FC Cincinnati host Columbus Crew on Sunday, October 18 at TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET for Hell is Real presented by TourismOhio.
Tickets remain at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or call 513-977-KICK to learn more. Take a look at the Matchday Guide presented by altafiber for what to know ahead of Sunday night’s match at TQL Stadium.
🚪 GATES OPEN
With kickoff set for 5 p.m., gates to TQL Stadium open at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
🎁 GATE GIVEAWAY
The first 22,000 fans will receive an exclusive Flame Foam Finger upon entering TQL Stadium. Flame Foam Fingers are limited to one per person, while supplies last.
🎉 Hell is Real
Bring the heat as we face our fiercest rival, Columbus Crew. Named after the iconic "Hell is Real" billboard on the route between our two cities, The Hell is Real Derby is ingrained with intensity and tradition.
For more information, visit the theme night page here: FCCincinnati.com/schedule/theme-nights/
🚧 MATCHDAY INFORMATION & ROAD CLOSURES
With preparations underway for construction for the highly anticipated mixed-use district north of TQL Stadium, fans should be aware of road closures for both vehicular and pedestrian access. With Wade Street being closed, fans accessing the Workhorse Gate will be directed down Liberty Street to Central Avenue.
‼️ Construction on the Brent Spence Bridge is underway and there are significant traffic implications for routes to/from TQL stadium. Through May 2029, the ramp to Winchell Avenue from I-75 North, 9th Street and 6th Street will be closed. There will be no signed detour for Winchell Avenue. Motorists from 9th Street to I-75 North will be detoured via 8th Street and Freeman Avenue to I-75. Access from 6th Street to Winchell will be closed with a right-lane closure on the ramp. For more information, please visit https://brentspencebridgecorridor.com/construction-updates/traffic-advisories/.
For an A-to-Z stadium guide, parking information, a stadium map, road closures, bag policy, concessions information and more, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday.
Visit here for an interactive map of TQL Stadium.
🌳 PREMATCH AT THE PARK
Join us before the match from 2–4:30 p.m. at Washington Park and stick around for the March in the Park at 4:30 p.m. as The Bailey head to TQL Stadium!
The prematch party gets started with plenty of free, family-friendly fan experiences as well as food trucks, drinks, and activities.
- Live music from Jet Pack Academy
- Food from Sea Cuisine, MamaBear Mac, and Sweet Jazz Treats
- Visit local organizations including Miles of Chnage Foundation and Cincinnati Fire Museum
- FC Cincinnati merchandise
- FC Cincinnati inflatables
- Games and activities including an axe-throwing station, a photo station, and a coloring table.
- Airbrush and balloon art
- Visit with our sponsors, including Chick-fil-A, Duke Energy, Ohio 529 College Advantage, UC Online, UDF, Tri State Chevy, Toyota, Veterans Service
Around 4:30 p.m., fans can join the high-energy march into the stadium as it arrives from Washington Park with smoke, drums, and chants.
🎊 INSIDE & OUTSIDE TQL STADIUM
Outside TQL Stadium, the Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza off Central Parkway provides continued entertainment leading up to kickoff.
Inside TQL Stadium, fans will want to be in their seats early for special prematch presentations throughout the stadium and on the field prior to kickoff.
The Bailey is general admission, safe standing only. Singing, drums, flags, and smoke are expected during the match. No opposing team fans or colors allowed.
Read below for more information regarding parking options, the stadium’s updated clear bag policy, NFC Ticketing and Wi-Fi:
- Parking Options – Plan ahead for matchday with our Parking Information.
- Bag Policy – TQL Stadium has updated its Clear Bag Policy. Learn more about our TQL Stadium Bag Policy.
- NFC Ticketing – In addition to mobile ticketing, FC Cincinnati and SeatGeek utilize NFC Ticketing (Near Field Communication) 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.
- In-Stadium Wi-Fi – Fans will be able to connect to the free in-stadium Wi-Fi courtesy of the club’s official IT partner and service provider, Atomic Data.
👕 FC CINCINNATI MERCHANDISE
Fans can visit the TQL Stadium Team Store when gates open at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The FC Cincinnati Team Store at 1433 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine will also operate on normal hours Sunday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Fans can purchase all their favorite FC Cincinnati merchandise including the new Seven Hills Kit at either team store or at various other FCC Merchandise stands.
Fans can also purchase merchandise items online at FCCGo.com and can pick up in-store.
🍕 TQL STADIUM FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MORE
Turn up the Heat with these Concession Offers
- 7 Hills Grill + Rhine Roost - Charred Habenero Ranch
- Bibigo - Bulgogi Fries
- Skyline - Extreme
For a full list of concessions on matchdays at TQL Stadium, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday/Concessions-Guide.
New in 2026 include the bibigo Korean Fried Chicken Wings, Buffalo Chicken Nachos, Pulled Pork Poppers and Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap among a dozen other dishes.
The complete list of new stadium food and beverage offerings for the 2026 season, and new merchandise options, can be found HERE.
