A milestone for TQL Stadium
The University of Cincinnati Bearcats will host their longtime rivals, the Miami RedHawks, at the newly opened TQL Stadium on September 19, 2026, kicking off at 3:30 p.m. The matchup marks the first football game ever played in the venue, adding a historic layer to a rivalry that stretches back to 1888.
The two schools have met more than a hundred times over the decades, with the Bearcats holding a narrow edge in the all‑time series, standing at 61‑60‑7. Their most recent encounter in Oxford ended in a 27‑16 victory for Cincinnati, underscoring the competitive balance between the programs.
Ticket sales will begin with an exclusive window for University of Cincinnati football and FC Cincinnati season‑ticket holders from June 17 through June 21. The general public can purchase tickets starting June 22, giving fans ample time to plan for what promises to be a marquee event.
Jeff Berding, a key figure in the university’s athletics administration, highlighted the significance of the game, noting that it “captures the spirit of tradition while embracing the future of the stadium.”
Beyond the on‑field drama, the event showcases the growing partnership between the Bearcats, the RedHawks, and the broader Cincinnati sports community, linking college football with the city’s professional soccer brand, FC Cincinnati.