The Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami RedHawks are set to reignite their storied rivalry this fall, but with a twist: the game will be played at TQL Stadium, a venue primarily known for soccer, rather than the usual Paycor Stadium.
This matchup marks the return of the rivalry after a break in 2025, and it continues the tradition of the oldest non-conference rivalry in Division I college football. With the Bearcats leading the series 61-60-7, the competition is as tight as ever. The last time these teams clashed was at Yager Stadium in 2024, where Cincinnati secured a 27-16 victory to reclaim the coveted Victory Bell.
In a dramatic turn of events in 2023, Miami snapped a 16-game losing streak against Cincinnati with a thrilling 31-24 overtime win at Nippert Stadium. That victory led to some scheduling changes, with Miami canceling return trips to Nippert in 2025 and 2028, and Cincinnati doing the same for games in Oxford in 2027 and 2029. Originally, this year’s game was set to be the last, but the venue change has breathed new life into the rivalry.
Hints of a switch to TQL Stadium had been circulating, especially after TQL became a significant sponsor for the Bearcats and Nippert Stadium in 2023. When Cincinnati’s 2026 football schedule was released, the absence of Paycor Stadium for this game raised eyebrows, considering it had hosted the matchup in 2022.
Back in 2024, UC Athletic Director John Cunningham expressed excitement about future games, mentioning, "We look forward to facing the RedHawks at Yager Stadium in the Battle for the Victory Bell this fall and at Paycor Stadium in 2026." However, plans evolved, leading to this new neutral site option, hinted at by Miami AD David Sayler, who noted the absence of the game in 2025 but expressed optimism about future encounters.
The decision to move to TQL Stadium likely involves logistical considerations. Paycor Stadium, with a capacity of 65,515, might have been too costly given past experiences during Nippert’s renovation.
Nippert Stadium can hold 40,000 with standing room, while Miami’s Yager Stadium fits 24,286, reaching a standing-room total of 24,717 in 2024. TQL Stadium, with a 26,000 capacity for FC Cincinnati games, offers a more fitting size for the anticipated crowd.
While TQL Stadium has hosted concerts and events like the Thanksgiving Day run, this will be its first football game, adding another layer of excitement to this historic rivalry. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest in a fresh setting, as both teams look to make their mark in this long-standing series.