Miami Valley Bengals fans will have the chance to watch the team practice in person next week.
With the support of the Dayton Dragons, the Bengals will come to Welcome Stadium on Sunday, August 22 for a practice beginning at 3:30 p.m. Gates at the stadium will open at 2 p.m.
The practice is free, but an admission pass is needed for entrance into the stadium. Passes will NOT be available at Welcome Stadium, but can be picked up (limit to six per customer) at the Fifth Third Field Box Office. Given capacity of the stadium, only 11,000 passes will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Fifth Third Field Box Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until passes run out. No phone orders will be accepted. A $10 parking fee per car will be required at Welcome Stadium on practice day, benefiting the Dayton Public Schools and Dayton Dragons MVP program.
Stadium concession stands will be open during practice. Fans should know that no outside food or beverage can be brought into Welcome Stadium, and no alcohol will be served. Exclusive Bengals Pro Shop merchandise will be available for purchase at the practice, saving Miami Valley Bengals fans a trip to Paul Brown Stadium for their favorite jerseys and team apparel. Tickets to the eight regular season home games will also be available for purchase during the practice.
Fans wishing to take photos are permitted to bring cameras to the practice, but video cameras are prohibited. The team will practice rain or shine, limited only by lightning. Bengals players will be available for a time-limited general autograph opportunity for kids 12 and under after practice.
"We know we have great fans in the Miami Valley, and we count on them for their support," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "There's a lot of excitement and high expectations for the coming season, and we are working hard to deliver. We're looking forward to practicing in front of a big crowd in Dayton."
Dragons president Robert Murphy said, "We have been delighted with our partnership with the Cincinnati Bengals and even more excited about the August 22 practice here in Dayton. "This is a great opportunity for our fans, the Bengals, and for our Dragons MVP program, which is in over 850 classrooms in a three County area."
