Here's how FC Cincinnati plans to make TQL Stadium a 'fortress' in 2023
In soccer parlance, the concept of a home stadium as a so-called fortress is defined by boisterous fans and a quality home side combining to make life fun for everyone involved except the visiting club, which should find the environment inhospitable
That's what FC Cincinnati wants to create in 2023 through a series of enhancements and tweaks to its day-of-game fan experience at TQL Stadium. Jeff Berding, the co-chief executive officer of FC Cincinnati, revealed some of what's planned for this year's in-stadium experience during a Tuesday interview with The Enquirer.
"Growing the fan experience is a top priority for FC Cincinnati for 2023," Berding said. "We want to capitalize on the momentum of 2022. It was an incredible year for the team and our fans, and so our goal for 2023 is to make TQL Stadium, as (GM) Chris Albright says, 'a fortress' on game days. So, 2023 will have an enhanced pre-match experience with some exciting new elements that fans won't want to miss."
Here's what FC Cincinnati has planned:
A mystery, 'can't miss' pre-game experience
Perhaps the biggest change to TQL Stadium's day-of-game experience will commence in the lead-up to kickoff, although team officials are intentionally keeping details scant so as to build interest ahead of Saturday's season-opening game against Houston Dynamo FC.
The purpose of this mystery happening is to build an atmosphere that grows during warmups and extends all the way through to the final whistle.
The most Berding would concede about this specific enhancement was that The Bailey was central to it. He also encouraged fans to be in the stadium by 7 p.m. for all matches in order to enjoy whatever is to unfold (games will start at 7:30 p.m. this year).
"We want to make the lead-off to kickoff a can't miss experience for fans, something that will set the tone for the electric atmosphere at TQL Stadium," Berding said. "Fans are aware of the importance of The Bailey and our supporter groups to the team's success. We want to tip our cap to the historical and current significance of these assets in the lead-up to kickoff."
Whatever this new feature is, Albright was involved in its creation. FC Cincinnati's coaching staff was also consulted and signed off on it, Berding said.
New food, beverage options
Once you're inside the stadium, food and beverage options have been enhanced, too. New for 2023 at TQL Stadium will be Norwood-based A.J.'s Cheesesteaks (that's the same A.J.'s Cheesesteaks as the local food truck).
Grippo's, the century-old Cincinnati-based snack food company, and Fretboard Brewing, located at 5800 Creek Rd., will have a presence on the main concourse this year with grab-and-go markets.
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Pre-game happy hour
Nothing like a happy hour to liven spirits before a sporting event. FC Cincinnati is bringing back its pre-match happy hour and will offer drinks discounted by $2 at the Heineken bar behind The Bailey in the north end of the stadium, as well as $2 off drinks at the Coors Light bar behind sections 111 and 112. The happy hours extends 90 minutes from the time gates open until kickoff.
The march
With all matches slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. this season per Major League Soccer's broadcast deal on Apple TV, the famed supporters march into TQL Stadium will see fans congregate at Washington Park at 6:30 p.m. before proceeding into the venue. The club's most ardent supporters lead the march but officials are encouraging all fans to partake in the tradition. And don't expect any deviation from that 6:30 p.m. gathering time.
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What it all means
The last and most important feature of a so-called "fortress" is winning. Your stadium can't have a soft touch and be thought of as a daunting venue to travel to for visiting clubs.
FC Cincinnati went 1-11-5 in its first campaign at TQL Stadium in 2021. That's about as far from the fortress mentality as you can get, but 2022 saw significant improvement via a 6-5-6 record at the West End venue.
Still, FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan frequently lamented dropped points in the standings at TQL Stadium throughout 2022, along with his desire to reward the club's raucous fans.
If FC Cincinnati can make a true soccer fortress in 2023, there won't be many dropped points or losses to speak of, and the club should end up well-situated for another playoff run.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Fortress TQL Stadium? That's what FC Cincinnati wants to build in 2023
