The Pitch Cincy to Host Bearcats and Redhawks Fans for Historic Battle for the Victory Bell Tailgate at TQL Stadium​

Free, family-friendly pregame gathering, presented in partnership with The Den Tailgate, marks the first-ever college football game at FC Cincinnati's home — and possibly the final chapter of one of college football's oldest rivalries

 

CINCINNATI, OH — The Pitch Cincy will welcome fans from both sides of the Battle for the Victory Bell rivalry for a free pregame tailgate outside the venue ahead of the UC-Miami matchup at TQL Stadium, presented in partnership with The Den Tailgate, Cincinnati's largest independent UC Bearcats tailgate community. The event welcomes Bearcats and Redhawks fans of all ages to gather together before kickoff at a game that carries extra weight: it's the first college football contest ever played at TQL Stadium, and it may be the last time these two programs meet in this storied series. With live music, games, a golf simulator, and a mobile outdoor bar, The Pitch and The Den are turning the block outside the venue into a true home for both fan bases before the ball is even snapped.

 

A Rivalry Steps Into a New Home

For generations, the Battle for the Victory Bell has been one of college football's proudest traditions, pitting UC and Miami University against each other in a series defined by pride, history, and a shared corner of Ohio football. This year, the rivalry starts a new chapter at TQL Stadium — the soccer-specific home of FC Cincinnati — marking the first time a college football game has ever been played there. With reports suggesting this could be the rivalry's final installment, The Pitch Cincy and The Den wanted to make sure fans from both schools had a place to come together, celebrate the history, and send off the Bell in style.

 

To make room for the crowd, The Pitch Cincy is closing a portion of 15th Street directly outside the venue, expanding the footprint so fans have space to gather, play, and enjoy the pregame atmosphere. DJ Mike Wazowske will keep the energy going with a live music set throughout the afternoon, while a golf simulator, lawn games, and a mobile outdoor bar give fans plenty to do before heading into TQL Stadium.

 

“There’s nothing better than some morning tailgating before a football game! Burgers, hot dogs, cold beers, and games all setup on 15th Street, with a 1 minute walk to TQL Stadium! - Keyur Joshi from The Pitch

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Event:  "Battle for the Victory Bell" Pregame Tailgate

Host: The Pitch Cincy

Partner: The Den Tailgate

Venue: The Pitch Cincy (15th Street closure adjacent to venue)

Who: UC Bearcats and Miami Redhawks fans — all ages welcome

Admission: Free

Entertainment: Live music by DJ Mike Wazowske, lawn games, golf simulator, mobile outdoor bar

Significance: First college football game at TQL Stadium; potentially the final Battle for the Victory Bell

More Info: www.thepitchcincy.com

 

About The Pitch CincyLocated directly across from TQL Stadium in Cincinnati's West End, The Pitch is a soccer-themed sports bar known for its 50 TVs and video wall. The venue offers a stadium-view rooftop, an outdoor patio, and rotating food trucks, giving fans a home base for game days and good times all year round. Find The Pitch at 1430 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

 

About The Den: The Den is Cincinnati's largest independent UC Bearcats tailgate community, bringing fans together to gather and celebrate gameday for over a decade. Built by fans, for fans, The Den exists to give the Bearcats faithful — and anyone who wants to come along for the ride — a home base before every kickoff.

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