Going to the Taylor Swift concert? Here's everything to know about Paycor Stadium

Annasofia Scheve, Cincinnati Enquirer
Updated ·5 min read
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Editor's note: This story has been updated with more information about what can and cannot be brought inside Paycor Stadium, and with current parking options.

Baby, let the games begin: It's time to prepare for Taylor Swift's Cincinnati concerts.

The Eras Tour will make its way to Paycor Stadium Friday and Saturday. And while sports fans may know the venue all too well, Swifties are likely new to the Cincinnati Bengals' home stadium and what they're allowed (and not allowed) to bring inside it.

We want fans to enjoy themselves and show up absolutely fearless, so we put together everything to know about Paycor Stadium before Taylor's highly anticipated concerts.

Take a look below.

What is Paycor Stadium's bag policy?

One-gallon zip-close bags, clear bags no larger than 12x6x12-inches or small clutch purses no larger than 4.5x6.5-inches are allowed inside the stadium. Seat cushions without pockets are also permitted.

Although it might seem like the perfect accessory to complete your Swiftie outfit, fanny packs are not allowed, along with backpacks, camera bags and diaper bags.

Can you bring food and drinks inside Paycor Stadium?

Two 16-ounce unopened bottles of water are allowed. Other beverages and food are not allowed.

The full list of prohibited items can be found on bengals.com.

Does Paycor Stadium allow portable chargers?

Portable chargers are allowed at Paycor Stadium as long as they are smaller than the mobile device they are charging.

What is the Paycor Stadium seating chart?

Paycor Stadium has five entrances that allow easy access to seating sections.

  • Gate A is the closest entrance to sections 109, 209 and 309. It sits on the western side of the stadium at the intersection of W. Mehring Way and Central Avenue.

  • The Altafiber Northwest Gate opens to sections 119-122, and its entrance is located on the plaza level that hangs over the intersection of Central Avenue and W. Pete Rose Way.

  • The Betfred Northeast Gate is the closest entrance to section 130. The entrance is located on the plaza level overhang above the intersection of W. Pete Rose Way and Elm Street.

  • Gate D is the closest entrance to sections 140, 240 and 340. It's at the intersection of Elm Street and Freedom Way.

  • Gate E is located on the south side of the stadium closest to the river, and is the closest access point to sections 150, 249 and 347. Gate E can be found at the intersection of Elm Street and Mehring Way. All concertgoers with floor seats must enter Gate E.

Escalators are located at Gate E and the Altafiber Northwest Gate. You can view a map of the entire stadium at bengals.com.

Taylor Swift will perform at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium June 30 and July 1.
Taylor Swift will perform at Cincinnati's Paycor Stadium June 30 and July 1.

Will there be concessions at Paycor Stadium?

Concession stands will be open throughout Paycor Stadium. There will be no draft beer sales, as only packaged beverages will be available, according to Duane Haring, the director of stadium and event operations at Paycor Stadium.

Does Paycor Stadium take cash?

Paycor Stadium is cashless, meaning you can only use a debit card, a credit card or a form of mobile payment, such as Apple Pay, around the venue. The stadium offers cash-to-card kiosks on the north and south sides of the stadium near the Altafiber Northwest Gate and Gate E. The kiosks transfer cash onto a card that can be used to pay at any concession or retail locations. They can also be used outside the stadium once the event is over.

Does Paycor Stadium have a roof?

Paycor Stadium does not have a roof. It is considered an outdoor stadium, but some upper-level seats are covered by an overhang.

How many seats are in Paycor Stadium?

Paycor Stadium's capacity is 65,535.

Where is public parking near Paycor Stadium?

There are a variety of public parking lots near Paycor Stadium.

  • Lot A, near the north end of the stadium, can be accessed off W. Third Street.

  • Lots B and D can be accessed from W. Pete Rose Way, east of Central Avenue.

  • The entrance to Lot E is at the intersection of Mehring Way and Central Avenue.

  • The Central Riverfront Garage sits behind Smale Park.

  • The Broadway Lot across from Heritage Bank Center is located at 295 Broadway St. The East Garage on the eastern side of Heritage Bank Center is also available for parking.

For a full map of public parking surrounding Paycor Stadium, visit bengals.com.

What time will parking near Paycor Stadium open?

Public parking lots near Paycor Stadium will open throughout the day.

Open at 9:30 a.m. Friday:

  • Central Riverfront Garage (CRG).

  • East Garage.

  • Broadway Lot.

  • Lot E.

Open at 1 p.m. Friday:

  • Lot A.

  • Lot B.

  • Lot D.

Open at 2 p.m. Friday:

  • UE Garage for UE parking pass holders only.

Open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday:

  • CRG.

  • East Garage.

  • Broadway Lot.

  • Lot E.

Open at 1 p.m. Saturday:

  • Lots A, B and D will open for parking pass holders.

Where is the ADA drop-off and pick-up area at Paycor Stadium?

There is an ADA drop-off area on Central Ave between Mehring Way and Pete Rose Way. After the concert, ADA guests can be picked up on the corner of Race Street and Freedom Way.

Where is the rideshare drop-off and pick-up area at Paycor Stadium?

Those using rideshares to get to and from Paycor Stadium can be dropped off or picked up at Hilltop North, which is located west of the stadium on Mehring Way.

Where can I drop off family or friends at Paycor Stadium?

Parking in the CRG lots is encouraged for family and friends choosing to stay Downtown during the concert, where they can take advantage of Taylor-themed events happening at The Banks. Other pick-up and drop-off locations are at Second Street between Elm and Walnut streets or Mehring Way between W. Pete Rose Way and Central Avenue.

What time do gates open at Paycor Stadium for The Eras Tour?

VIP early entry will open at 3:30 p.m. at Gate E both nights, and all other gates will open at 4:30 p.m.

More Taylor Swift, Eras Tour coverage from The Cincinnati Enquirer

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Taylor Swift at Paycor Stadium: Bag policy, parking, seating and more