Victory Bell Game Moving to TQL Stadium

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The annual Victory Bell game between the University of Cincinnati Bearcats and Miami University RedHawks is expected to be played at TQL Stadium, home of MLS club FC Cincinnati, on September 19, 2026. This marks a change from the previously agreed upon neutral site of Paycor Stadium.

Why it matters

The Victory Bell game is one of college football's most historic annual rivalries, dating back to 1888. Moving the game to TQL Stadium, which has a larger capacity than Paycor Stadium, could draw more fans to the matchup, potentially the last between the two teams for the foreseeable future.

The details

TQL Stadium, with its natural grass surface and 26,000 soccer capacity, will host its first-ever American football action when the Bearcats and RedHawks meet on September 19th. The date coincides with a 26-day period without an FC Cincinnati home match. However, the two schools do not have additional matchups scheduled after 2026, raising questions about the future of the long-standing rivalry.

• The Victory Bell game is expected to be played on September 19, 2026.
• Cincinnati won last year's matchup between the two teams, as well as the majority of games played over the past 20 years.

What’s next

After 2026, the Bearcats and RedHawks do not have additional matchups immediately scheduled on the books, despite the Victory Bell being one of college football's most historic annual rivalry games.