TQL Stadium

Home of the
FC Cincinnati
Conf:
Eastern
Opened:
2021
Capacity:
26,000
Supporters Section:
106-110
Visitors Section:
Top of 225
Capacity:
2021
Opened:
26,000
Division:
Eastern
Capacity:
26,000
Opened:
2021
Home Dugout:
Visitor Dugout:
Back to top icon

Getting There

nearest airport

CVG

-

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

16

Miles away

28

Minutes away

CVG is about 16 miles south of TQL Stadium in the West End neighborhood. A rideshare from the terminal runs $25–40. There's no direct transit connection from the airport — rideshare or driving are the practical options for visitors flying in.

Driving & parking

Driving Tips
Take I-75 north to the Western Ave exit heading east, or I-71 south to the Reading Rd exit. The West End neighborhood grid can get congested on sellout nights — arriving 60+ minutes early helps. Parking in Over-the-Rhine and walking down is a popular local strategy.
Parking Cost Estimate:
$15–$30 (West End and OTR lots)

TQL Stadium has limited on-site parking. Several lots and garages in the surrounding West End and Over-the-Rhine neighborhoods are within a 10–15 minute walk. Pre-booking via SpotHero is strongly recommended for sold-out matches. The OTR and downtown hotel areas have more options, with a manageable walk or rideshare to the stadium.

Tailgating
$15–$30 (West End and OTR lots)

FC Cincinnati's supporters (The Bailey) create a passionate pre-match atmosphere. The bars and restaurants in Over-the-Rhine — one of Cincinnati's most vibrant neighborhoods — are the primary gathering spots. Check FCC supporter social channels before matches for organized pre-game events.

Parking Info

public transit

Closest Transit Stop/Station:
Central Pkwy / West End stops
Transit Lines Served:
SORTA/Metro Bus

Several SORTA/Metro bus routes serve the West End and OTR area, with stops within walking distance of TQL Stadium. Bus is the primary non-car option — check go-metro.com for current routes and any game-day service additions.

Transit Info

walk & bike

Walkability Score:
Walkable with a plan
Best Neighborhood to Walk From:
Over-the-Rhine / West End

TQL Stadium sits at the edge of the West End, with Over-the-Rhine a short walk to the east. OTR is one of Cincinnati's most walkable and lively neighborhoods — if you're dining or drinking there before the match, the walk to the stadium is easy and enjoyable.

Bike Parking:

Bike parking is available near TQL Stadium. Cincinnati's growing bike network and the proximity to OTR and downtown make cycling a viable option for fans coming from nearby neighborhoods.

rideshare

Rideshare drop-off is along Central Pkwy near the main entrance. Post-match, the West End streets can get congested — walking toward OTR's main strip on Vine St before requesting pickup helps avoid the worst of the post-match surge.

accessibility

Accessible parking is available in designated ADA spaces in nearby lots. The accessible drop-off zone is on Central Pkwy near the main entrance. For accessibility accommodations, contact FC Cincinnati at fccincinnati.com.

At the Game

TQL Stadium opened in 2021 as one of the first soccer-specific stadiums built in the urban core of an American city in years. FC Cincinnati's venue holds 26,000 fans in the West End neighborhood and was designed explicitly to create atmosphere — a steep lower bowl, a full roof structure to trap crowd noise, and a standing section behind the north goal that the club's supporter groups have made one of the loudest in MLS.

The West End is a historic neighborhood directly northwest of downtown Cincinnati, and the stadium's arrival has brought significant attention to an area that was long overlooked. The walk from downtown is manageable, and ride-share drop-off is straightforward. The supporter culture at TQL is among the best in the league — arriving early to watch the pregame tifo and supporter section buildup is worth it even if you're not a diehard.

The area surrounding
TQL Stadium
stadium
Get your
FC Cincinnati
Tickets on StubHub

Entry Policy

Outside liquids icon

Drinks

1 sealed water bottle no larger than 20oz is allowed into the stadium.

Outside food icon

Food

Outside food is not permitted.

Bags/backpacks icon

Bag

The stadium is a clear bag only venue. Guests are encouraged to limit the number of items they bring with them to the stadium. 

One of the below bags per person will be permitted inside TQL Stadium:

  • Bags that are clear plastic or clear vinyl and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag
  • Purses, bags, or clutches no larger than 6”x9”

Prohibited bags include but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage of any kind, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items that do not fit into a clear bag.

View all ballpark information

SEATING

Best Seats

Lower bowl midfield sections on either side of the halfway line.

TQL Stadium opened in 2021 and is widely considered one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in MLS. The lower bowl is steep, compact, and close to the touchline — midfield sections feel genuinely close to the action. The stadium’s design creates an intense atmosphere even in the lower bowl, and it’s one of the loudest venues in the league.

Good Value

Upper midfield sections, which provide an excellent elevated view of the full pitch.

TQL Stadium’s steep upper bowl means even the upper midfield sections feel close to the pitch and deliver a strong view of the full playing surface. The steep angle actually works in the upper bowl’s favor for soccer — you’re looking down at the game rather than across it. A strong value choice at a stadium where the upper deck is notably better than at most MLS venues.

Avoid These

Corner sections — the only real weak spots in an otherwise excellent stadium.

TQL Stadium is one of the best-designed soccer venues in North America, which means genuinely bad seats are rare. Corner sections are the main area to avoid — the angle to both goals is limited and the central action is harder to follow. The supporter section at the north end (The Bailey) is one of MLS’s great atmospheres, but it’s standing and loud — know what you’re getting into.

Sun

The east side of the stadium faces west and gets more direct afternoon sun — the west side shades earlier from the upper deck overhang.

TQL Stadium is oriented with the main stand on the west side. The east side gets more direct afternoon sun for late-afternoon and evening kickoffs. The west stand benefits from upper deck shade earlier. Cincinnati summer heat and humidity make the shaded west side a meaningful comfort advantage for afternoon games in July and August.

Weather

Cincinnati summers are hot and humid — outdoor evening games are the better choice over afternoon kickoffs in July and August.

TQL Stadium is open-air in downtown Cincinnati. Summer games are hot and humid, and the Ohio River location adds to the humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur in summer. The stadium has some overhang coverage in the upper sections, but most seats are exposed. Spring and fall games in Cincinnati are excellent soccer conditions.

Special Features

TQL Stadium's Acoustic Bowl

TQL Stadium, which opened in 2021, was purpose-built for soccer and is widely considered one of the best MLS-specific venues in the league. The north end standing section is extremely loud due to the stadium's bowl design and metal roof that traps sound — it's one of the loudest stadiums in MLS on a full night.

Supporters

fccincinnati.com
Tailgate

You can't tailgate at TQL Stadium, but you can hang out at Washington Park and join the Pre-Match at the Park with FC Cincinnati. There's lots to do, like an inflatable slide, Snookerball, coloring stations, face painting, balloon art, and cool giveaways! You can also grab some food from the food trucks on Elm Street or relax with a beer, wine, or seltzer on the porch. It's all free and open to everyone. Washington Park opens 3.5 hours before kick-off and lasts for 2.5 hours. And don't miss joining the March at Washington Park too!

March to the Match

Info taken from the Incline Collective website

The March is born as SG members depart home bars prior to first kick (times vary) and merge together in celebration as we travel to Washington Park for Corteo. The March then continues on to TQL Stadium, where it culminates right before we enter for the match. All are welcome to join the March and be a part of a Cincinnati tradition!

No items found.
Chants/Songs

A selection of songs and chants can be found on the Incline Collective website.

Team Gear

Get your
FC Cincinnati
gear on Fanatics

IN THE STANDS APPAREL

In the Stands offers apparel for fans who enjoy visiting ballparks and stadiums. While we all have our favorite teams, there are times when they aren't the ones playing. Our goal is to create a sense of community and camaraderie whenever you see someone wearing In the Stands apparel.

View all products

Nearby Lodging

Please let us know if you have any suggestions for lodging in the area.

Nearby Bars & Restaurants

Share On: