The long-standing football rivalry, known as the "Battle for the Victory Bell," featuring the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Miami RedHawks, is poised for a significant change as it moves to TQL Stadium. This 129th encounter will be the first American football game played on the soccer pitch, marking a notable shift in venue dynamics. The decision, initially reported in February and formally announced in June, outlines a comprehensive agreement between the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, and West End Ventures, LLC, an affiliate of FC Cincinnati. This move not only highlights the increasing versatility of modern sports arenas but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between different sports organizations, aiming to maximize venue utilization and fan engagement.
The "Victory Bell" Game Relocates to TQL Stadium
The 129th edition of the historic "Battle for the Victory Bell" football game, an enduring rivalry in Division I, will now be contested on September 19 at TQL Stadium, typically home to FC Cincinnati's soccer matches. This relocation from its originally planned venue at Paycor Stadium signifies a groundbreaking event as it will be the inaugural American football game to grace the West End pitch, and notably, the first grass-field game of the season for the University of Cincinnati. The stadium, with a seating capacity of 26,000, offers a more intimate setting compared to previous venues like Paycor Stadium (65,515 capacity) and UC's Nippert Stadium (38,088 capacity), where the rivalry last drew over 30,000 fans in 2022. This strategic move aligns with FC Cincinnati's broader objectives to diversify event hosting, including exploring opportunities for other college football games, bowl games, and even high school playoff matches.
The shift to TQL Stadium is not merely a change of location but a calculated expansion of event possibilities for the venue. In April, FC Cincinnati revealed plans for significant upgrades to the TQL Stadium pitch, specifically to accommodate events like football and potentially rugby, demonstrating a proactive approach to multi-sport functionality. Jeff Berding, Co-CEO of FC Cincinnati, emphasized the importance of this inaugural football game, stating, "You want your first one to be a big deal. It doesn't get any bigger than the Battle of the Victory Bell." This sentiment underscores the ambition to establish TQL Stadium as a versatile sports hub capable of hosting a wide array of high-profile athletic competitions, thereby enhancing its revenue streams and community engagement. Furthermore, discussions have reportedly taken place with the National Women's Soccer League's Racing Louisville team regarding a potential move to TQL Stadium, further illustrating the venue's evolving role in the regional sports landscape.
Contractual Details and Operational Logistics
The intricate arrangements governing the game at TQL Stadium are detailed in a comprehensive 20-page Hosting and Participation Agreement, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. This contract, executed between the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, and West End Ventures, LLC, a subsidiary of FC Cincinnati, meticulously outlines various operational and financial aspects. Key provisions include the allocation of game day responsibilities, such as West End Ventures supplying essential field equipment like sideline protection mats, endzone padding, referee microphones, and play clocks. Additionally, any pyrotechnics used for team entries must be sourced from the stadium's designated vendor, ensuring safety and operational consistency. The agreement also details the distribution of complimentary tickets, with 1,600 provided by West End Ventures: 750 each for UC and Miami (split between player families and marching bands), and 100 tickets retained by West End Ventures. Furthermore, hospitality suites are divided among West End Ventures' controlling owner, TQL, FC Cincinnati's Co-CEO, UC, Miami, the Big 12, and the Mid-American Conference.
The financial framework of the agreement is designed to distribute revenues equitably among the participating entities. General game net revenue, encompassing ticket sales, food and beverage, and parking, will be split with UC and Miami each receiving 35%, and West End Ventures taking 30%. Sponsorship and suite sales revenues follow a similar structure, with UC and Miami each getting 37.5%, and West End Ventures receiving 25%. For merchandise sales, the respective school whose items are sold will receive 80% of the revenue, with West End Ventures retaining 20%. The budget for the event outlines significant expenses, including $40,550 for game day staff, $19,850 for traffic control, $110,100 for security services (provided by Cincinnati Police, Hamilton County, Cincinnati Fire, and BEST Gameday), and $74,500 for stadium setup and cleanup. Miscellaneous expenses, totaling $144,845.20, include allocations for Washington Park activities, bringing the total expense budget to $389,645.20. The contract also addresses potential game cancellations due to extraordinary events (Force Majeure), mandating that parties work to reschedule within two days, failing which the agreement could be terminated after 30 days, with West End Ventures required to carry event cancellation insurance. This detailed agreement underscores the complexity and significant investment involved in hosting such a high-profile collegiate football game in a non-traditional venue.
