The countdown is on. The Bengals start playing games in one more week when they open the preseason next Thursday night, Aug. 7, in Kansas City.
The 8 p.m. game is set to be beamed to five stations on the Bengal Preseason TV Network, anchored by the flagship at Cincinnati's Channel 12. The game is also on Dayton, Ohio's Channel 22, Columbus, Ohio's Channel 6, Lima, Ohio's Channel 8.2, and Louisville, Ky.'s 41.
Bengals Hall of Fame left tackle Anthony Munoz is in the booth for his 17th season and is teamed with play-by-play man Brad Johansen as the Channel 12 sports anchor heads into his fourth season behind the preseason mike. Mike Valpredo returns for his 10th year as the sideline reporter.
ON THE ROAD:
The Bengals once again take training camp to Miami Valley fans with a practice on Monday, Aug. 11 at West Carrollton High School. The session begins at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public, with no passes required. At the conclusion of practice (estimated 7:10 p.m.), players are available for an autograph session. The practice had been originally scheduled for the PBS practice fields.
Seating capacity is 5,000 bleacher seats, plus additional room for fans to stand along the sidelines. Fans are allowed to bring small soft-sided coolers, unopened bottles of water, and food. Concessions and Bengals merchandise is available to purchase. No chairs or other temporary seating is permitted.
"The Dayton/Miami Valley area has always been very important to the Bengals," said Katie Blackburn, Bengals executive vice-president in a news release. "We're pleased to offer fans from the area a more convenient opportunity to get a good look at the team as we continue to prepare for the season."
Prior to the practice, head coach Marvin Lewis and selected players plan to meet with the West Carrollton High varsity football team and coaching staff.
"We like the opportunity to change things up, so meeting with the local high school team, then practicing on a brand new playing field in front of our fans in the Dayton area, will make for a terrific day of training camp," Lewis said in the release. "We are working hard in Cincinnati and look to take our practice on the road on Aug. 11 in West Carrollton."
"The West Carrollton Schools and community are excited to host the Cincinnati Bengals at DOC Stadium. In addition to being a great experience for our community, the chance for our football players and staff to meet with Marvin Lewis is a special opportunity," said Rusty Clifford, superintendent of the West Carrollton School District.
The Bengals have previously practiced in the Miami Valley at Centerville High School, at Dayton's Welcome Stadium and last year at Springboro High School.
West Carrollton High School is located just off of I-75 at exit 47. Parking is available for $5 in the lot adjacent to the stadium, with proceeds going to West Carrollton High School. Fans are encouraged to beat the traffic and arrive early in advance of the practice. West Carrollton officials plan to manage traffic and parking to ease ingress.
