
Matchday Guide: Hell Is Real
May 18, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release
FC Cincinnati (8-1-3, 27 pts., 1st Eastern Conference) vs Columbus Crew (5-4-3, 18 pts., 5th Eastern Conference)
Hell is Real Presented By Heineken
FC Cincinnati host their in-state rival Columbus Crew on Saturday, May 20 at TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. with plenty of exciting fan experiences leading up to the match to get fans fired up for the 11th MLS edition of Hell is Real.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early in their seats for special pre-match presentations throughout the stadium. Fans are also encouraged to match the team and WEAR ORANGE.
A very limited number of tickets remain for Saturday's match are still available at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or by calling (513) 977-5425 (KICK).
From pre-game activations, special food and beverage options, giveaways and more, take a look below at what is going on Saturday night at TQL Stadium:
WASHINGTON PARK ACTIVATIONS
Head over to Washington Park at 4:30 p.m. as the pre-match party gets started with plenty of free, family-friendly fan experiences including food trucks, drinks and activities including:
- Live music from Jet Pack Academy
- Axe Throwing
- Cincinnati Fire Department Fire Truck and the Cincinnati Fire Museum
- Wings and Rings Spicy Chicken Wing Contest
- Food trucks including MashRoots, Queens of the Crop, Streetpops, UDF Dipper Truck and Jenn's Hot Tamale
- FCC inflatables
- Face painting and balloons
- FIFA Station
- Games including Snooker Ball and the Striker Challenge
- FC Cincinnati merchandise sales
- Genesight Photobooth
- Beer, wine, hard seltzer and drink specials for purchase at The Porch
FC Cincinnati fans will battle Columbus Crew fans in a spicy wing eating contest presented by Wings and Rings. The contest begins on the Washington Park stage at 5:30 p.m. Freddy Mac from Q102 will host and MC the contest.
At 6:30 p.m., fans can join the high-energy march into the stadium with smoke, drums and chants.
Chace Saunders will perform pre-match on the East Plaza of TQL Stadium, presented by Ohio Lottery. Inside TQL Stadium, special pre-match happy hour pricing will include $2 off all alcohol at the Coors Light Corner and Heineken bars. The Das Boot, a 22-ounce beer soccer boot replica cup will be available at all draft beer locations in the stadium. There will also be Heineken Silver sampling on the concourse.
FIERY FOOD OPTIONS
Throughout the stadium, fans can enjoy special food and drink options to fit the Hell is Real theme, including on the concourse:
- Avril & Bleh Foot Long Hot Dog, served with Hellish Relish (at Smokehaus)
- Chili Crisp Poutine (at Rhine Roost)
- Jalapeno Poppers (at Frisch's)
- Mango Habanero Sauce (at Wings and Rings)
- Mango Habanero Spicy Margarita (at Coors Light & Rhinegeist bars)
In premium areas, other items include:
- Smoked Buffalo Chicken Pizza (at First Financial Club)
- Hell is Real slider (in suites & all-inclusive clubs)
- 16 Bricks charcoal bun, Blackhawk Farms burger, ghost pepper jam, smoked pimento cheese, mustard greens topped with habanero hot sauce
- Smoked Chicken Wings (in suites & all-inclusive clubs)
- Flamin' Hot pork rinds (at MedPace Tunnel Club)
- Devil's Food Cake (in all-inclusive clubs)
- Schmidt's meat board (in all-inclusive clubs)
- Skyline habanero cheese (at CTI Cincinnatus Club)
PRE-MATCH AT TQL STADIUM
Fans upon entry to TQL Stadium will receive a foam sword and commemorative ticket.
Fans will want to be in their seats early for special pre-match presentations throughout the stadium and on the field prior to kickoff, including the National Anthem to be sung by Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam. Fans should also keep an eye on The Bailey at kickoff for a special tifo for Hell is Real.
TQL STADIUM INFORMATION
Read below for more information regarding new parking options, the stadium's updated clear bag policy, and new NFC Ticketing:
New Parking Options
A new temporary single-match parking option is currently available at the Temporary North Surface Lot. Plan ahead for matchday with our Parking Information.
Bag Policy
TQL Stadium has updated its Clear Bag Policy. Learn more about our TQL Stadium Bag Policy.
NFC Ticketing
In addition to mobile ticketing, FC Cincinnati and SeatGeek will be utilizing NFC Ticketing (Near Field Communication) at all stadium gates and entrances. Fans can add their ticket to Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch and simply tap their device at the reader at the gate to enter the stadium. Learn more with our Mobile Ticketing Information.
Visit HERE for more information regarding what to know this season at TQL Stadium. Fans should be sure to be in their seats shortly before kickoff as things get started with the pre-match ritual in the Northwest corner of the stadium.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
For an A-to-Z stadium guide, parking information, a stadium map, bag policy, concessions information and more, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday.
FC CINCINNATI 50/50 RAFFLE
Beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, fans in Ohio can purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets to support the FC Cincinnati Foundation. All tickets can be purchased online at FCCincinnati5050.com or on the official FC Cincinnati app.
The 50/50 Raffle will be benefitting the FC Cincinnati Foundation and help fund its key programs: Soccer Unites, Mini Soccer Pitch Builds, West End Pride, and Learning Is Cool as the Foundation works to improve the lives of children in our region through soccer.
Raffle Tickets are one for $10, 10 for $20, 50 for $50 and 200 for $100. No tickets are purchased in-person or with cash, and the raffle closes at the 75th minute of Saturday's game. The winning ticket will be announced post-match at FCCincinnati5050.com and on FCCF social media channels.
Major League Soccer Stories from May 18, 2023
- Seattle Local Organizing Committee Launches FIFA World Cup 26© Host City Brand with Monumental Reveal at Space Needle - Seattle Sounders FC
- Inter Miami CF to Host Rivals Orlando City SC on Saturday - Inter Miami CF
- Gameday Guide: Your Complete Guide to the Rocky Mountain Cup Matchup against Real Salt Lake - Colorado Rapids
- "It's a Privilege": Moïse Bombito Adds Youth, Depth and Intelligence to Rapids' Back Line After Injury - Colorado Rapids
- Atlanta United Agrees to Transfer Luiz Araújo to Flamengo - Atlanta United FC
- Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Win Blue Stars/FIFA Youth Cup - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Charlotte FC Forward Brandon Cambridge Voted MLS Player of the Matchday - Charlotte FC
- Rapids Forward Calvin Harris Obtains Domestic Roster Status After Acquiring Green Card - Colorado Rapids
- Charlotte FC Midfielder Brandon Cambridge Voted MLS Player of the Matchday Presented by Continental Tire for Matchday 13 - MLS
- Charlotte FC Forward Brandon Cambridge Named to MLS Team of the Matchday, Jan Sobocinski Named to Bench - Charlotte FC
- CEFCU Movie Night Series Returns to PayPal Park - San Jose Earthquakes
- Josh Wolff, Ethan Finlay Named to MLS Team of the Matchday - Austin FC
- Timbers to Induct Club Legend Diego Valeri into Ring of Honor - Portland Timbers
- KC Goes All in on "We Are 26" FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Brand, Announces Nonprofit Organization to Lead Effort - Sporting Kansas City
- Luciano Acosta Named to MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 13 - FC Cincinnati
- Major League Soccer Awards Expansion Team to San Diego - MLS
- Five Points: Draw Fire - New York City FC
- Moments of Matchday 13 - MLS
- New England Revolution Academy Highlights: May 18, 2023 - New England Revolution
- Matchday Guide: Hell Is Real - FC Cincinnati
- CF Montréal Blanked by FC Cincinnati - Club de Foot Montreal
- 'Caps Now Look Ahead to Seattle at BC Place on Saturday - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Houston Dynamo FC Fall 1-0 at Minnesota United FC - Houston Dynamo FC
- Sounders FC Drops 2-1 Home Result to Austin FC - Seattle Sounders FC
- FC Dallas Rallies to Defeat Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1 at Home - FC Dallas
- LAFC Remains Unbeaten at Home, Play to 1-1 Draw with Sporting Kansas City - Los Angeles FC
- Timbers Earn Road Point With 0-0 Result Against Real Salt Lake - Portland Timbers
- Sporting Earns 1-1 Draw at LAFC - Sporting Kansas City
- Austin FC Defeat Seattle Sounders 2-1 - Austin FC
- LA Galaxy Fall 2-0 on the Road to Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field on Wednesday Night - LA Galaxy
- Rapids Fall to Atlanta, Look Ahead to Rocky Mountain Cup Matchup - Colorado Rapids
- Minnesota United Earns First Home Win, 1-0, Against Houston Dynamo - Minnesota United FC
- Nashville Soccer Club Extends Unbeaten Streak to Seven Matches in All Competitions with 2-1 Home Victory Over Inter Miami CF - Nashville SC
- Inter Miami CF Loses 2-1 to Nashville SC on the Road - Inter Miami CF
- Kara Scores in Second-Consecutive Match as Orlando City Draws New York City FC 1-1 - Orlando City SC
- Chicago Fire FC Falls 2-1 to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium - Chicago Fire FC
- FC Cincinnati Move Into First Place With 3-0 Home Victory Over CF Montréal - FC Cincinnati
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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