College Football Tour Visits Cincinnati and Nippert Stadium
Editor's Note:
Andrew Bauhs of College Football Tour is a college football superfan. He is on a journey to attend a game at all 134 FBS stadiums. His desire is to have a very immersive experience so he can tell the stories of the traditions, rivalries, mascots, bands, and fans that make each venue unique.
This week, before the 2023 football season begins, Andrew is sharing his story of his visit to TCU in 2021. And in an effort to get to know two of our new conference brethren, he will also share his stories from Cincinnati and UCF. What follows is his experience at Nippert Stadium.
Next week, he begins his 2023 tour, which will add eight new stadiums to his list, taking him to 108 of 134 by season's end. He will also revisit a number of other stadiums during the season. Each week, as he travels to these destinations, he will share those adventures here at KillerFrogs.com through descriptions of the gameday experience complemented by photos and videos. The stadium reviews will provide insight into what makes gameday special at each location.
For more information on College Football Tour and to see his complete 2023 schedule, click here.
College Football Tour Visits Cincinnati
Nippert Stadium possesses a charm that few stadiums can match. Built in 1915, it has maintained an old-world appeal with its classic early-century brickwork and wrought-iron entryways. Sandwiched amongst a variety of campus buildings, Nippert Stadium offers some of the most unique surroundings in college football. This venue proves, however, that charm can be intertwined with modern architecture. An 86-million-dollar project completed in 2015 includes an impressive four-story pavilion including press and luxury box seating.
College Football Tour Visits Cincinnati
A full walk around the stadium’s concourse will lead past the original entryways on one end to the other end featuring a connecting skywalk, high-tech scoreboard, and indoor concession seating. The facelifts do not strip the charm from college football’s third-oldest active stadium, and the fans consistently prove that the energy level is not in need of renovation.
This arena’s physical structure is not the only major change since my last visit to Nippert Stadium in 1999. The Bearcat football team has risen to national prominence. With upsets over highly acclaimed opponents and appearances in major bowls, they are a major threat to their competition. In addition, the implementation of the “CatWalk” has been a well-received new tradition on game day. Fans who set up their tents and tailgate along the pathway to Nippert Stadium can take part in welcoming the team as they make their way over for the game. The band and Bearcat faithful line up to greet the players and pump them up for their gridiron battle.
The most recognizable and long-standing tradition at Cincinnati involves the band’s entrance to the field. Standing on the concourse along the perimeter of the student section, the Bearcat Marching Band begins with a fanfare and then chaotically races down the aisles through the students evoking massive cheers and thrills. The Charge Down the Stadium Steps, as the tradition is known, culminates with chaos finding form on the field as the band begins to musically entertain. A tradition started in 1954, it remains one of the most unique entrances in college football.
Whether it be stadium renovations or gameday traditions, the atmosphere at Nippert Stadium perfectly marries the old with the new. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt refers to it as “one of the gems in college football.” There’s no doubt that it certainly sparkles on the crown of the Queen City.
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