Bengals Back in Action: Your gameday guide

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CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Bengals return to action Thursday against the Detroit Lions.

Kickoff from Paycor Stadium is set for 7 p.m. Fans can watch the game live on FOX19 NOW.

The Bengals’ big four of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Dexter Lawrence will get some playing time, head coach Zac Taylor announced this week. It is unlikely Cincinnati’s starters play for an extended time, but a series or two is probable.

Gameday Traffic

There will be some roadways around Paycor Stadium closed before and after the game.

Pregame - These roads will close three to four hours before the game to handle pedestrian crowds and, unless listed on the postgame list, will be reopened when the game begins:

• Elm Street - closed between Second Street and Mehring Way
• Freedom Way- closed between Elm Street and Race Street
• Freedom Way - closed between Joe Nuxhall Way and Race Street (Bengals Tailgate Zone)
• Rosa Parks Street - restricted south of Second Street
• Marian Spencer Way - restricted to local traffic between Second Street and Freedom Way
• Joe Nuxhall Way - restricted between Second Street and Mehring Way

Postgame - Roads are closed after the game to protect pedestrian traffic and accommodate traffic leaving the parking lots. These roads will close around the third quarter and remain closed until traffic has cleared the area:

• Central Avenue- closed between W Pete Rose Way and Mehring Way (Closes at Kickoff)
• Central Avenue - southbound only closed between Seventh St and Mehring Way
• Elm Street - closed between Second Street and Mehring Way
• Elm Street - access restricted from Third Street
• Freedom Way - closed between Rosa Parks Street and Elm Street
• Joe Nuxhall Way – southbound closed between Second St and Mehring Way
• Mehring Way - closed to westbound through traffic at Johnny Bench Way
• Gest Street - southbound closed between Third Street and Mehring Way
• Third Street - eastbound closed between Clay Wade Bailey Bridge and Central Ave
• W. Pete Rose Way - eastbound closed between Gest St. and Central Avenue
• No left turn from Third Street or Sixth Street to southbound Central Avenue
• HANDICAPPED PICKUP/ DROPOFF WILL BE AT SECOND STREET at ELM STREET
• Mehring Way Parking Lot Reminder: Lots exiting onto Mehring Way east of Central Avenue will be directing eastbound only. Lots exiting onto Mehring Way west of Central Avenue will be directed westbound only.

Paycor Upgrades

A new Bengals season begins with new upgrades at Paycor Stadium.

From redesigned restrooms, upgraded suites and a transformed pro shop, crews spent the offseason overhauling parts of Paycor Stadium.

The Bengals said the improvements done in this first phase are the most extensive since the stadium opened in 2000.

Other renovations not pictured include:

• Upgraded Concessions: Concession areas on the canopy level were upgraded with a focus on speed of service and expanded food and beverage offerings. Grab-and-go “Go Route” locations and self-checkout kiosks provide a new layout with increased concourse space for fans.
• Modernized Scoreboard Control Room: The control room powering video and audio throughout the stadium was expanded to handle new technology and future growth. An IP-based 4K system was installed with additional cameras and replay feeds to increase the fan experience on gameday.
• Improved Wayfinding: Over 1,000 new, larger and more accessible signs were installed throughout the stadium to make it easier for fans to find seating sections, amenities, and other key locations.
• Core Infrastructure Improvements: Essential infrastructure work is ongoing, including concrete repairs, waterproofing, and passenger elevator modernization, to help ensure the stadium remains in top condition.

The Bengals will continue improvements in 2027. The next year will include adding escalators, replacing stadium seats, and a new, larger videoboard featuring enhanced technology.

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