FC CINCINNATI (8-8-10, 34 points) vs. COLUMBUS CREW (8-6-11, 35 points)
HELL IS REAL PRESENTED BY HEINEKEN
FC Cincinnati host the Columbus Crew for the 10th MLS edition of the Hell is Real derby. Never has a Hell is Real matchup had larger playoff implications than Saturday night, with the Ohio rivals separated by one point in the congested Eastern Conference standings with less than 10 games to go.
A limited number of tickets remain for Saturday’s game. Visit the ticket page at fccincinnati.com/tickets, or call 513-977-KICK, to learn more.
There are plenty of fan experiences going on to get fans fired up for Hell is Real. From pre-game activations, special food and beverage options, giveaways and more, take a look below at what is going on Saturday night at TQL Stadium:
PRE-GAME ACTIVATIONS
Washington Park will be filled with free fan experiences beginning at 4:30 p.m. including:
- Live music from Jet Pack Academy
- Axe Throwing
- Fire Eaters/Performers
- Tasting from Cincinnati-based hot sauce Dude, Seriously
FC Cincinnati fans will battle Columbus Crew fans in a spicy wing eating contest presented by Wings and Rings. The contest begins on the Washington Park stage at 6 p.m. Freddy Mac from Q102 will host and MC the contest.
There will be a number of kid-friendly activities throughout the park including:
- Face Paint / Balloon Art
- FIFA video game station
- Inflatables
- Soccer activations
Sponsorship activations from UDF, Continental Tire and CTI will also be on-location in addition to Toyota vehicles on-site.
Fans can join the Supporters March to the stadium, departing Washington Park at approximately 6:20 p.m.
PARKING
Complete parking information is available HERE
AS YOU ENTER
There are also a number of exciting experiences planned inside the stadium for the derby. The first 5,000 fans in the stadium will receive a Hell is Real commemorative ticket.
Fans can expect to see a decorated TQL Stadium as they enter, including the grand staircase wrapped leading to the First Financial Gate. At the top of the steps there will be a Wheat Paste backdrop for fans to take pictures. On the Carl and Martha Linder Plaza, musician Jack McGrail will be performing.
Every fan in attendance will receive an orange pom pom in their seat to help create a “ring of fire” inside TQL Stadium. Fans can also expect to see plenty of fire effects blazing on the field as kickoff approaches.
Cincinnati-based funk musician Freekbass will perform a special intro as FC Cincinnati players take the field and will perform an instrumental version of the National Anthem on guitar.
Fans should also keep an eye on The Bailey at kickoff for a special tifo for Hell is Real.
The game ball delivery will be led by a representative of presenting sponsor Heineken. Courtesy of Heineken, there will also be bottle opener giveaways at sampling stations and in suites.
HAPPY HOUR & FIERY FOOD
Happy hour pricing will be available at the Heineken Bar behind the Bailey. Fans can purchase $8 beers from 6:00 pm until kickoff.
A number of special food and beverage items will also be available for purchase in throughout the stadium including:
- Bailey Dogs – Bahama Mama with Flaming Hot Cheetos
- Rhine Roost – Hot Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich
- Hops is Real (Rhinegeist) and Helles Real (Grainworks)
- Wings N’ Rings – Atomic Ghost Pepper Ranch Boneless Wings
- Medpace Tunnel Club – Habanero Blood Orange Margarita, Hell is Real Burger – All-Beef Patty topped with a Ghost Pepper Jam, Smoked Pimento Cheese Spread on a Charcoal Black Bun with a Habanero Hot Sauce Pipette Garnish
- CTI Cincinnatus Club – Hell is Real Burger
For all TQL Stadium concessions listings by location, visit fccincinnati.com/matchday/concessions-guide.
THE HELL IS REAL SCARF
Fans should be sure to purchase the limited-edition Hell is Real scarf available in the TQL Stadium Team Store and throughout the stadium on Saturday. Beginning Thursday, a limited quantity will be available in-store and at forcincyforclub.com.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For an A-to-Z stadium guide, parking information, a stadium map, bag policy, streaming information and more, visit fccincinnati.com/matchday.
HEAD TO A PUB PARTNER
Can’t make it to the game and looking for a place to watch the Orange and Blue? Head to one of the club’s official Pub Partners presented by Coors Light which broadcast all home and away games and feature opportunities for fans to win prizes all season long.
HOW TO WATCH
Tom Gelehrter, Kevin McCloskey and Alex Stec will be on the call on for the 10th MLS Hell is Real derby. The game will be televised on WSTR 64, streamed regionally on fccincinnati.com/stream, out of market on ESPN+, on radio on FOX Sports 1360 while an audio stream will be available via the iHeartRadio app.
Be sure to follow @FCCincinnati on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for live updates from the game.
