Overview
- Photos and video taken before kickoff showed large sections of Paycor Stadium seats still covered in snow following an overnight storm.
- The NFL’s field-specifications manual requires home teams to remove snow and ice from the seating bowl, aisles, ramps, walkways and parking areas prior to games.
- The Bengals said aisles were prioritized with seats easily wiped off and ushers available to assist, later adding that league operations had been in contact and that stadium staff helped fans as needed.
- Outlets reported the situation as a possible violation that could draw discipline, though the NFL had not announced any enforcement or penalty.
- Fans and reporters highlighted single-digit temperatures, accessibility concerns in certain sections, and separate complaints about limited gate openings and security delays.