The proposed watch party for Super Bowl LVI at Paul Brown Stadium will not happen.
At the request of Hamilton County, stadium officials contacted the NFL about the possibility of hosting a watch party for the big game.
The NFL denied the request to broadcast the Super Bowl at Paul Brown Stadium, according to the managing director for Paul Brown Stadium, Eric Brown.
Why did the NFL refuse to allow a watch party at Paul Brown Stadium for Super Bowl 56?
In a letter to Hamilton County officials, Brown said the NFL's decision is consistent with the organization's rules and policies.
He wrote the NFL organizes and broadcasts hundreds of games for fans to attend and view each year, and the legal and logistical barriers to holding a watch party for Super Bowl LVI are too significant.
Super Bowl 2022:Bengals to wear black home uniforms against Rams in Super Bowl LVI
Brown said while hosting a watch party at the stadium is not possible, the Bengals are excited that there are multiple alternatives in Cincinnati for fans to cheer their team to victory on Super Bowl Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Hamilton County commissioner: 'I thought it was a great opportunity for our city'
Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece initially proposed a watch party as an opportunity to draw people to the area.
Reece said she pushed hard on behalf of Bengals fans to make the watch party a reality. She said fans were excited about the idea and reached out to her office, offering to help with the watch party any way they could.
"There was a lot of excitement. We got calls and visits from so many people," Reece said. "I thought it was a great opportunity for our city to bring additional people to town and additional revenue."
Cincinnati Bengals:Super Bowl pep rally to be held at Paul Brown Stadium Monday, and tickets appear to already be gone
She said she spoke with the Bengals ownership on Wednesday and was told of the NFL's decision. Reece said she is disappointed in the decision and thinks not having the watch party is a missed opportunity.
Reece said she is now focusing on Monday's pep rally at Paul Brown Stadium in order to support the team and fans.
NFL's decision won't hinder Cincinnati Bengals fans
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners president Stephanie Summerow Dumas said she is not surprised by the NFL's decision.
"I understand the passion everyone had to make that (watch party) happen, but I knew there were lots of logistics involved," Dumas said.
She said she had concerns about the idea of a watch party, including the safety implications and the possibility of taking away customers from local businesses.
'The Bengals are here to stay':Cincinnati Bengals are heading to the Super Bowl
Dumas said fans still have many places around town to go to on Super Bowl Sunday and doesn't think the NFL's decision will hinder anyone's celebration.
"Fans will definitely find a way to celebrate and party. They can go to the Banks, bars, and restaurants or watch at their home. It won't stop anyone from celebrating. This is an exciting moment," Dumas said.
Source link
