Five years in: TQL Stadium’s lasting impact on Cincinnati
Internationally recognized venue has delighted soccer fans, concertgoers and community members since May 2021By Shannon Russell
Key points:
- TQL Stadium, the home of FC Cincinnati, debuted as the fourth-largest soccer-specific Major League Soccer stadium.
- In its first five years, TQL Stadium earned international recognition and hosted FIFA Club World Cup matches, national team matches and major concerts.
- TQL’s partnership supports the city and creates employee and customer engagement opportunities.
Since opening its doors in May 2021, TQL Stadium has transformed Cincinnati’s West End into a vibrant hub of soccer, music and community energy.
So, as the world-class venue marks its fifth anniversary, there’s plenty to celebrate.
The $250 million privately funded stadium has become a centerpiece of Cincinnati’s sports and entertainment scene, and TQL has been part of the journey as the naming rights sponsor.
TQL’s multi-year partnership with FC Cincinnati is an investment in the city in which it was founded and an extension of its broader mission to support the community.
Watch: TQL announced as official naming rights partner of TQL Stadium
A Stadium Designed for Cincinnati
TQL Stadium was MLS’s fourth-largest soccer-specific stadium when it debuted, and global architecture firm Populous designed the 26,000-seat venue with peak fan engagement in mind.
A 360 degree canopy roof protects fans from the elements while allowing natural light to reach the natural grass pitch. The closest seats sit only 15 feet from the action, creating an intimate and electric atmosphere.
TQL Stadium features 53 suites, 4,500 premium club seats and four club spaces. The Bailey, FC Cincinnati’s supporters’ section, accommodates over 3,100 fans.
More: A stadium tour in photos by global architectural firm Populous
Inside, the stadium has five locker rooms, including a full FC Cincinnati suite with a dressing room, coaches’ offices, lounge space, equipment storage and the Mercy Health Center of Excellence. Outside, the stadium’s 500 vertical LED fins create motion sequences inspired by fan energy.
The venue’s design and innovation have earned international recognition, including Best Venue at the 2022 World Football Summit and the Prix Versailles World Title in the Sports Category.
Milestones on the pitch
From the moment MLS Commissioner Don Garber cut the ribbon on May 1, 2021, TQL Stadium signaled a new era for soccer in Cincinnati. Orange and Blue took the pitch about two weeks later for its first home match at TQL Stadium against Inter Miami CF.
The club established itself as one of the league’s strongest home sides with help from the energy within the building. The combination of design, atmosphere and fan support has helped transform matchdays into memorable moments in professional soccer:
- FC Cincinnati’s first victory at the stadium was Sept. 11, 2021, against Toronto FC. The Orange and Blue won 3-2 before a home crowd of 22,636.
- Within the stadium’s first 18 months, both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams played in front of packed crowds.
- In 2025, TQL Stadium hosted four group stage matches of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, underscoring its status as a world-class soccer destination.
While the stadium was designed to satisfy strict CONCACAF and FIFA criteria for soccer matches, its design also made it an appealing stage for major touring artists.
The Who performed the first major concert at TQL Stadium in 2022, a milestone for more than one reason: it was the band’s first return to Cincinnati since 1979.
TQL Stadium also opened its doors for musical acts Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Lauren Daigle, Twenty One Pilots and more.
An inviting community hub
Beyond sports and entertainment, TQL Stadium is a community gathering place for corporate events, fan festivals, volunteer activities and public tours.
TQL Stadium has hosted Cincy Beerfest, FCC’s annual 3-mile run/walk and the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race.
TQL’s sponsorship includes branded signage and seating as well as employee engagement opportunities. TQL Stadium has hosted more than 17 TQL customers and 60 team outings since 2021. TQL also has distributed 1,640+ tickets, bringing the company’s brand and community mission directly into the fan experience.
Five years in, TQL Stadium continues to elevate Cincinnati’s sports and entertainment landscape while strengthening the bond between FC Cincinnati, its supporters and the community that fills its stands.
Just as TQL Stadium sets the standard for unforgettable experiences on the pitch and stage, TQL brings the same commitment to its customers. Contact your dedicated Logistics Account Executive today or call 800.580.3101.
