Football season is finally here.
The Bengals host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium for their final preseason game.
Things will be different from last year, when masks for fans were required inside the stadium and tailgating was not permitted in team-owned parking lots.
With increases in delta variant COVID-19 cases, some NFL teams are requiring masks or proof of vaccines. The Bengals, however, are currently remaining steadfast on a mask-optional policy.
As of July, the Bengals said about 90% of their players are at least partly vaccinated. On Thursday, NFL Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills reported the league has reached a vaccination rate of nearly 93% among players and above 99% for staff members.
If you're going to a home game this season, here's everything you need to know.
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What's the mask policy for Bengals home games?
Masks are optional inside Paul Brown Stadium, although they are recommended for unvaccinated fans in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More:Who should wear a mask and when, according to latest CDC guidelines
Do you need to be vaccinated at a Bengals game?
No. Paul Brown Stadium is not presently requiring proof of vaccination to enter.
However, other NFL teams are requiring proof of vaccination.
The Las Vegas Raiders are requiring fans to show digital proof of vaccination, and vaccinated fans will not need to wear masks at home games.
The New Orleans Saints are requiring fans to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of game time. All fans must wear masks inside.
How do I show tickets to get into a game?
This year, all tickets are digital to "support contactless entry," according to the Bengals' website.
To access tickets, download the Cincinnati Bengals app, available on the App Store or Google Play. To access, transfer or scan tickets, visit www.bengals.com/tickets/mobileticket.
What to know about purchases inside Paul Brown Stadium
Starting Sunday, the stadium is going cashless, including at all concession stands and retail locations. Visitors can use a credit card, debit card or mobile payment for all purchases.
If you only have cash, you can transfer it to a universally accepted debit card for no fee at cash-to-card kiosks located in the stadium.
What kind of bag can I bring inside?
The stadium still has a clear bag-only policy and fans are encouraged to not bring any bags, based on recommended NFL best practices.
The only bags permitted are clear plastic bags smaller than 12x6x12-inch and clutch purses smaller than 6.5x4.5-inch. For more information, visit www.bengals.com/stadium/bagpolicy.
What about tailgating?
Tailgating is back this year, and is permitted in all parking lots surrounding the stadium.
Four hours prior to kickoff, Surface lots 1, 1U, A, B, D and E will open. The Hilltop lot will open four hours prior to kickoff.
Parking spots can be purchased in advance or on game day.
Lots close two hours after the game ends, and tailgating activities must conclude no later than midnight. Fans and vehicles must exit the lot at closing time.
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