CINCINNATI – The Bengals have confirmed their stay in Cincinnati.
On Friday, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a new lease agreement with the Bengals, which will extend until the year 2036. The approval of the contract was achieved by a majority vote, with a result of 2-1.
Previously, both parties had reached a preliminary agreement in June on the original contract for Paycor Stadium, which was expiring after next season.
The approval on Friday formalizes a joint agreement of $470 million between Hamilton County and the Bengals for stadium improvements.
The county will contribute $350 million, while the Bengals will contribute $120 million through the NFL’s G-5 loan program.
Initially, the parties had a deadline at the end of July, specifically Thursday, to finalize the agreement. At the Thursday meeting, Hamilton County approved a version of the contract that the Bengals had neither seen nor approved.
This prompted a special session of the county commissioners on Friday to ratify a version that the Bengals had signed.
More importantly, it solidifies the future of the Bengals in Cincinnati, our beloved home, for many years to come.
In a statement, Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn stated that the new agreement keeps the stadium on par with other NFL cities and preserves it as a focal point for Cincinnati’s riverfront.
“Today’s agreement represents a responsible approach to the future, while maintaining Paycor Stadium as a great venue that can provide our incredible fans with the great game day experience they deserve. We love Cincinnati and are proud to call this city our home,” added Blackburn.
