policy: Guests that refuse to follow the direction of stadium staff, designated security or fail to comply with the Fan Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection without refund, revocation of season tickets and may be in violation of city ordinances, resulting in possible arrest and prosecution.
Elevators: Priority use of passenger elevators will be given to guests and staff with limited mobility. Stairs should be used to navigate the stadium whenever possible. Some elevators are used to move the media and team staff and will be periodically taken out of service for this purpose. To ensure safe and efficient operations of the elevators, we ask our guests to follow the directions of the elevator operators, the elevator lobby attendants, and other stadium staff at all times. For assistance with finding an elevator, please locate the closest Guest Experience team member.
Entrances: For the convenience of guests with disabilities, all gates are equipped with accessible lines to minimize wait time. If you have a medical condition/medical card that prevents you from passing through a magnetometer or being wanded, an alternative method of screening will be used. Unless otherwise stated, gates to TQL Stadium will open 90 minutes before FC Cincinnati home games.
There are a total of five (5) main points of guest entry into TQL Stadium. All entrances open 90 minutes before kickoff for FCC MLS matches.
Face Coverings: Wearing a face covering or mask that conceals identity for any reason other than health and safety reasons is prohibited unless it is part of a costume and is removed during the security screening process, on the concourse and at all concession/retail locations. Face coverings may only be worn within the stadium bowl in the ticketed seating area as long as they do not create a distraction for other fans.
Family Restrooms: Family restrooms are intended for fans with small children and fans with disabilities. There are four (4) ADA-accessible family restrooms located on the concourse level throughout the stadium. These can be found outside sections 106, 133, and E6/220. For other restroom locations, please refer to the Restrooms section.
Fan Mail: All fan mail should be sent to TQL Stadium at 1501 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214.
Field Tresspassing: Fans are reminded that attempting to enter or access the playing field without the proper credentials will be considered trespassing and is grounds for immediate ejection and/or arrest.
First Aid: The Mercy Health First Aid station is located on the concourse level behind section 133 and will be staffed with certified emergency medical personnel at all times during an event. Additionally, first aid teams can be found throughout the concourse and can be contacted by the Guest Experience Center behind section E6/220. In the case of an emergency, please find your nearest Guest Experience or Security team member for assistance.
Game Cancellation Policy: As per our ticket policy, management shall not issue a refund provided you are given the right, within twelve months of the event, to attend a rescheduled event or to exchange this ticket for a ticket comparable in price and location to another similar event as designated by management.
Lost and Found: Lost and found items should be turned into Guest Experience during events or at their conclusion. If you lose an item during an event, please visit the Guest Experience Center on the concourse level behind section E6/220 for assistance. Guests inquiring about lost items at previous events can submit an inquiry through our Lost and Found portal or contact the Lost and Found hotline at 513-991-1822. After 60 days, any unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations.
Lost Children and Fans: For a lost or missing person, please notify the nearest event staff, safety personnel, or law enforcement official for assistance. Children and/or guests who are separated from their family or friends and need assistance will be escorted by a stadium staff member to the Guest Experience Center. For safety reasons, TQL Stadium is unable to make stadium-wide announcements for lost children or fans. We highly encourage guests with children to visit the Guest Experience Center to request a wristband including name, seat location, and phone number so that children and guardians who have been separated may be quickly reunited.
Merchandise: Official FC Cincinnati merchandise is available at the OTR Team Store, online at FCCGo.com, and in-stadium on home matchdays when gates open.
Metal Detection: All guests entering TQL Stadium will have their clear bags searched and will be escorted through a magnetometer or screened using handheld metal detectors. Those with medical conditions that keep them from going through magnetometers will be provided with an alternative screening process.
Mobile Ticketing: Mobile ticketing is the safest, most convenient, and flexible way to receive and manage tickets while increasing protection against fraud. All FC Cincinnati matches held at TQL Stadium are mobile ticketed entry only. Tickets can be viewed on smartphones using the FC Cincinnati App. We recommend saving tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Pay before matchday for the easiest entry process. Screenshots or recordings of tickets are not valid for entry. If you arrive with friends or family, please transfer tickets beforehand.
Mobility Devices: Manually operated mobility aids (such as canes and walkers) and wheelchairs – both manually operated and electric – are permitted in all areas of the stadium. Due to space restrictions on the concourse and for the safety of all guests at TQL Stadium, segways, mobility devices, tri-bikes, and golf carts are not permitted inside the stadium. For more information regarding our wheelchair policies, please refer to the Wheelchairs section.
NFC Ticketing: In addition to mobile ticketing, FC Cincinnati and SeatGeek will be utilizing NFC Ticketing at all stadium gates and entrances. Fans can add their ticket to Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch and simply tap their device at the reader at the gate to enter the stadium. Learn more with our Mobile Ticketing Information.
Noisemaking Devices: Musical instruments or any types of noisemaking devices used in the Supporters Sections must be pre-approved by FC Cincinnati or are otherwise not permitted by TQL Stadium. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as whistles, musical instruments, vuvuzelas, air horns, speakers, megaphones, and other electronic sound devices. Once approved, noisemaking devices may only be used in The Bailey (Sections 106-110). Noisemakers that are not pre-approved and/or are used outside of the designated areas will be confiscated. All megaphones being used must always be pointed away from the field of play. Noisemakers such as air horns, drums, cowbells, horns, vuvuzelas, and whistles are prohibited. For information regarding official supporter privileges, please refer to the Supporter Groups information.
Nursing: Nursing guests requesting a more private location in which to breastfeed, pump, or spend some quiet time may use the Nursing Room located inside the Guest Experience Center on the Concourse Level behind Section E6/220. This suite provides privacy, cleanliness, and all necessities including bottle warmers for nursing mothers. Pampers Nursing Pods can be found throughout the Concourse Level, specifically near Sections 133 and 103, as well as just outside the Guest Experience Center. An ADA-accessible Nursing Pod is available in the First Financial Club.
Parking: Fans with season-long parking passes can enter their assigned garage three (3) hours before kickoff. Matchday parking is available for fans without parking passes at the garages listed below. Special event rates may apply. Additional parking garages and surface lots are available in the areas surrounding the stadium. 3CDC and SP+ operate parking locations throughout Downtown, the West End, and Over-the-Rhine.
Prematch at the Park: From 3.5 hours before kickoff until 1 hour before kickoff, the prematch party at Washington Park (1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202) offers children's inflatables, airbrush, balloon art, lawn games, giveaways, live music, and food trucks. The march to the match comes through this event around an hour before kickoff.
Private Events: TQL Stadium is the perfect spot to host your next event! With over nine (9) unique spaces that can accommodate seated dinners, cocktail receptions, board meetings, and more, TQL Stadium is the place to be. To learn more about private events at TQL Stadium, email Private Event Sales at PrivateEvents@FCCincinnati.com.
Prohibited Items: Prohibited items must be returned to vehicles or disposed of before entering the stadium. There are no provisions to check items at the gates, and items abandoned outside the gates will be confiscated.
Re-Entry Policy: TQL Stadium has a no re-entry policy during events.
Resale of Tickets/Scalping: TQL Stadium guests who purchase tickets from someone other than FC Cincinnati or SeatGeek do so at their own risk and with the understanding that the tickets purchased from a secondary ticket provider could be counterfeit. FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium are not responsible for and will not provide a replacement or refund of any kind for invalid tickets purchased through a secondary ticket provider. Please report any potential illegal scalping activity to the nearest security representative or Cincinnati Police Officer.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are located along the main concourse of TQL Stadium and are all ADA accessible. ADA-accessible family restrooms are behind sections E6/220, 106, and 133.
Scoreboard Messages: Fans can purchase a scoreboard message to have a welcome, birthday, wedding, or anniversary message shown on the videoboard at TQL Stadium during home matches. The scoreboard message must be purchased three (3) days before the match you wish to display. Advertisements of any kind will not be accepted.
Sensory Bags: Sensory bags are available for guests to use during each event. Each bag contains a pair of noise canceling headphones, as well as other sensory resources. These bags are located in the Guest Experience Center on the concourse behind section E6/220. Guests may check out these bags by providing a credit card or Photo ID. Any questions regarding sensory bags should be directed to the Guest Experience Center.
Sensory Room: Any guest who needs a therapeutic, quiet space during events is welcome to use the P&G Sensory Room, located in the back of the Guest Experience Center on the concourse behind section E6/220. This room features a variety of equipment that guests can use to regulate their brain’s negative reactions to external stimuli.
Service Animals: All properly identified guide, signal, and service animals are welcome within the gates of TQL Stadium. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times, unless special circumstances exist, and are required to rest in the seating area of the guest with the disability, rather than the aisle. All other animals, including “emotional support animals,” are prohibited from the interior of the stadium at all times. All service animals needing to relieve themselves should be directed to the Allegiant Gate located on the south side of the stadium.
Smoking/Vaping Policy: Tobacco use of any kind is not permitted within the perimeter of TQL Stadium at any time before, during, or after the game. In addition to tobacco products, the use of e-cigarettes and vaporizers on the premises is prohibited.
Sticks and Flag Poles: All flag poles or banners on poles must be constructed of hollow PVS pipe poles. All poles are not to be used as projectiles or in any sort of fashion that may endanger fans, players, or staff.
Strollers: TQL Stadium welcomes fans with strollers. However, strollers are prohibited from all stadium seating sections and concourse areas. All strollers must be checked in at the Guest Experience Center on the concourse behind section E6/220. Premium ticketholders with strollers must check them in at the premium entry desk.
Supporter Groups: There are several supporter groups who attend FC Cincinnati matches and take advantage of the safe-standing sections on the north end of TQL Stadium known as The Bailey. Some of these supporter groups have special privileges that allow them to bring in noisemakers, flags, and banners. All the previously listed items must be pre-approved and may not leave sections 106-110. All pre-approved prohibited items must be brought in through the First Financial Gate.
Tailgating: Tailgating at TQL Stadium is prohibited.
Ticket Sales:
Tickets: For any mobile ticket or parking issues, contact SeatGeek at 1-888-601-4802 or fccincinnati@seatgeek.com.
Umbrellas: For FC Cincinnati matches, fans may bring umbrellas into TQL Stadium, but they cannot be opened in the seating areas.
Visiting Supporters: Visiting Team supporter groups are encouraged to shout, cheer, and show their team pride while maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for fans. They may be granted the same privileges and are subject to the same disciplinary actions as the home supporters. All banners, flags, instruments, and other prohibited items must be pre-approved by FC Cincinnati and TQL Stadium event operations staff. Tickets for the visiting supporters will be allocated in section 225 at TQL Stadium.
Washington Park: Washington Park is the location of FC Cincinnati's prematch party. From 3.5 hours before kickoff until 1 hour before kickoff, the prematch party at Washington Park (1230 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202) offers children's inflatables, airbrush, balloon art, lawn games, giveaways, live music, and food trucks. The march to the match comes through this event around an hour before kickoff.
Water Bottles: Fans are permitted to bring in one (1) 20-oz. factory-sealed water bottle. Water fountains are available throughout the stadium for fans to refill their bottles.
Weather: Matches are played rain or shine. The match may be delayed in the event of lightning or other dangerous weather-related situations in the area. Guests will be notified in the event of a disruption.
Wheelchairs: Guests needing wheelchair accommodations are encouraged to bring their own mobility devices to TQL Stadium. If assistance is needed, guests should notify the closest Guest Experience representative located at any entrance or visit the Guest Experience Center located behind section E6/220 upon their arrival and request the use of a wheelchair. Wheelchairs belonging to TQL Stadium are operated by Guest Experience staff and are available for transit between gates and seating locations. Wheelchair transport service to and from entrances to a guest’s seat is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and demand may cause an increase in wait time for an accommodation. We are unable to allow guests to keep wheelchairs throughout the events. Wheelchairs are also available in the Guest Experience Center located in the Cintas VIP Lobby for all guests in our club spaces and suites. Any further questions regarding wheelchairs should be directed to the Guest Experience Center.