FC Cincinnati hosts Toronto FC on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at TQL Stadium, with gates opening at 6 p.m. as part of the club’s 10th anniversary celebration, featuring a Gary the Lion bobblehead giveaway for the first 10,000 fans. Pre-match festivities occur from 4–6:30 p.m. at Washington Park, offering free activities and live music. Attendees should be aware of road closures and parking options. Updated policies include a clear bag policy and NFC mobile ticketing. Fans can also participate in a 50/50 raffle benefiting the FC Cincinnati Foundation. Concessions will feature new menu items for 2025.
FC Cincinnati vs Toronto FC
Saturday, March 8 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Gary The Lion Bobblehead Giveaway Sponsored by Kroger
FC Cincinnati returns home this Saturday evening to face off against Toronto FC, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For tickets to Saturday’s game, go to FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or call 513-977-KICK for more information.
As a part of FC Cincinnati’s celebration for the club’s 10th anniversary, this Saturday will feature the inaugural FC Cincinnati bobblehead giveaway. The first 10,000 fans entering TQL Stadium will receive a special edition Gary the Lion bobblehead, courtesy of Kroger.
Here’s what you need to know before the Saturday night match at TQL Stadium.
GATES OPEN
With kickoff at 7:30 p.m., TQL Stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
MATCHDAY INFORMATION & ROAD CLOSURES
As construction for the highly-awaited mixed-use district north of TQL Stadium begins, fans should be aware of road closures affecting both vehicle and pedestrian access. With Wade Street closed, fans using the Workhorse Gate will be rerouted down Liberty Street to Central Ave.
For an A-to-Z guide to the stadium, including parking details, stadium map, road closures, bag policies, concession info, and more, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday.
Check out this link for an interactive map of TQL Stadium.
FC CINCINNATI PRE-MATCH AT THE PARK
Join the FC Cincinnati Pre-Match at Washington Park. Fans of all ages are invited to Washington Park from 4 – 6:30 p.m. The pre-match festivities will kick off with various free, family-friendly experiences including food trucks, drinks, and activities.
- Live Music from The SunBurners
- FC Cincinnati Merchandise
- FC Cincinnati Inflatables
- Games and Activities Including Snooker Ball, Ladder Ball, Cornhole, and a Coloring Table
- Airbrush and Balloon Art
- FC Cincinnati Marketing Booth
- Sponsorship activation from Kroger
At around 6:30 p.m., fans can participate in an energetic march into the stadium, complete with smoke, drums, and chants.
INSIDE & OUTSIDE TQL STADIUM
Outside TQL Stadium, the Carl and Martha Lindner Plaza will continue to offer entertainment leading up to kickoff, featuring live music from Jonathan Cody White as part of the Matchday Music Series.
Inside TQL Stadium, fans should arrive early to enjoy special pre-match presentations throughout the stadium and on the field before kickoff.
The Bailey section operates on a general admission basis with safe standing only. Expect singing, drums, flags, and smoke during the match, and note that opposing team fans or colors are not permitted.
For more details regarding parking options, the updated clear bag policy of the stadium, NFC ticketing, and Wi-Fi access, please read below:
Parking Options – Make sure to plan ahead for matchday with our Parking Information.
Bag Policy – TQL Stadium has updated its Clear Bag Policy. Get more details about our TQL Stadium Bag Policy.
NFC Ticketing – Alongside mobile ticketing, FC Cincinnati and SeatGeek utilize NFC Ticketing (Near Field Communication) at all stadium entrances. Fans can add their tickets to Apple Wallet on their iPhone or Apple Watch and quickly tap their device at the gate reader to gain entry. Learn more with our Mobile Ticketing Information.
In-Stadium Wi-Fi – Fans can connect to complimentary in-stadium Wi-Fi provided by the club’s official IT partner and service provider, Atomic Data.
FC CINCINNATI MERCHANDISE
Fans can shop at the TQL Stadium Team Store when gates open at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The FC Cincinnati Team Store located at 1433 Vine Street in Over The Rhine will also be open during regular hours on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fans can find all their favorite FC Cincinnati merchandise, including the new Orange and Blue Legacy Kit, available at either team store or various FCC Merchandise stands.
Additionally, fans can shop for merchandise online at FCCGo.com and opt for in-store pickup.
FC CINCINNATI 50/50 RAFFLE
Ohio fans can now purchase 50/50 Raffle Tickets to support the FC Cincinnati Foundation. All tickets are available for purchase online at FCCincinnati5050.com or through the official FC Cincinnati app.
The proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle will go to the FC Cincinnati Foundation and help fund key initiatives: Soccer Unites, Mini Soccer Pitch Builds, West End Pride, and Learning Is Cool. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in our community through soccer.
Raffle tickets are priced at one for $10, 15 for $25, 50 for $50, and 200 for $100. Please note that tickets cannot be purchased in-person or with cash; the raffle concludes at the 75th minute of each home match. The winning ticket will be announced after the match at FCCincinnati5050.com and on FC Cincinnati’s social media platforms.
TQL STADIUM FOOD, BEVERAGES AND MORE
To view a complete list of concessions available on matchdays at TQL Stadium, visit FCCincinnati.com/Matchday/Concessions-Guide.
New for 2025, you can enjoy the Olimpico Burger, Loaded Hot Mett, Cauliflower Tikka Masala, and Gary’s Chicken Sandwich, along with many other exciting dishes.
A detailed list of new food and beverage offerings for the 2025 season, as well as new merchandise options for the club’s 10th anniversary, can be found HERE.