This traveling trophy has been awarded to the winner of every Louisville vs Cincinnati football game since 1929 when the Bearcats beat the Cardinals 7-0. It is one of the Bearcats oldest rivalries and has spanned over four conferences throughout its history. The Bearcats lead the all-time series 30-22-1 and will look to extend that lead when these two bitter rivals meet next.
The Miami RedHawks are the Bearcats’ oldest rivals having played them in the first ever college football game played in Ohio back in 1888. The winner of the matchup between these two Buckeye State rivals has been taking home the Victory Bell since the 1890s, which started when some Bearcats fans “borrowed” the bell from Miami. If you want to see the oldest rivalry in the state of Ohio then make sure to travel to Nippert Stadium when the Bearcats take on the RedHawks.
Bearcats Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating is alive and well at Cincinnati where you’ll find a bevy of tailgate options that will satisfy any die hard tailgater. Here at Cincinnati you’ll find not only an on-campus tailgate area known as The GRID, but you’ll also find that there are multiple block parties going on around the campus on gameday that you can join in on.
Bearcats pride is on display as everyone lines up around The GRID in order to take in the CATWALK before the game. The CATWALK gives Bearcats fans the opportunity to show support for the team by giving them last minute inspiration before they enter the stadium. It also really gets everyone in the gameday mood and helps create an outstanding atmosphere both inside the stadium and at the tailgate.
It’s not just the Bearcats pride that makes tailgating at Cincinnati great, but the fact that you’ll be able to take in excellent live entertainment, enjoy great food, have lots to drink, and make lots of new friends with fellow Bearcats fans. The wealth of live entertainment and camaraderie between Bearcats fans really makes coming out to a Cincinnati tailgate a great experience.
The tailgate scene here in Cincinnati has really grown over the last few years, which can be attributed both to the team’s success on the field as well as the fans’ and university’s dedication to creating a great tailgate atmosphere. The atmosphere will only improve in the coming years, so make sure to come out to Cincinnati for great food, lots to drink, and plenty of Bearcats pride.
This pub offers a variety of adventurous beers serving 40 different offerings, 8 of which are on tap. If you’re looking to grab a drink during the game then stop by Catskeller as they’ll surely have something that will wet your whistle.
Located between Schott Stadium and Jefferson Ave the Bearcat statue really shows off Cincinnati’s school spirit. Make sure to stop by and snap a pic with the statue as a nice memento from your trip to Cincinnati.
During the pregame festivities, the Bearcats football team walks through The GRID on their way into the stadium in front of hundreds of adoring fans. The CATWALK is an excellent way to show your support for the team as they enter the stadium, so head to The GRID before the game.
The GRID is Cincinnati’s on-campus tailgating area for fans and students to enjoy on gameday. Located across Campus Green The GRID has 100 tailgate spots and will put you at the center of the Bearcats tailgate scene.
The 2600 block of Short Vine offers a great place to hang out before the game. Here you’ll find a lots to eat and drink as well as be able to take in live entertainment. The Block Party opens two hours before kickoff, so head on down to Nippert Stadium early to get the most out of your Bearcats gameday.
Cats on Calhoun offers a great place to get together with fellow Bearcats fans and show off your Cincinnati pride. Here you’ll find a variety of activities related to Cincinnati athletics that changes each week, so stop by and take part in the pregame fun at Cats on Calhoun.
Where to tailgate
The GRIDThe GRID is Cincinnati’s on-campus tailgating area for fans and students to enjoy on gameday. Located across Campus Green The GRID has 100 tailgate spots and will put you at the center of the Bearcats tailgate scene.
Short Vine Block PartyThe 2600 block of Short Vine offers a great place to hang out before the game. Here you’ll find a lots to eat and drink as well as be able to take in live entertainment. The Block Party opens two hours before kickoff, so head on down to Nippert Stadium early to get the most out of your Bearcats gameday.
Cats on Calhoun Block PartyCats on Calhoun offers a great place to get together with fellow Bearcats fans and show off your Cincinnati pride. Here you’ll find a variety of activities related to Cincinnati athletics that changes each week, so stop by and take part in the pregame fun at Cats on Calhoun.
The Rooftop TailgateIf you’re a UCATS member looking for a great place to tailgate then look no further than The Rooftop Tailgate. The Rooftop Tailgate is the perfect place to set up shop before a Bearcats football game and season passes are available to all UCATS members.
Lot 22, Schiel School Lot, and Other Tailgating LotsThe University of Cincinnati offers a variety of tailgate lots all around the stadium, so if you’re looking to set up your own tent and grill there are plenty of places to do so.
Bearcats Stadium Guide
In Game
Nippert Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums in all of the college football having been around for over 90 years. The stadium has been home to Bearcats football since 1924 and has seen a lot of great moments over the course of its history meaning you’ll definitely feel like you’re somewhere special when taking in a Bearcats game at Cincinnati.
It isn’t just the age of Nippert Stadium that makes it a great place to take in a game, but also the electric atmosphere it offers as well. Nippert Stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in the country despite it only holding 40,000 fans. The enclosed sides all around the stadium really trap in the noise making it a very difficult place for opponents to play. In fact, Nippert Stadium can be so loud that it has even been referred to as “baby Death Valley.”
The stadium itself may have great acoustics for creating an intimidating atmosphere for visiting players, but the fans are what really create the intense atmosphere at Cincinnati football games. The students and fans at Cincinnati are some of the loudest and most dedicated fans in the nation as everyone comes out dressed head to toe in red and black on game days. The students never sit during the game and their screams go a long way towards providing one of the toughest venues for opposing teams.
You’ll have a great time taking in a game at historic Nippert Stadium, which has a lot to offer not only with its incredible atmosphere but also with its longstanding history.
You can find Jimmy Nippert’s last words written on the granite marker dedicated to him in the south end zone. The marker is a great tribute to the stadium’s namesake, so make sure to check it out.
After every Bearcats score, Cincinnati ROTC members do one push-up for each point the Bearcats have scored. Join in if you would like, and feel the burn as the Bearcats run up the score on the opposition.
Cincinnati has two mascots that can be seen on gameday. The costumed mascot known as The Bearcat as well as a real live bearcat named Lucy. These two bearcats can be seen on the sideline during games so look for them during stoppages in play.
Cincinnati’s 260 member marching band puts on a great performance during game days. Not only do they perform at the tailgate before the game, but they also put on a halftime show that will leave you glued to your seat.
Cheer Cincinnati, Cincy will win Fight to the finish, never give in (Rah, Rah, Rah) You do your best boys, we’ll do the rest boys, Onward to victory! Go Red, Go Black, Go Bearcats! Fight! Fight! Fight! (Give me a) B-E-A-R-C-A-T-S Go UC!
Red and Black
The Red and Black shall triumph, As we’re struggling down the field! Oh fight for Cincinnati, McMicken’s foes shall yield: Remember men, the honor, that hangs upon this game; Remember you are battling now for old McMicken’s fame! Fight, Cincinnati, and show the foe who holds the sway; For the Red and Black shall drive them back, And win the game today: Fight Cincinnati: the victory’s ours again, The bonfire’s light will flare tonight, The Red and Black shall reign!
Give a Cheer
Come on and give a cheer for dear Old Cincy. Lift your voice in praises clear. Show you’re pulling hard for Cincy, School we love and hold so dear. Yea Cincy! Loyal to our Alma Mater, We will ever down the foe, Fight! Boys! Fight! The battle is on! Yea Bearcats! See us go!
Alma Mater
O Cincinnati, magic name, I proudly to the world proclaim; No sweeter word ever charmed my ear, None to my heart was ever so dear, A fountain of eternal youth, a tower of strength, a rock of truth. Oh varsity, dear varsity, thy loyal children we will be, Thy loyal, loyal children we will be. Of wealth and station some may boast, of wide renown from coast to coast; None nobler teachings did instill, Than old McMicken on the hill, The black and red banner floats on high, let all join in the battle cry. Oh varsity, dear varsity, thy loyal children we will be, Thy loyal, loyal children we will be. Long may she live, her children’s pride, and grow and prosper far and wide. At all time let our motto be: stand first and last for old UC, We dedicate with might and main, to Alma Mater this refrain: Oh varsity, dear varsity, thy loyal children we will be, Thy loyal, loyal children we will be.
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