We wanted to provide fans, supporters or first-timers a basic guide on what to expect in the area around Clifton on 2018 matchdays.
Supporter Groups Pregame Match Parties
We encourage all fans to get down to Clifton early and enjoy themselves at the areas many restaurants and pubs. Many Supporter Groups hang out in the “Short Vine” area where you can join in the march to Nippert Stadium. Some of these locations can be rowdier than others, but families and opposing fans are encouraged to come out and join the various groups.
Die Innenstadt: Mecklenburg Gardens – 302 E University Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Pride: Ladder 19 – 2701 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 – Will move to Top Cats – 2820 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Pride Norden: Ladder 19 – 2701 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219 – Will move to Top Cats – 2820 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Queen City Firm: Mio’s Pizzeria Pub – 2634 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Queen City Mafia: Short Vine Bearcat Statue Lot – 2700 Block of Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Legion: Taste of Belgium Clifton – 2845 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The Bailey Bastards: Hang Over Easy – 3 W Charlton St, Cincinnati, OH 45219
The March
The roughly 1-mile long march begins at approximately 1 HOUR BEFORE KICKOFF. All fans are encouraged to join the march as supporters reach the “Short Vine” area 15 minutes after the beginning of the march approx 6:10-6:15 for a 7 p.m. (6:25-6:30 for a 7:30 p.m.) kickoff. Joining here makes the march considerably shorter if you are apprehensive to join at Mecklenburg Gardens. This march into the stadium is not exclusive to supporter groups and their members, so we encourage any and all fans to join! See the map of the march below.
Kids Zone
Looking for more kid friendly pregame fun? Check out the UDF Kids Zone on Sheakley lawn adjacent to Nippert. The Kids Zone will house games, food and drinks, merchandise, soccer clinics, a mini soccer pitch, and other events. Kids can win prizes, meet special exhibitors (Cincinnati Zoo), while adults can enjoy their favorite beer on the Varsity Village terrace.
Parking
If you cannot join in the march, make sure to purchase your parking in advance. Official FC Cincinnati lots can be found online for $10. Check out the map HERE. Click this UC Parking Link to purchase Lot passes in advance. If you will be marching, lots are available on and just off “Short Vine” for a variable cost. If you are unable to get a pass prior to the match, parking is available in most campus parking structures.
Beer Gardens
FC Cincinnati announced that there will be additional Beer Gardens within Nippert Stadium for the 2018 season. The club has always been known for offering a quality lineup of local brews to go along with the standard in-seat Macro-brew vendor. Prices in 2017 ranged from $8-$10 a beer, so while not cheap, it is still a better alternative than several local pro clubs. Breweries that can have been found at FC Cincinnati matches include Christian Moerlein, Rhinegeist, MadTree and more!
The Game
This is what we are all here for correct? We suggest that you get to your seats approx. 20-30 minutes early. This way, you will get to see the Supporter Groups march into the stadium and jazz up the crowd. FC Cincinnati will walk out onto the field prior to the stated game time (6:55ish for 7 p.m. or 7:25ish for 7:30 p.m.) and FC Cincinnati normally has a quality introduction package. The effect that the SG’s have after their march truly makes Nippert raucous atmosphere. FC Cincinnati has added additional in-seat vendors for 2018 with many having portable credit card readers. While long lines are common at most sporting events, the club is actively looking to provide the fans with the best experience as possible.
@BryanWeigel for @CincySoccerTalk
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