Paycor Stadium Reveals First Phase Renovations

Cincinnati Bengals fans will discover an updated Paycor Stadium when they return this season as the first phase of a multi-year, $830-million renovation project nears completion.

The improvements are the most wide-ranging since the 66,000-cap stadium opened in 2000.

First phase improvements span fan-facing areas including restrooms, concessions, club lounges, suites, a redesigned Bengals Pro Shop, modernized scoreboard control room, improved wayfinding and core infrastructure improvements. Warm Construction, an Official Builder of the Cincinnati Bengals, executed many of the renovation projects.

The multi-year project followed a new 11-year lease agreement that was approved last year between Hamilton County and the Bengals. with the county agreeing to pay $350 million and the Bengals covering the remaining $120 million. Both parties are actively seeking additional state funding.

According to the Bengals, “The multi-year renovation project reflects the shared commitment of Hamilton County, the Bengals and the stadium management team to responsibly invest in Paycor Stadium, ensuring it remains a premier NFL venue while supporting economic activity along Cincinnati’s riverfront.”

The investment is intended to also strengthen The Banks – the city’s waterfront residential and entertainment district – which generates more than $2.5 billion in annual economic impact, including more than $1 billion annually driven by the Bengals.

With new NFL stadium construction topping $2 billion, stakeholders chose to renovate in the off-season, which was far less expensive and didn’t displace the team.

The renovations began Jan. 5, 2026. All restrooms were renovated with updated lighting, flooring, walls and ceilings to provide a brighter, more contemporary look. Nursing rooms were renovated to accommodate mothers and young children.

Concession areas on the canopy level were upgraded with a focus on speed of service and expanded food and beverage offerings with grab-and-go locations and self-checkout kiosks.

Club lounges were renovated and expanded with more interior and exterior seating, new bars, enhanced food and beverage offerings and more points of sale to increase speed of service. The spaces were redesigned to offer a more open layout for fans to enjoy natural light and views. New and additional escalators and stairs were added to both club and suite entrances to help fans enter and exit the stadium.

Every existing suite was redesigned with expanded lounge areas, updated restrooms, new furniture, countertops and an enhanced food and beverage including full-size refrigerators.

The Bengals Pro Shop was reconfigured to improve traffic flow and increase merchandise selection. The renovation includes new flooring, updated interior finishes, expanded women’s and children’s sections and more self-checkout kiosks.

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 extra cameras and replay feeds.

More than 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. Infrastructure work is ongoing, including concrete repairs, waterproofing and passenger elevator modernization.

Renovations will continue in 2027 with large-scale projects that include adding escalators, replacing stadium seats and a new, larger videoboard featuring enhanced technology. The next phase of the makeover is expected to be complete before the start of the 2027 season.