With Paul Brown Stadium gearing up for its second prime game in 11 days on Monday against the Texans (8:30 p.m.-Cincinnati's Channel 5 and ESPN), the Bengals are urging fans to get there early to ensure they see kickoff.
"The combination of large crowds and good football weather always leads to a larger-than-normal last-minute crowd arriving at the security checkpoints," said Bengals spokesman Bob Bedinghaus in a Friday evening news release. "Add to this the excitement of Monday Night Football, and the risk of missing kickoff increases for fans who have not planned accordingly. The stadium manager has added staffing and additional lighting where possible to help alleviate long lines, but a key element will be fans making the decision to arrive in plenty of time.
"Also," Bedinghaus added, "we have a great lineup of pre-kickoff activities that we know will be enjoyable for the fans who get in their seats promptly."
Headlining that lineup is the Ohio-based multi-platinum band WALK THE MOON, singing the national anthem. Additionally, there is the added pageantry of Monday Night Football, with enhanced fireworks for player introductions.
