Dog Days of Summer
Kings Islands has a dog-gone good time planned with new coasters and updates to Camp Snoopy.
Attention, Campers!
The summer fun at Kings Island might be winding down, but mark your calendars for next season, because the park is already prepping for next year with an expansion of its award-winning kids area, Camp Snoopy!
The immersive Camp Snoopy area will also be home to the park’s new family boomerang coaster, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers.
Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers takes the classic fun of a soapbox racing derby to a whole new level as both parents and kids climb aboard their favorite Peanuts-decorated soapbox coaster car and are hoisted up a 70-foot hill to the starting line. As Snoopy waves the checkered flag, riders will be released and launched forward onto a track full of exhilarating twists and turns, passing the camp lookout station, racing toward the finish line up ahead.
With the addition of Snoopy's Soap Box Racers, Kings Island will become the Kids Coaster Capital of the World, offering five different coaster experiences for the littlest thrill seekers. This will be the park’s first family boomerang coaster, that races riders both forward and backward on the same track.
At Camp Snoopy, kids of all ages will also have the chance to become full-fledged Beagle Scouts.
“Camp Snoopy is just what families visiting Kings Island have been looking for,” said Mike Koontz, vice president and general manager of Kings Island. “We’ve designed this new immersive area to feel like a day at camp where families can spend time with each other in a variety of ways, from the thrill of a new coaster to exploring and relaxing in the great outdoors with their favorite Peanuts characters.”
Beagle Scout Acres, the official headquarters of the troop, will provide more outdoor summer camp fun and activities. In this new shaded, nature-themed play area, kids and their families will be able to explore and play on their own among turfed mounds and grassy areas, filled with camping equipment to play in, climb over and through. Eager Beagle Scouts can also work to earn merit badges for sharing, working together, trying new things and helping someone in need.
In Beagle Scout Acres, kids can run, crawl, play or relax with the family in a shaded comfortable space. They can also explore a campsite filled with turfed mounds and grassy areas, interactive equipment to makes noise, tents to climb through or over and footprint paths made by Woodstock and his friends.
Construction on Camp Snoopy, including the coaster and Beagle Scout Acres, begins this fall.
The Old Ballgame
Shake the summertime blues with a free, outdoor showing of The Sandlot on Thursday, Aug. 17, on the video board outside Great American Ball Park to celebrate the film's 30th anniversary. Original cast members will join the fun as part of a benefit for their new non-profit, The Play Forever Project.
The Play Forever Project
Founded and chaired by cast members from The Sandlot, The Play Forever Project works to reduce obstacles and break down barriers for young athletes and kids who want to pursue a career in sports.
Play Forever works to address socio-economic, food insecurity, health and wellness, educational, gender inequity, and field and environmental issues, amongst others that prevent kids from participating.
For more on Play Forever, its mission and team, visit playforever.org.
Your days of playing pick-up games your best friends might be over, but you can relive all the summertime fun with a free showing of “The Sandlot.”
To mark the 30th anniversary of this beloved classic baseball film, The Banks is showing the movie on Thursday, Aug.17, at 8:30 p.m. on the video board outside Great American Ball Park for free.
The 1993 baseball comedy tells the story of a group of young players in the summer of 1962 who welcome the new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, to the San Fernando Valley. To make friends, Smalls joins the boys on their sandlot baseball team and, unknowingly, gets them into the biggest pickle of their lives. The film has become a cult classic and is regarded as one of the greatest baseball movies of all time.
Original cast members Grant Gelt (“Bertram”), Victor DiMattia (“Timmy Timmons”), and Shane Obedzinski (“Tommy ‘Repeat’ Timmons”) will be at the screening to benefit The Play Forever Project, their new youth sports non-profit organization, and will be in attendance for the screening.
They will be working as celebrity bartenders at Moerlein Lager House on Aug. 17, 6–8 p.m., before the screening. The Lager House will donate $1 from every Moerlein beer and speciality Sandlot cocktail to Play Forever.
To celebrate 30 years of The Sandlot, Play Forever has launched the “30 for the 30th” fundraising initiative with a goal to raise enough money to impact 30 communities through a combination of equipment donations, grant writing, strategic alignments, field improvements, educational support, and more.
Food and beverages will be available at all Banks restaurants for the family-friendly movie. Bring your own lawn chairs to set up in front of the Great American Ball Park screen.
Flying High
Don't miss the Red Bull Flugtag this Saturday at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove. More than 40 teams are competing for air supremacy and the ultimate in Queen City bragging rights. We chat with Cincinnati Fear about their epic take-off.
Red Bull Flugtag
Saturday, Aug. 12
Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman's Cove
12–4 p.m.
Flugtag Judges
Jessica Dimon
Cincinnati Drag Queen
Nick Goepper
3-time Olympic Medalist
Chad Johnson
Former Cincinnati Bengal
Chloe Pavlech
Cincinnati native and Content Creator
Cale Saurage
TikTok Content Creator & DJ
Over-the-Rhine.
Oktoberfest.
Flugtag?
Add another German word to the local vernacular, as the Red Bull Flugtag takes to the skies – and the water – this Saturday.
Named for the German word for “flying day,” Red Bull Flugtag has pushed people’s creativity to the limit for over 30 years. The legendary Red Bull event has been held in more than 50 countries and hosted nine million spectators worldwide. Over the years, Flugtag has seen winning crafts such as Snoop's Dogg House (San Francisco, 2003), Greased Lightning (Portland, Oregon, 2008) and Flight at the Roxbury (Pittsburgh, 2017).
The Cincinnati event is the only Flugtag in America this year. More than 40 teams have been selected to compete, including teams from PFLAG, the Art Academy and Rhinegeist, Thunderdome, and Cincinnati Fear, the city's professional esports team.
“The Fear continues to look for fun, engaging events throughout Cincinnati to be involved in,” said Tim David, general manager of Cincinnati Fear. “We have a great partnership with MSA Design to develop a vision that is equally spooky and amusing: Monsters Under the Bed the Float.”
“MSA Design are great, they've been a blast to work with throughout the whole process,” David continued. “They’ve been key in helping us build out a vision for the float. I can build things in Minecraft, but anything in the real world that I would try would fail miserably and look bad.”
“The goal is to reach flight, so having their expertise and guidance is huge and they’ll be the ones to thank if we can get it off the ground!” said David.
Jeff Provenzano, a long-time Red Bull Air Force member with over 14,000 skydives to his resume. He knows better than anyone the thrill of flight, whether it be swooping from mountaintops or taking the eventual plunge in a homemade Red Bull Flugtag craft.
“It’s an awesome experience to be flying, and I’m excited for everyone participating in the upcoming Red Bull Flugtag Cincinnati,” said Provenzano, who has played roles in past Flugtags including being a judge.
“It takes guts to step off that ledge whether you’re in a wingsuit or in a Flugtag aircraft, but that freeing feeling that only flying can provide makes it all worth it.”
That fancy of flight is part of the appeal to David and Cincinnati Fear team participating in the Flugtag.
“I’m looking forward to just jumping in the river,” David said. “I think it'll be fun. Winning would be a huge bonus for the team and the celebration afterwards with Redbull will be an event.”
Taking the Field
The Bengals training camp gives way to their first pre-season game this Friday against Green Bay, getting set for their highly anticipated season.
– Betsy Ross
Are you ready for some football?
Cincinnati fans certainly are, given the long lines each day waiting for training camp to open. If you have not been, the open practices are done but there are additional practices for season ticket holders and waitlist members Sunday, Aug. 13, Monday, Aug. 14 and Wednesday, Aug. 16.
If you have not gone, here are some reminders: Practice is at the Kettering Health Practice Fields just west of Paycor Stadium. There is bleacher seating for 1,250, plus standing room along sidelines. Admission is free, concessions are available.
The clear bag policy that the NFL has during the season is also in effect here, and if you stick around after practice there’s a good chance you can snag an autograph or two from players.
This week is a little different because, after a Wednesday practice with Green Bay, the Packers stick around for Friday’s first (and only home) pre-season game. The other two are at Atlanta and at Washington.
What will you see at that first pre-season game? Probably a lot of players whose names you don’t recognize. Once pre-season starts, rosters start getting smaller and smaller so this is the only chance that a lot of rookies and free-agent signees have, to show their stuff for the coaches.
QB Joe Burrow throws the ball during fieldwork at Kettering Health Practice Field on July 24.
Photo by Ryan Meyer. Courtesy Cincinnati Bengals
Expect few starters to take reps which, of course, leads us to Joe Burrow, he of the wrapped right calf. He has not been on the field since he pulled the calf muscle the second day of practice, but has been in meetings. You wouldn’t have expected him to get many, if any, reps in the pre-season even without the injury, so that doesn’t really change things except the timeline for Week 1, a road game against division opponent Cleveland.
Will he be ready? Coaches are deliberately ambiguous about a return timeline, which makes Ja’Marr Chase’ declaration that he doesn’t want to see Burrow rush back for Week 1 even more curious. In the pre-season, don’t believe anything that anyone says when it comes to injury—every team wants to keep opponents guessing as to the personnel they’ll see on that first snap.
Some positive movement out of Bengals’ camp: The re-signing of important players, most recently linebacker Logan Wilson with a four-year, $37.25 million extension. The Bengals have lots of talented youngsters whose contracts will be coming up in the next year or two (including Burrow). The signings are a good sign for Bengals fans that the club is coming up with ways to keep its core talent.
LB Germaine Pratt (left) and LB Logan Wilson listens during Training Camp at Kettering Health Practice Fields on Sunday.
Photo by Ryan Meyer. Courtesy Cincinnati Bengals
Will we learn much in the pre-season? Probably not, except getting a closer look at new Bengals backup quarterback and NFL veteran Trevor Siemian. That doesn’t take away from the fact that, this is the most anticipated season since Boomer was calling signals. Enjoy it!
Net Result
Tennis action and fan fun heat up at the Western & Southern Open.
– Kathrine Nero
Match action starts with qualifying play on Saturday, Aug. 12. The Western & Southern Open singles champions will be crowned during the finals on Sunday, Aug. 20.
Learn more about this world-class event and buy ticket at wsopen.com.
The fashion, the fun, the fabulous tennis – late summer in Cincinnati means it’s time for the Western & Southern Open. The annual event, founded in 1899, has had many incarnations and locations before settling in for the past few decades at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. Annually, it welcomes a who’s who in professional tennis and hundreds of thousands of sports fans from Cincinnati and beyond.
2023 Western & Southern Open Seeds
Seeds are subject to change to reflect any changes to player entries. The singles draws for the Western & Southern Open will be made Friday, Aug. 11.
WTA
lga Swiatek (Poland}
Aryna Sabalenka
Jessica Pegula {USA}
Elena Rybakina {Kazakhstan}
Ons Jabeur (Tunisia)
Caroline Garcia {France)
Coco Gauff {USA}
Maria Sakkari (Greece)
Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic}
Marketa Vondrousova (Czech Rep.)
Barbara Krejcikova (Czech Repub.)
Beatriz Haddad Mai.a(Brazil)
Belinda Bencic (Switzerland)
Daria Kasatkina
Madison Keys (USA)
Veronika Kudecmetova
ATP
Carlos Afcaraz (Spain)
Novak Djokovic (Serbia}
Daniil Medvedev
Stefanos Tsitsipas {Greece)
Casper Ruud (Norway}
Holger Rune (Denmark)
Andrey Rublev
Jannik Sinner {ltafy)
Taylor Fritz {USA)
Frances Tiafoe (USA)
Karen Khachanov
Felix Auger-Aliassime (Canada)
Cameron Norrie (Great Britain)
Tommy Paul (USA)
Berna Coric (Croatia}
Alexander Zverev (Germany}
Italics indicates seeds with a·rst round bye
This year, the 16 highest ranked players in the world for both the men’s and women’s draws will arrive in Mason, including Men’s World #1 Carlos Alcaraz and Women’s #1 Iga Swiatek.
Other notable names you’ll see at the Lindner Family Tennis Center include second seeded Novac Djokovic, a two-time W&S champ, and Americans #3 Jessica Pegula and crowd favorite #7 Coco Gauff. Defending champ, #6 Caroline Garcia, will also try to grab the coveted Rookwood Cup once again.
A couple of other two-time Cincinnati champs will be entering the field unseeded: Victoria Azarenka and Andy Murray.
OK – you’re sold. So what’s the best day to get tickets?
Logic might tell you to wait until finals weekend, August 19-20, to see the best tennis. Though that’s true, checking out the event on weekdays allows you to see many more matches, and in many cases, you’re within just feet of some of the world’s best athletes. Players will be warming up on practice courts, while multiple matches happen simultaneously. A ticket gets you a specific seat at Center Court, but also allows you to wander the grounds, and sit at any of the other 16 courts to soak up the action.
Besides, the concessions and dining experiences are UNMATCHED. Check out the Moet Champagne Deck or Kim Crawford Wine Garden for a moment of Zen between matches. You can also elevate your experience at the Sip & Serve Sundeck on the east sideline of the Porsche Court. Here, you and three guests can reserve a table and get two bottles of champagne for 45 minutes, while enjoying the perfect vantage point of the action on the court.
You’ll also find Cincinnati favorites like LaRosa’s, Skyline and Graeter’s in one of the finest sporting event food courts you’ll encounter. Instagrammable moments, great tennis merchandise and gorgeous flowers are at every turn, making this an experience for sports fans and non-sports fans alike.
Besides tennis, the whole family will be entertained by bands, musicians, kids activities and even agility drills.
Being Neighborly
Ridge Day (and Night!) celebrates the people and places of Pleasant Ridge.
Ridge Day
Saturday, Aug. 5
4 – 10 p.m.
Moler Beauty Academy Lot
6142 Montgomery Road
More information at www.facebook.com/RidgeDay
Looking for an old-fashioned good time this weekend? Head over to Pleasant Ridge for Ridge Day and Night, an annual celebration featuring food trucks, live music and more than 40 vendors.
Ridge Day is a longstanding community celebration in the city’s Pleasant Ridge neighborhood with the feel of a family festival. The goal is to raise funds for the Pleasant Ridge community council, give neighbors an opportunity to visit with one another, and celebrate a pleasant neighborhood.
The day begins with the Ridge Day Children’s 1 Mile Run. A family-friendly, child-focused one-mile race that begins at 11 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church Cincinnati, 6301 Parkman Place. The $10 registration fee supports Community Happens Here's neighborhood-based mission. After the race, coffee, donuts, and snow cones will be provided at Community Happens Here, 6238 Montgomery Road.
There’s plenty to eat with Food Trucks (Twisted Greek, Queensofthecrop3 & Streetpops) on site!
Sip on your fav Rhinegeist & Nine Giant brews, shop from 40 vendors and much more.
Other local businesses particapating in Ridge Day include Terps Smokeshop & Gallery, Fine Wine O’Clock, Queen City Comic and Card Company, and LaRosa’s, with beer from Rhinegeist and Nine Giant Brewing.
Entertainment begins at 4 p.m., with Cincinnati Kung Fu, followed by Akela Island Dance and Anaya Belly Dance. The fun continues with live bands after that.
Front, Row Seat
Head to the water this weekend! Ohio River Paddlefest, the country's largest paddling celebration, benefits Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that takes city teens into the great outdoors.
Get in the water and support a great cause, or cheer on participants, during Ohio River Paddlefest, as the nation's largest paddling event returns this Saturday, Aug. 5.
Local nonprofit Adventure Crew hosts the river-centric event, now in its 22nd year.
Adventure Crew’s Outdoors for Expo, a free community event celebrating all things outdoors, will kicks off Paddlefest weekend on Friday, August 4.
“Between Ohio River Paddlefest and the Outdoors for All Expo, Paddlefest weekend has become a can’t-miss event for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Miriam Wise, director of support and engagement for Adventure Crew. “Mark your calendars and invite your friends and family to join us the first weekend in August for this much-loved annual tradition.”
Paddlefest brings 2,000 paddlers in kayaks, canoes and SUPs to the Ohio River each August. Participants can choose between two distances to paddle the Ohio while it’s closed to motorized traffic, making the event accessible to paddlers of all skill levels.
Ohio River Paddlefest
Schmidt Recreation Complex
2944 Humbert Ave.
Register for Paddlefest
Friday, Aug. 4
4-9:30 p.m
Outdoors for All Expo
This Paddlefest pre-party feature hands-on demos, live music, food and drinks. .
More information
Saturday, Aug. 5
Ohio River Paddlefest
7 a.m.
Paddlers launch from Schmidt Recreation Complex at 7 a.m., and all paddlers will launch by 8:30 a.m.
See full schedule for the event www.ohioriverpaddlefest.org/schedule
The nine-mile paddle ends with a Finish Line Festival, featuring music by The Sunburners, food trucks and MadTree beer, at Gilday Recreation Complex in Riverside. For a shorter adventure, the 4.5-mile Paddlefest MINI finishes at the Public Landing in Downtown Cincinnati. Both paddling routes start at Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Humbert Ave. in the East End.
Friday night’s Outdoors for All Expo, is free and open to the public. The event has grown to feature around 70 exhibitors, including local parks, outdoor outfitters, adventure experts and environmentally minded organizations, with hands-on demos.
The event also includes music by Jake Speed & the Freddies, Honey & Houston and Ma Crow & Company, plus raffles, food trucks, and beer from MadTree. his year’s Expo runs from 4-9:30 p.m. at Schmidt Recreation Complex.
A new addition to Paddlefest this year is a kayak bass fishing tournament spanning both Friday and Saturday that lets anglers compete for prizes and bragging rights while fishing any of three tributaries of the Ohio: Great Miami River, Licking River or Little Miami River.
Paddlefest is organized by and is a benefit for Adventure Crew, a nonprofit that connects city teens in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures.
“Every dollar we raise through Paddlefest supports that mission,” Wise said. “So by signing up to paddle on Saturday or buying raffle tickets and a beer on Friday, you’re helping us get city teens who might not otherwise have access to nature out on adventures like hiking, biking and of course, paddling. It’s a great way to share your love of the outdoors while having a great time in the process.”
Swing Into Action
The best in women’s golf are heading to town, as the Kenwood Country Club gets ready for the second annual Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, Sep. 6–10. With a field of 144 of the world’s best golfers, and an increased purse of $2 million, the tournament ensures women’s golf has a platform to showcase their talent.
During a recent media preview for the 2023 Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, Emily Norell, the tournament director, sponsors, and Ally Ewing, 2022 champion, shared their thoughts and insights about this year’s competition.
The second annual tournament will be held Sept. 6–10 at Kenwood Country Club, featuring a field of 144 of the world’s best golfers. The event is broadcast domestically on Golf Channel with more than 12 hours of live coverage and is distributed around the globe to more than 220 countries.
In May, Kroger and P&G announced that the purse for this year’s Queen City Championship will increase to $2 Million, up from $1.75 Million in 2022. This is part of the co-title sponsor’s commitment to the tournament to attract the world’s best golfers to the city of Cincinnati and to ensure women’s golf has a platform to showcase their talent.
Last year, the tournament welcomed more than 50,000 fans to Kenwood Country Club, with more than 70 local and national partners supporting the tournament, over 700 volunteers, and by delivering over $12 Million of economic impact to Cincinnati. In 2022, more than $500,000 was cumulatively invested across all sponsors behind charitable programs as a result of the tournament.
Kroger Queen City Championship Media Day Speakers
Betsy Ross, Moderator & President of Game Day
Kate Meyer, Kroger Head of Health & Beauty Merchandising
Pat Cady, P&G Sales Senior Vice President
Emily Norell, Tournament Director
Ally Ewing, 2022 Champion of the Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G
Dan Plunkett, Kenwood Country Club CEO
Ticket and hospitality packages are available now.
Free parking for all fans will be provided by Tire Discounters so all guests will have convenient access to the tournament. The Commissioners Club will have a new name and dining flair as the Jeff Ruby family is supporting the tournament. The new name of the Commissioners Club will be the Carlo & Johnny Pavilion featuring food and beverage from one of Cincinnati’s most iconic names.
The Kroger Queen City Championship is part of a platform to advance women in sports, business, and education. This effort includes the Queen City Game Changers Leadership program that recently graduated 130 Cincinnati-based women from both corporate and entrepreneurial backgrounds. Through four full-day events last year, the program connected each participant with an executive coach, executive mentors, and provided a curriculum designed to accelerate each individual’s path to executive leadership. Within the past year, 20% of the Game Changers earned promotions within their companies, and numerous entrepreneurs in the program received new business accounts and access to corporate collaborations. Founding members of the Game Changers Leadership Program include Kroger and P&G, Cintas, Great American, St. Elizabeth, TriHealth, and GE Aviation. To learn more about the program, as a potential candidate or to volunteer, visit the website at www.queencitygamechangers.com.
In 2022, the first year of the Game Changers Scholarship was launched, awarding scholarships to five young women from Cincinnati and Dayton. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the scholarship awards will have an 84% increase from the previous year by including all Kroger divisions. These scholarships are 100% awarded to multi-cultural women and will be selected across the entire Kroger Family of Companies. The 23 winners of this year’s Game Changer Scholarship will be announced during the week of the Queen City Championship presented by P&G.
A World Apart
2023 Women's World Cup action continues. We've got tips and insights to help you look like an expert, even if you don't know a free kick from a chip shot.
by Courtney Tomasetti
World Cup Winners
2019 – United States
2015 – United States
2011 – Japan
2007 – Germany
2003 – Germany
1999 – United States
1995 – Norway
1991 – United States
After a hard fought game against the Netherlands that ended in a 1-1 draw, the US women’s national soccer team face Portugal in their final match of the group stage at the 2023 Women's World Cup, hosted in Australia and New Zealand. Want to impress your friends and loved ones with your expert knowledge of the Cup? We’ve got some notes to make you look good, no matter your skill level.
Matches are being held at 10 stadiums in nine cities: five in Australia and four in New Zealand. For the first time, 32 teams will be part of the tournament. The field has been expanded from 24 teams after the 2019 World Cup in France.
Tournament Format
The tournament opens with the group stage where each of the 32 teams play three matches. In group stage, three points are awarded for a win, one point is awarded for a draw, no points are awarded for a loss. Max points a team can accrue is 9 if they win all three matches. The top two teams in each group (based on total points) moves on to the knockout round of 16. The U.S. is in Group E and will play Vietnam, Netherlands, and Portugal during group play.
Cincinnatians on the USWNT
Two Cincinnati natives are playing for the U.S. Women's National Team's World Cup team.
Rose Lavelle (Midfielder) – Lavelle is a graduate of Mount Notre Dame High School where she was the team’s leading goal scorer. Lavelle completed her collegiate career for the Wisconsin Badgers where she was named an All-American. She started six games for the United States at the 2019 World Cup, scoring three goals, and was awarded the Bronze Ball. This will be Lavelle’s second World Cup apearance.
Aubrey Kingsbury (Goalkeeper) – Kingsbury attended St. Ursula Academy where she was a member of the state championship soccer team in 2007 and 2008. Kingsbury was a three-time All-American at Wake Forest and is currently in her eigth year in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Kingsbury is making her first-career World Cup appearance.
Prize Money
FIFA will pay out $110 million in total prize money to the 32 teams at the 2023 World Cup. Every player will earn at least $30,000, with the amount increasing the further along that teams progress in the tournament. The 23 players in the title-winning squad will each get $270,000.
about the team
Veterans Alex Morgan and Lindsay Horan are co-captains of the USWNT. U.S. Soccer said that when both Horan and Morgan are on the field — which will be often — Horan will wear the armband.
The U.S. has seen the emergence of promising new talents like Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Alyssa Thompson. All three are making their first career appearance in a World Cup.
Trinity Rodman (Forward, 21) – Rodman, the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman, made history after becoming the youngest woman ever selected in the NWSL draft. The then 18-year-old was drafted to Washington Spirit as the No. 2 pick. She was named NWSL Rookie of the Year later that year as she helped her team lift the NWSL title. The 21-year-old scored both goals as the USWNT secured a 2-0 friendly win over Wales in the team's final tuneup before the start of the tournament. Rodman entered the match at halftime in place of Alex Morgan. (Yes, her dad is who you think he is!)
Sophia Smith (Forward, 22) – The Standford alum just became the youngest player in the NWSL to reach thirty goals. Smith is one of the most explosive scorers on the roster and once she gets on the move there’s almost no stopping her. Her confidence and finishing ability will be key for the USWNT.
Alyssa Thompson (Forward, 18) – After learning she was selected to the USWNT roster just days after finishing high school, Thompson became the second youngest player to ever be named to a USWNT World Cup team. Thompson decommitted from Stanford in January, a week before the NWSL draft, and became the top overall pick by Angel City FC. Since then, she has made twelve appearances in the NWSL, scoring three goals.
USWNT defender and captain Becky Sauerbrunn will be the biggest omission on and off the field. Sauerbrunn suffered a foot injury in an April NWSL match and will miss the tournament. Without its longtime anchor, the USWNT backline will look and play differently than it has in World Cups past — likely with Alana Cook at the heart of it all. Cook seems likely to be the U.S.’s top center back throughout the tournament.
Mallory Swanson (Forward), suffered a torn patellar tendon in an April friendly against Ireland, sidelining her for several months. Swanson was one of the teams most reliable goalscorers in the months before her injury.
Catarina Macario (Midfielder), suffered a torn ACL in June 2022. While it seemed to give her enough time to be ready for the World Cup, her recovery has not gone as planned. Prior to her injury, the 23-year-old was showing the potential to be one of the team’s most important players as she scored five goals in five appearances last year.
Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe (Forward) announced that she will retire from competitive soccer at the end of the current season. Rapinoe said her decision to announce her retirement before the Women’s World Cup will help the U.S. team better focus on its attempt to win a third straight world championship. The 38-year-old has scored 63 goals and registered 73 assists for the USWNT and in 2019 won the Ballon d’Or and FIFA’s The Best award after a scintillating Women’s World Cup in which she earned the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Teams Most Likely to Usurp the U.S. Crown
England
England may be the biggest threat to the USWNT hopes of claiming a third straight title. The USWNT fell to England in a 2-1 defeat in a friendly last fall. Since then, England has lost three players to injury including their star striker.
Netherlands
The USWNT and Netherlands will meet in both sides' second Group E game. Favorites often slip up in group play. A Dutch upset could dent the Americans title hopes in several ways, as it would almost certainly relegate them to a second-place group finish and a likely matchup against No. 3-ranked Sweden in the round of 16.
Sweden
Sweden are longstanding giants of women's international football and often go far in tournaments. Even if they don't meet until the quarters or semis, the U.S. will probably eventually have to go through Sweden — an opponent that has given them nightmares repeatedly on the global stage. The Swedes tied the U.S. at the 2015 World Cup, then famously knocked the Americans out of the 2016 Olympics. The most recent meeting came in 2021 at the Summer Games in Tokyo, when Sweden embarrassed the USWNT 3-0 in the group phase.
France
The only way France and the U.S. can face off is in the Aug. 20 championship match at Stadium Australia in Sydney. France has a new a standout coach in recently hired manager Hervé Renard and a deep, talented and experienced roster that is capable of winning a one-off match against anyone.
Germany
Despite having suffered an early exit from the Women’s World Cup in 2019, the two-time World Cup winners headed Down Under with high hopes. With the confidence boost of the European Championships behind them and a largely unchanged squad, Germany are keen to return to the upper echelons of world football again and have their eyes set on a third title.
Australia
Australia has never been beyond the quarter-finals but are a contender to go all the way as co-hosts with Sam Kerr leading the line. Don't discount the power of playing on home soil — an advantage that would be most pronounced at the final in Sydney, when more than 83,000 fans are expected. Should both the U.S. and Australia make it that far, the USWNT will be up against not just the 11 Australians on the field, but the entire country of almost 27 million.
Wanna bet?
Arguably the most popular market in Women’s World Cup betting is on futures odds. Sportsbooks far and wide have been taking money for months from customers wagering on who will win the tournament.
The defending champion U.S. team is the current favorite at +225 followed by England (+375), Germany (+650), Spain (+700) and France (+800). The U.S. is a clear favorite to win another title and would become the first men's or women's team to three-peat in the process.
For those unfamiliar, most sportsbooks offer three-way betting on World Cup games and soccer in general. Bettors can wager on what the result will be after 90 minutes plus injury time. A moneyline bet can be made on either team or on Draw. A game ending in a tie is a draw.
In the Women’s World Cup, the talent gap between the top teams and the bottom teams is much larger than in the men’s tournament. So, if you’re thinking about betting on Draw, start by looking for matches that at least have a chance to be competitive.
Drink in the History
Rhinegeist and Music Hall team up for new “Bricks & Beer” tour.
Friday, July 28, 5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 11, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m.
• Tour length is 1 hour
• Limit 4 tickets per transaction
• Guest 21 and over
• Proceeds benefit Friends of Music Hall a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information go to, friendsofmusichall.org
Buy tickets!
Cincinnati is a city that loves its beer, its history, and its beer history!
Friends of Music Hall have combined all those interests for their new Bricks and Beers tours.
“Learning about hops and history while sampling delicious beers would, we hope, attract a new audience to Music Hall,” says Mindy Rosen, executive director of The Friends of Music Hall.
In partnership with Rhinegeist Brewery, the Friends have developed a unique tour experience that welcomes you to late 19th-century. There you’ll uncover the surprising intersection of the Cincinnati beer industry and its contributions to the development of Music Hall. Tour parts of the building and quench your thirst with beer selections from Rhinegeist.
“(We) love to introduce this magnificent building to people who have never stepped foot inside,” says Rosen. “Taking the Bricks and Beer Tour does just that – over half of the guests are first-time visitors.”
Friends of Music Hall, formerly Society for the Preservation of Music Hall (SPMH), is a volunteer-driven organization with a mission to preserve, improve, promote and provide education about Cincinnati Music Hall.
“It’s time to party...”
The hottest show of the summer is this weekend, as Cincinnati Music Festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hip, classic R & B, and OG styling. From Snoop Dogg to Al Green
Thursday, July 20
Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane
Friday, July 21
Al Green, Jill Scott, Jodeci, Midnight Star, Gerald Albright
Saturday, July 22
Snoop Dogg, Babyface, P-Funk Connection, Avery Sunshine, Norman Brown
For tickets and more, click here.
Get ready to G R O O V E.
The Cincinnati Music Festival is back with no shortage of events, music and more. The music starts with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center on Thursday, July 20, with concerts at Paycor Stadium on Friday and Saturday nights.
What started as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival has grown and evolved into a spectacular three-day event on the riverfront. Throughout the festivals’s history, though, the hottest stars in R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop have taken the stage, including Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, New Edition, Earth Wind and Fire, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, and Janet Jackson.
What to see
From the jam packed shows with stars like Snoop Dogg, Jill Scott, Al Green, Midnight Star, Slick Rick and so many more, you can sit back and relax to the music or get up and groove.
During the afternoon, Music Hall, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, and Taft Museum of Art are offering tours, with discounts for CMF attendees!
Friends of Music Hall: BOGO ticket offer to tour Music Hall with code FESTIVAL at Friend of Music Hall ticketing website.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House: BOGO general admission
Taft Museum of Art: Free general admission by using code CMF23!! on https://www.taftmuseum.org/tickets.
What to eat:
There’s no shortage of places to grab a great bite to eat at The Banks and throughout downton, but these stops are offering deals when you dine with them!
Aladdins Eatery, 1203 Main St.: automatic 10% any food purchase.
Cheba Hut, 2614 Short Vine: Use code “420” in store for a discount.
Cincinnati Food Tours, Findlay Market, 107 W Elder St.: 10% off any guided tour July 21st-22nd 2023 with code “CINCY”
Cinema OTR, 1517 Vine St: 50% off one specialty drink with proof of your CMF ticket.
Findlay Market, 1810 Race St.: 15% off one item at Market Center and 50% one drink at Jane’s.
Riverside Food Tours, 145 E. Second St: 10% off any tour with code “FOODIE10.”
Accompanied by a street festival, Festival 513, the Cincinnati Music Festival Presented by P&G has an estimated annual economic impact of $107 million, according to the Greater Cincinnati Center for Economic Education at the University of Cincinnati.
Wild Ones
Don't act a fool! See Ludacris, Ashanti, and Flo Rida at Hard Rock on Thursday.
Hard Rock’s outdoor concerts make a trip to the “Dirty South,” with hip-hop legend Ludacris. Though he’s taken a detour with the Fast and Furious films, he returns to his roots, performing this Thursday at Hard Rock Casino’s outdoor venue, along with Ashanti and Flo Rida.
During his career, Ludacris has won three Grammy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critic's Choice Award and an MTV Video Music Award. Among his many hits are “Last of a Dying Breed,” “Number One Spot,” “What's Your Fantasy / Roll Out (My Business)” and “On Top Of The World.”
If You Go
Ludacris Ashanti Flo Rida
Thursday, July 20, 6:30 p.m.
Hard Rock Casino, Outdoor Venue
Experience Ludacris, Ashanti, and Flo Rida like never before!
Tickets and info
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, actor and author Ashanti burst onto the music scene in 2002 with her self-titled debut album, Ashanti. Over the span of her more than 20-year career, Ashanti has released six studio albums and received a number of awards including eight Billboard Awards, a Grammy, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards and six ASCAP Awards.
An actress (The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Army Wives, John Tucker Must Die), Ashanti also executive produced and starred in the musical drama and feature film Stuck.
In 2022, she wrote and released her first book of poetry through Hyperion, Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love.
With his 2007 breakout single “Low,” Flo Rida broke the record for digital download sales at the time of its release. Since then, he sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists. His hits include “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling,” “Wild Ones,” and “My House.”
In 2021, Flo Rida represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest, performing "Adrenalina" by Italian singer Senhit.
Being Your Best
The Kroger Wellness Festival returns Sept. 22 and 23, with speakers including Venus Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Cameron Diaz, plus music, cooking demos, and more.
The Kroger Wellness Festival presented by PepsiCo featuring Gatorade
Sept. 22 and 23, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Banks
Free concerts by Barenaked Ladies on Friday, Sept. 22, 5 p.m. and Flo Rida on Saturday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m.
Get ticket at
Looking for inspiration to be your best self?
Maybe some pointers from Venus Williams and the Manning brothers will help.
Learn from them, plus more than 150 experiences and food offerings focused on six core pillars of transformation: balance, move, breathe, care, uplift and play, at the Kroger Wellness Festival.
The largest free health and wellness festival in America, Kroger Wellness celebrates physical, mental and emotional health for the whole family.
On the afternoon of September 23, Gatorade will host Peyton and Eli Manning for a special Q&A appearance at the festival. Peyton retired from the NFL after 18 seasons in 2016, playing for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, and Eli retired after 16 seasons in 2020, playing his entire career as the quarterback for the New York Giants. The brothers each won two Super Bowl championships and currently are the co-hosts of ESPN's “ManningCast” during Monday Night Football.
Cameron Diaz, actress and co-founder of Avaline Wine, and celebrity chef and Blue Diamond Culinary Partner Amanda Freitag, among many others, will also appear at the Festival.
Tennis champion and entrepreneur, Venus Williams, will also make an appearance presented by PepsiCo. With seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships and four Olympic gold medals, Williams is arguably one of the most accomplished and inspiring women in the history of sports. Off the court, she has parlayed her fine-tuned business acumen with her healthy competitive spirit into multiple successful entrepreneurial pursuits.
A featured highlight at the Festival will be an appearance by Little Amal, the internationally celebrated 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl with an accompanying performance by the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.
“At Kroger, we believe in the power of Food as Medicine and are committed to helping people live healthier lives in the communities that we serve,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “The Kroger Wellness Festival reflects this commitment and our vision to change the way people eat in the country. We are excited to bring a weekend full of resources that encourage heathy living, while also offering a family-friendly atmosphere with fun activities and events.”
Festival attendees can experience fitness activities, panel discussions, cooking demos, exhibitions, classes, and live music across six stages from brand sponsors: PepsiCo, J&J, BODYARMOR, Campbell’s, Saratoga Water and American Greetings. The full schedule will be released next month.
King for a Day
Two local conservationists are competing for “Tire King of the Little Miami River.” More than fun, it’s part of an ongoing effort to keep the Little Miami River clean.
An ongoing effort to keep the Little Miami State and National Scenic River clean has spurred an unusual contest. Two local conservationists and business owners are competing for the title of “Tire King of the Little Miami River.”
Bryan Wolf, of Roads, Rivers, and Trails (RRT), and Mark Bersani of Loveland Canoe and Kayak, are competing to see who can pull the most tires out of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.
The Tire King Challenge runs through the summer, and the title of The Tire King of the Little Miami will be based on the number of tires pulled from the river and total donations for each group. Donate to the Tire King Challenge today!
Both Wolf and Bersani are passionate conservationists who are dedicated to ridding the river of a common hazard – tires that have been dumped into the Little Miami.
The tires create hazards for both the public who enjoy the river recreationally, and for fish and wildlife who need a healthy environment to survive.
About Adventure Crew
Adventure Crew is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting city teens in Greater Cincinnati with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures. Founded in 2013, the nonprofit now serves all Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) high schools, seventh and eighth graders in select CPS elementary schools, and seven schools in Northern Kentucky – a total of 27 schools and a roster of nearly 1,000 students per year. Through challenging monthly adventures, city teens develop the courageous spirit to step out of their comfort zone and discover new worlds – outside in nature and inside themselves. This deep connection to nature will set a positive course for their lives – and help create the next generation of environmental stewards.
For more information, visit www.adventurecrew.org.
Last year, volunteer crews pulled more than 200 junk tires and more than six tons of metal and debris out of the 110-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. In addition to the great river cleanup efforts, the money raised will be donated to Adventure Crew and Little Miami Conservancy.
“Your donation to my Crew Champion fundraiser supports transformative experiences city teens the great outdoors,” said Bersani. “Help me open the doors of nature through kayaking, biking, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and other awesome adventures.”
Founded in 1967, the Little Miami Conservancy (LMC) has provided key leadership in achieving national and state recognition for the Little Miami by spearheading the designation of the Little Miami as Ohio’s first National Wild and Scenic River and Ohio’s first State Scenic River. For 55 years, LMC has worked in partnership with public officials, landowners and developers to protect and establish critical riverfront forests and prairielands that filter runoff, provide vital shade and wildlife habitat, and help stabilize riverbanks. The LMC has acquired more than 100 beautiful nature preserves through conservation easements, land purchase and donation. Today the Little Miami main stem has been brought back “from the brink”, but challenges remain. The river is now in exceptional health and is ranked in the top 10% of river ecosystems in Ohio. Over 54% of the Little Miami’s riverfront is formally protected.
Leading the Way
Applications for the Queen City Game Changers Women’s Leadership Program are open for the second class, beginning Sept. 5, 2023, with an additional 25 spots added,
Queen City Game Changers – Apply Today!
The Queen City Game Changers includes four day-long programs with the following topics:
Sept. 5: Career Mapping & Executive Coaching featuring a keynote panel with P&G and Kroger executives
Nov. 8: Managing Advocacy Networks
Jan. 18, 2024: Executive Leadership & Negotiation Training
March 14, 2024: Media Training & Wellness Mindset
The application is due July 15 and the tuition for the year-long leadership program is $10,000 per person.
The Queen City Game Changers Women’s Leadership Program announced applications are open for the second class beginning Sept. 5, 2023, and an additional 25 spots have been added to the program.
The Queen City Game Changers Leadership Program was introduced at the inaugural Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G, the LPGA tournament played at Kenwood Country Club. This year’s tournament will be held September 6-10, 2023 and will feature the top professional female golfers in the world.
The initial class, comprised of 135 rising corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, is supported by P&G, Kroger, Cintas, St. Elizabeth, TriHealth, GE, Great American Insurance Group, Chosen Foods, Tito’s and Performance Auto. Keynote speakers for the inaugural program included: P&G CEO Jon Moeller, Kroger Senior Vice President Mary Ellen Adcock, Black Tech Week Founder Candice Brackeen, Horizon Community Fund CEO Nancy Grayson, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber CEO Brendon Cull, among many others.
The second class will be open to an additional 25 women who are interested in growing their professional networks, think strategically about their careers, and meet top business leaders. Each participant will be matched with a local, certified executive coach with a regular meeting schedule and will join a cohort of 10 other female leaders.
Additionally, Queen City Game Changers will continue its partnership with WeSpeak, a leadership program by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, on April 23 to discuss the “Secret to Wealth Building.”
All graduates of the program will be invited to join an alumni group led by Power to Pursue, and attend the annual Power to Pursue Summit and the monthly Ascending Women Event Series with change-making speakers in spaces where women can build authentic connections.
Need a Lift?
Coney Island's Balloon Glow lights up the night on July 3.
Balloon Glow
Monday, July 3
Coney Island
6201 Kellogg Ave.
Tickets and more information.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.: Sunlite Water Adventure open
1–6 p.m.: Storybook Paddleboats, Action Alley, Sports Alley, inflatables, and Cincy Mini-Golf
5–9 p.m.: Interactive booths and games
6–10 p.m.: Live band “1990s Something” in Moonlite Pavilion
8 p.m.: Ten gorgeous hot air balloons begin glowing, tethered safely above for all to enjoy
10:15 p.m.: Rozzi’s Fireworks Finale over shimmering Lake Como
What’s better than a day spent with family and friends at Coney Island? A day spent with family and friends AND the visual splendor of vibrant hot air balloons during Balloon Glow.
“Coney Island is our community’s treasured, family-friendly gathering place” said Coney Island’s spokesperson Tricia Mullin. “Our Balloon Glow festival fits right in with that, offering area families a chance to take a break from it all and enjoy experiences together that will become fond memories for a lifetime.”
What will those memories be made of? The look of awe on a child’s face as they see not one, but TEN hot air balloons glowing vibrant colors against the dusk sky. The unbridled smiles of the kids as they enjoy the Twister water slide over and over and over again, waving to Dad every time. It’s the moment Mom joins her kids on the dance floor as she introduces them to her favorite ‘90s hits played by the band “90 Something.” It’s the way the kids lean back on each other as they look up to see fireworks splashing color all over the night sky.
“This is what Coney Island is all about,” Mullin said. “We’re here to help Mom or Dad show the little loves of their lives what it means to be a kid in the height of summertime.”
On the March
Everyone loves a parade! (And fireworks, too!) Celebrate the 4th of July with plenty of both.
When your city is named after an organization affiliated with the Father of Our Country, you better believe July 4th is a BIG deal.
From community parades to musical celebrations to spectacular fireworks, Cincinnati commemorates the Fourth of July with equal amounts fanfare and family fun.
Edgewood Independence Day Parade
Tuesday, July 4, 9:30 a.m.
Caywood Elementary and Turkeyfoot Middle School Campus
edgewoodky.gov
Edgewood celebrates the 61st anniversary of the parade, with the theme “Celebrating our Star Spangled 75th anniversary.” The Grand Marshal is Boy Scout Troop 779 and Honorary Grand Marshal Jon Draud. There will be a brief awards ceremony following the parade at the flagpole in Presidents Park.
Fort Thomas Parade & Celebration
Tuesday, July 4, 10:30 a.m., celebration at 5 p.m.
Tower Park, 900 S. Fort Thomas Ave.
ftthomas.org/event/independence-day-parade-1030am/
The day begins with the YMCA Firecracker 5K at 7 a.m., with the parade at 10:30 a.m.
Tower Park will have food trucks, family friendly activities, and music from 5 to 9 p.m., with fireworks at 10 p.m.
57th Annual Independence Day Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Ault Park, 5090 Observatory Circle
www.aultparkac.org/events
Enjoy a day filled with family fun and an evening celebrating America’s birthday, with food trucks, kids’ activities, and live music!
10:30 a.m. – Walk-up registration to children’s parade and contest
11 a.m. – Children’s bike parade and bike decorating contest
6–11 p.m. – Evening program with music and fireworks
7:30 p.m. – Live music from GenX
10 p.m. – Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks
Northside 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4, 12 p.m.
Hamilton Ave.
northsideparade.com
The wild, weird, and wonderful Northside 4th of July Parade begins at noon, traveling south on Hamilton Avenue to Hoffner Park, with a block party on Blue Rock Street following the parade.
City of Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade
Tuesday, Jul 4, 12:30 p.m.
DCCH Center Fairgrounds
75 Orphanage Road
fortmitchell.com
This year’s theme is “Eye of the Tiger,” with Grand Marshal: Noel Rash, retired Beechwood High School football coach.
Sisters of Notre Dame 101st 4th of July Festival
Tuesday, Jul 4, 1–6 p.m.
Covington, 1601 Dixie Highway
sndusa.org/festival/
The Sisters of Notre Dame host the 101st 4th of July Festival in Covington, Kentucky. The festival features food trucks, beer, and soft drinks, with children games, raffles, and an online silent auction, plus live entertainment.
Money raised helps support the SND-sponsored education and healthcare ministries, vocation/young adult ministry, and our Global missions.
RED, WHITE AND BOOM!
Tuesday, July 4, 8 p.m.
Riverbend Music Center
www.cincinnatisymphony.org/red-white-and-boom
Join JMR and the Cincinnati Pops for its annual July 4 celebration, featuring a variety of American rock & pop classics and a medley of patriotic favorites. The Pops will be joined by Morgan James of Postmodern Jukebox, GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Ryan Shaw and local talent Ciara Harper, Robert Lomax, Noël Walton and the Cincinnati Studio for Dance. The evening ends with a spectactular post-concert fireworks show.
The Best Day
Heading to see Taylor Swift? The Banks is the space to be. We have the details on when the gates open, the best places to park, and all the can't-miss fun around Paycor Stadium.
#Swiftinnati Timeline
Friday, June 30
12-7 p.m., Taygate at The Banks
4:30 p.m., Gates to Paycor Stadium open
5:10 p.m., Reds vs. Padres at Great American Ball Park
6:30 p.m., Taylor Swift Concert begins with first act
11:15 p.m., Taylor Swift Concert ends
Saturday, July 1
12-7 p.m., Taygate at The Banks
1:40 p.m., Reds vs. Padres at Great American Ball Park
4:30 p.m., Gates to Paycor Stadium open
6:30 p.m., Greensky Bluegrass Concert at the Brady Music Center
6:30 p.m., Taylor Swift Concert begins with first act
11:15 p.m., Taylor Swift Concert ends
Whether you’re Ready for It or not, the city will be all about the Taylor Swift The Eras Tour on Friday and Saturday.
It's time, oh-oh…The party starts on Thursday, as the official The Eras merch truck opens at The Banks, on Race Street south of Freedom Way next to the Andrew J. Brady Music Center, kicking off a weekend to forget about the deadlines.
There will be several points of sale for merchandise inside of Paycor Stadium for both shows. But Paycor is 100% cashless. – to convert cash to a card, you can visit one of two kiosks at section 122 or section 149.
The Taygate at The Banks, presented by altafiber along with Holy Grail, Q102, Freedom Center and the Queen Bee Half Marathon, runs from 12-7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Activities include
Official Taylor Swift merchandise trailer
Food trucks and beverage booths
Friendship bracelet-making station
Hair braiding station presented by the Queen Bee Half Marathon
Glitter makeup station
Phone charging stations presented by altafiber
altafiber also offers some tips for Swifties and their parents.
Be sure your phone is charged.
Bring an additional battery power bank if available.
Be sure location services are activated on your phones, so everyone can keep track of each other.
Have your child carry an Air Tag or other location device in case their phone dies (You can also put one in your car if you park in unfamiliar places to help you locate your vehicle).
Connect to FreeJungleWifi when you arrive at Paycor Stadium
PARKING
This is the big question for most folks.
On Friday Night, no advance parking sales through Paycor Stadium (Reds game at 5:10 p.m.)
The Central Riverfront Garage (CRG), East Garage, Broadway lot and lot E will open at 9:30 a.m. for parking sales and for Reds parking pass holders. At 1 p.m., Lots A, B & D will open for parking sales and at 2 p.m. – UE Garage opened for UE parking pass holders only (no parking sales).
On Saturday, advance parking sales through Paycor Stadium are available, only available in CRG. CRG, East Garage, Broadway lot and lot E will open at 8:30 a.m. for parking sales and for Reds parking pass holders. At 1 p.m., Lots A, B & D will open for parking pass holders only
Ride Share Options
If you want to leave the driving to someone else, TANK is providing bus service from Northern Kentucky University to the Riverfront Transit Center. Drivers can park in Lots K, L, M, P and Y on NKU’s Campus.
Dedicated Ride Share pick-up/drop-off lot for Paycor Stadium will be Hilltop North located west of Paycor Stadium along Mehring Way – Look for signage.
Family members and friends dropping off ticket holders are strongly encouraged to park at the CRG and enjoy the festivities along The Banks until the show is over and take your family member/friend back home.
Alternate options for drop off include:
The south curb lane heading eastbound on Mehring Way between West Pete Rose Way and Central Avenue.
The north curb lane on Second Street between Elm Street and Walnut Street.
Prior to the concert, ADA guests can be dropped off at the curb cut-out along Central Ave. between West Pete Rose Way and Mehring Way. ADA guests can be picked-up at the corner of Race St. and Freedom Way, just outside E + O Kitchen.
MOBILE TICKETING
Prior to the show, be sure to add your mobile tickets to your digital wallet to facilitate a seamless and fast entry to Paycor Stadium.
CLEAR BAG POLICY | PROHIBITED ITEMS
You’re going to supplies for evening, from your phone, battery and backup to your red lip classic and cat eye sharp enough to kill a man.
Paycor Stadium has a strict bag policy – Have a clear bag or small (no bigger than 4.5" x 6.5") clutch with you. See all the policies. For non-approved items or bags, Paycor will have lockers on-site available for rent.
GATES OPENING
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. on both days
Taylor Swift VIP early entry will be at 3:30 p.m. at Gate E
Non-ticketed fans will not be permitted onto the Paycor Stadium Plaza
All guests with floor tickets MUST enter Gate E. All other gates will turn them away.
With Swifties from across the country to spur Cincinnati’s regional economy
According to the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Center for Research and Data and Visit Cincy, the potential economic impact of Taylor Swift’s two-night performance at Paycor Stadium could reach $92 million.
This includes consumer spending on hotels, concert tickets, transportation and food and beverage over the two days. Of that spending, the Center for Research and Data approximates that $48 million will be newly generated spending or economic activity that would not have occurred had the ‘Eras Tour’ not included a stop in Cincinnati.
“The Taylor Swift ‘Eras Tour’ two-day stop in Cincinnati is the only city in all of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana to host this incredible event,” Visit Cincy President and CEO Julie Calvert said. “This fact creates a unique draw for the Cincinnati region for our hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, women and minority-owned businesses, who no doubt will benefit from visitors – local, Midwest, and Southern region combined – to grow their business while at the same time creating an amazing experience that will benefit our region well beyond this weekend.”
With the region expecting hundreds of thousands of attendees, the tour stop will also have an impact on jobs and tax revenue. In total, the concerts could initially support or create 724 jobs in the region, plus another 178 indirect or induced jobs, resulting in 902 jobs created or supported. Additionally, the concerts could generate nearly $3.8 million in tax revenue which includes $1.6 million local taxes, $1.4 million in state taxes, and $750,000 in federal taxes.
“The foresight of our regional leaders in building The Banks, Fountain Square, Over-the-Rhine, and our surrounding communities, has enabled this transformational event to continue our region’s success and growth,” Calvert continued. “Cincinnati is ready to welcome both Taylor Swift and all the ‘Swifties’ with an amazing experience.”
Never Go Out of Style
Can’t decide on your look for the show? We've got some expert Taylor Thrift idea to help you find your Style for the weekend.
By Annabelle Dilts
So, you’re going to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Cincinnati – and getting tickets isn’t even the hardest part. The real dilemma Swifties find themselves in is pondering is what to wear.
Whether you dress for women, men – or revenge, we’re all dressing for Taylor. A sea of sequins, boas, sparkles, and fringe seems daunting to look at, but a showstopping outfit is as close as your local thrift store.
The Eras Tour definitely has its own style, with cowboy boots and colorful dresses lining each row of the stadium. Though the task to find the perfect Instagram-worthy outfit seems like an unmanageable feat, if you stick to a few themes, you’ll find the outfit of your Wildest Dreams.
First: Dress as an album.
Swift has 10 albums, all with their own aesthetic and designated color palette, that can serve as inspiration. Outfits from music videos and Swift’s very own tour wardrobe act as simple options that can be crafted into a perfect look. The specific colors of each album give us variety, going from a mysterious and dark Reputation outfit to a southern and fringe-y Fearless fit.
This green ombre dress and booties scream Folklore. And throwing on this sparkly black jumpsuit (with comfy shoes – a must!) will give you a big Reputation. And feel free to take liberty with the theme – this black top and striped shorts set takes inspiration from Taylor’s tour outfits for Red.
Second: The vibe of an album.
Swift’s albums encompass so many feelings – heartbreak, love, loneliness, rebellion, nostalgia, and so much more. From the youthful down-home bliss of her debut (pictured here) to the revengeful tone of her latest release, Midnights, she covers all bases. You can use these underlying themes to make an equally comfortable yet obvious costume that commemorates your favorite album.
This denim overall set caught our eye during a trip to the kids’ section – proving sometimes the perfect outfit might be in an unexpected place. And even the simplicity of a cute gingham skirt and white top can give Lover vibes.
And finally: Sequins.
Best believe we’re still “Bejeweled.” The most significant motif of The Eras Tour is the sequins and glitter we see in almost every tour outfit from Swifties and Taylor herself. The fun and fresh vibe we get from seeing a glittery bodysuit or sequined dress gives the perfect, quintessential, effortless Taylor Swift vibe we all yearn for in our Eras outfits. You can go head to toe sequins, or just an accent can make the whole (outfit) shimmer.
When deciding on an Eras Tour outfit, opportunities to make a legendary fit can be found anywhere, even your local thrift store. The most expensive item from our Taylor Swifing was only $8, including shoes and accessories.
Now let’s make it a perfect night to dress up like … Swifties!
Color Your World
Cincinnati Pride celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday, July 24! Don't miss any of the fun, with a parade through downtown followed by the Cincinnati Pride Festival at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove. Get details on the entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more at this celebration of community!
This weekend, Cincinnati Pride celebrate its silver anniversary, commemorating 50 years of Pride in Cincinnati!
Like all the best parties, it starts with a parade. The 2023 Cincinnati Pride Parade presented by Pure Romance steps off from Seventh and Plum streets at 11 a.m. The route travels down Vine Street past Fountain Square, and continuing through The Banks, ending at the Pride Festival at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove.
The family-friendly festival includes entertainment, food vendors and other fun activities, and runs from 12 to 9 p.m. With many businesses and non-profits in both the parade and the festival, the day is a great way to show support for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The mission of Cincinnati Pride is to provide the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQIA+ community and allies a forum that promotes inclusion and acceptance while affirming individuality. Throughout the year, they provide information, support local economic growth by partnering with the community to attract individuals to the Greater Cincinnati area, collaborate with other organizations through outreach programs, citizen involvement, and events, and educational resources to those inside and outside of the LGBTQ community.
PRIDE FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT
MAIN STAGE
12:10 p.m. – Dance Party w/ DJ Jules
2:30 p.m. – Drag Performances
(hosted by Brooklyn Steele-Tate)
Jessica Marie Jones
Chasity Marie
Jessica Dimon
Sasha D’vich
Crystal Cavalli
Tara Newone
Montana Banana
3:15 p.m. – Cincinnati City Councilman Reggie Harris
3:15 p.m. – Dance Party w/ DJ Castle
3:45 p.m. – Drag Performances
(hosted by Brooklyn Steele-Tate)
Rahanna Mitchell
Vanta Black
Savannah Judd
Zarah Fever
Aubrey Damned
Kora Slina
P.H. Dee
4:30 p.m. – Dance Party w/ DJ Castle
5 p.m. – Groove Crew of Greater Cincinnati (dance performers)
5:20 p.m. – Blessing by Cincinnati Sisters
5:30 p.m. – Mila Jam (headliner)
6:20 p.m. – Thelma Houston (headliner)
7:10 p.m. – Slayyyter (headliner)
8 p.m. – VINCINT (headliner
TUNNEL STAGE
12:10 p.m. – Chandler Carter (live music)
12:30 p.m. – Dance Party w/ DJ Jayy
2:30 p.m. – Honey and Blue (live music)
3:15 p.m. – Drag Performances (hosted by Mirelle Jane Divine)
Karina Lee Phoeniz
Paxton Williams
Dolly Partner
Honey Stix
Rayna
3:45 p.m. – Dance Party w/ DJ Jayy
4:15 p.m. – Drag Performances (hosted by Mirelle Jane Divine)
Rayvn Valentine
Kiara Chimera
Maya Motions
Paris Euphoria
Bambi Mitchell
4:45 p.m.– Party Favors
RED GATE STAGE
Presented by the Cincinnati sisters
1:30 p.m. – DJ Jacob
3 p.m. – The Cincinnati Sisters Story Time
3:30 p.m. – Kyla Mainous (live music)
4 p.m. –The Cincinnati Sisters Set Ups
4:30 p.m.– Brian Rice (live music)
5 p.m. – The Cincinnati Sisters Send Off