Final Scheduled Battle For Victory Bell Moving to TQL Stadium in 2026

The historic rivalry game between Cincinnati and Miami (OH) will be played at the home of MLS club FC Cincinnati for its last scheduled matchup.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:58am

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The final scheduled Victory Bell matchup between the University of Cincinnati and Miami University will take place at TQL Stadium, the home of MLS club FC Cincinnati, on September 19, 2026. The game was previously set to be played at Paycor Stadium, but sources say it has been moved to FC Cincinnati's home pitch. The Victory Bell rivalry is the oldest non-conference college football rivalry in the United States, dating back to 1888, though the two schools briefly played in the same conference in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Why it matters

The Victory Bell rivalry is a historic and storied matchup that has captivated college football fans for over a century. Moving the final scheduled game to TQL Stadium, a more intimate venue compared to the larger Paycor Stadium, will provide a unique setting for the last installment of this longstanding tradition between the two Ohio schools.

The details

The Victory Bell game will be played at TQL Stadium, the home of MLS club FC Cincinnati, on September 19, 2026. This marks the first time the historic rivalry game will be played at a professional sports venue. The game was previously set to be held at Paycor Stadium, but sources indicate it has been moved to the more intimate setting of FC Cincinnati's home pitch.

  • The final scheduled Victory Bell matchup will take place on September 19, 2026.
  • Cincinnati and Miami (OH) have played the Victory Bell rivalry game since 1888, making it the oldest non-conference college football rivalry in the United States.

The players

University of Cincinnati

A public research university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the flagship institution of the University of Cincinnati system.

Miami University

A public research university located in Oxford, Ohio, and the second-oldest public university in the state.

FC Cincinnati

A professional soccer club based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that plays in Major League Soccer (MLS).

John Cunningham

The athletic director of the University of Cincinnati.

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What they’re saying

“We understand the importance of this historic rivalry to our fans and college football, and we are disappointed Miami University will not be coming to Nippert Stadium next season. However, we look forward to facing the RedHawks at Yager Stadium in the Battle for the Victory Bell this fall and at Paycor Stadium in 2026. We will continue to explore opportunities to play in Miami in the future. We thank Miami for the many memorable moments over the years.”

— John Cunningham, Athletic Director, University of Cincinnati

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