As first reported by The Enquirer in February, the oldest non-conference rivalry in Division I football will be played on a soccer field on Sept. 19.
The 129th "Battle for the Victory Bell" will be played at FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium, as announced this past June 16. It will be the first American football game played on the West End pitch and UC's first this season on grass.
The game was originally scheduled for Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, where it was last played in 2022 in front of 30,109 fans. Paycor Stadium's capacity is 65,515 and UC's Nippert Stadium holds 38,088. The teams did not play last year and the last game was in 2024, withUC winning at Yager Stadium in Oxford, 27-14, in front of 24,717 fans, including standing-room
tickets.
TQL Stadium's listed capacity is 26,000.
In April, FC Cincinnati announced plans to upgradeand pursue other events, like football. Reportedly, they have also had talks with the National Women's Soccer League's Racing Louisville team about a move north to TQL Stadium.
FC Cincinnati Co-CEO Jeff Berding said in June they would at bowl game opportunities, other college football games and possibly Ohio high school football playoff games.
"We think this is the first of more to come," he said. "You want your first one to be a big deal. It doesn't get any bigger than the Battle of the Victory Bell."
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami RedHawks contract notes for TQL Stadium game
The Enquirer acquired the Hosting and Participation Agreement via the Freedom of Information Act, which is 20 pages long, far bigger than most agreements.
The contract is between UC, Miami University and West End Ventures, LLC, an affiliate and subsidiary of FC Cincinnati. Here are some things to note.
Future Game Rights for Victory Bell game between UC, Miami
The series is led by UC 61-60-7. Shortly after Miami ended a 16-game skid in the series, knocking off UC 31-24 in overtime at Nippert, they canceled return appearances at Nippert for 2025 and 2028. UC responded by stopping scheduled appearances in Oxford in 2027 and 2029.
That left the 2024 game at Yager Stadium, won by UC to take a one-game lead in the all-time series. That left this game, which moved 1.3 miles from the NFL venue to TQL Stadium.
If the Bearcats and RedHawks decide to play at a neutral venue before Dec. 31, 2029, they must provide written notice to West End Ventures, LLC, and they then have 30 days to respond to the schools should they elect to host another game.
How TQL Stadium football will differ from Nippert, Yager Stadium games
- West End Ventures will provide sideline field protection mats, endzone retaining wall padding, referee mics, play clocks and field paint.
- If UC or Miami use pyrotechnics to enter the field, they must use TQL Stadium's designated vendor.
- West End Ventures provides 1,600 complimentary tickets. UC gets 750 with 400 for player families and 350 for the UC Marching Band. Miami also gets 750 (400 for families, 350 for band). West End Ventures also gets 100 free tickets.
- Eight hospitality suites go to West End Ventures' controlling owner, with two going to TQL. FC Cincinnati's Co-CEO gets one, UC gets one, Miami gets one, the Big 12 gets one and the Mid-American Conference gets one.
In case of possible cancellation of UC vs. Miami game
The term Force Majeure is a common contract provision that frees parties from their legal obligations when an extraordinary, uncontrollable event leads to postponement or cancellation. In college football, thunderstorms with lightning can be such a cause.
The contract says the parties would work for a mutually acceptable alternative date and would prioritize completing the game on the same day or within two days. If after 30 days the parties fail to reschedule, the agreement could be terminated by West End Ventures, UC or Miami. West End Ventures is required to maintain event cancellation insurance.
Signing the contract for the Victory Bell game is West End Ventures LLC President Jeff Berding, UC Associate General Counsel Thomas P. Glass and Miami University Senior Vice President for Finance and Business Services David K. Creamer.
How UC, Miami, West End Ventures will be paid
General game net revenue will be divided up, which includes ticket sales, food and beverage and parking. UC gets 35%, Miami gets 35% and West End Ventures 30%.
Game sponsorship and Suite sales revenue will be divided, giving UC 37.5%, Miami 37.5% and West End Ventures 25%.
Merchandise revenue will go 80% to the school (for example, a UC jersey) with West End Ventures getting 20%.
Budget figures for UC, Miami 'Battle for Victory Bell'
According to the budget provided, gameday staff expenses are $40,550, traffic control is $19,850, security (Cincinnati Police, Hamilton County, Cincinnati Fire, BEST Gameday) is $110,100 and stadium setup/clean up is $74,500. Miscellaneous expenses include $2,500 for Washington Park and $825 for bands/DJs at Washington Park. Total miscellaneous expenses are $144,845.20, leading to a total expense budget of $389,645.20.
The Bearcats and RedHawks clash at 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Sept. 19. ESPN+ will televise the game, with the radio call on 102.7 WEBN-FM and 700WLW. The Reds and Cubs play later that evening at Great American Ball Park, so at some point the football broadcast will be solely on WEBN.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs. Miami RedHawks early look
FanDuel had UC favored by 14.5the day after both teams played their latest games. UC was a 62-10 winner over Western Carolina to go to 2-0. The RedHawks hammered Holy Cross 45-7, with both teams agreeing to limit the final quarter to 10 minutes. Miami University is 1-1.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Inside UC Bearcats, Miami RedHawks football contract for TQL Stadium
