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Salute to Service Showdown: Your FC Cincinnati vs San Jose Matchday Guide
FC Cincinnati vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Your Complete Matchday Guide for August 1st
Hey there, soccer fan! Whether this is your first match or your fiftieth, we’ve got everything you need to know for Saturday, August 1st when FC Cincinnati takes on the San Jose Earthquakes at TQL Stadium. Think of this as your friendly neighborhood guide — no confusing jargon, just the good stuff.
Match Basics: The Who, When & Where
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | FC Cincinnati vs. San Jose Earthquakes |
| Date | Saturday, August 1 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Stadium | TQL Stadium |
| Theme Night | Salute to Service (presented by Gillette) |
| Gates Open | 6:00 p.m. (90 minutes before kickoff) |
NEED TICKETS?
Seats are still available! Grab yours at FCCincinnati.com/Tickets or call 513-977-KICK (5425).
What is "Salute to Service"?
This isn’t just a regular game — it’s a big thank-you party for heroes.
The night honors:
- Active-duty military members
- Veterans
- First responders (police, fire, EMS)
- Their families
Expect: Patriotic ceremonies, special in-game shoutouts, and partnerships with military organizations.
Learn more at the Theme Nights page.
HEADS UP: Major Road Closures & Traffic Alerts
IMPORTANT: PLAN EXTRA TIME TO GET THERE!
Two big construction projects will mess with your usual route:
1. Construction North of the Stadium (Mixed-Use District)
- Wade Street is CLOSED.
- Workhorse Gate access: You’ll be detoured down Liberty Street → Central Avenue.
2. Brent Spence Bridge Construction (Through May 2029!)
This is a long-term highway project affecting I-75 access:
- CLOSED: Ramp to Winchell Ave from I-75 North, 9th Street, and 6th Street.
- NO SIGNED DETOUR for Winchell Ave.
- Detour for 9th St → I-75 North: Use 8th Street → Freeman Ave → I-75.
- 6th Street → Winchell: Closed with right-lane closure on the ramp.
Full traffic advisories: brentspencebridgecorridor.com
PRO TIP: Leave earlier than you think you need to. Use the Matchday Guide for parking maps and the Interactive Stadium Map.
Prematch Party: Washington Park (4:00 – 6:30 PM)
Before the match, the party starts at Washington Park! It’s free, family-friendly, and packed with fun.
What’s Happening?
- Write Thank-You Cards to local service members
- Live Music by Saints & Strangers
- Food Trucks: Davis Cookie Collection & Paityn’s Place Catering
- Military Branches on Site: Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force
- Service Organizations: DAV, Veteran Services, Wounded Warriors, Joseph House
- FCC Merch Booth + Inflatable Games
- Games & Activities: Snooker ball, Ladder ball, Cornhole, Coloring table
- Airbrush & Balloon Artists
- Sponsor Booths: Bavarian Meats, Continental Tires, Chick-fil-A, American Home Tech, Febreze
The March to the Stadium
At ~6:30 p.m., join The Bailey (the supporters’ group) for a high-energy march to TQL Stadium with smoke, drums, and chants. It’s a Cincinnati tradition!
NOTE: For March matches, the park grass is closed to the public — but not for this August game!
At TQL Stadium: Inside & Outside
Outside: Carl & Martha Lindner Plaza (off Central Parkway)
Entertainment continues right up to kickoff.
Inside: BE IN YOUR SEATS EARLY!
Special prematch presentations happen on the field and throughout the stadium before the first whistle.
The Bailey Section (General Admission / Safe Standing)
- Standing only — no seats here!
- Singing, drums, flags, smoke — it’s loud and proud.
- No opposing fans or colors allowed in this section.
Stadium Policies: Know Before You Go
1. Clear Bag Policy (UPDATED)
TQL Stadium has a strict clear bag policy.
Read the full rules here: TQL Stadium Bag Policy
TL;DR: Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags (12"x6"x12") or small clutches (4.5"x6.5"). No backpacks, purses, or opaque bags.
2. NFC Ticketing (Tap & Go!)
Besides mobile tickets, you can use NFC (Near Field Communication):
- Add your ticket to Apple Wallet (iPhone or Apple Watch).
- Tap your device at the gate reader — that’s it!
- Works at all gates and entrances.
Mobile Ticketing Guide
3. Free In-Stadium Wi-Fi
Provided by Atomic Data (the club’s IT partner). Connect when you’re inside!
Merchandise: Gear Up!
Where to Shop:
| Location | Hours (Sat, Aug 1) |
|---|---|
| TQL Stadium Team Store (inside) | Opens 6:00 p.m. (when gates open) |
| OTR Team Store (1433 Vine St) | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
| Online | Anytime at FCCGo.com (pick up in-store!) |
| Stadium Stands | Various locations on concourse |
Special Deal:
Service members get 20% OFF with a valid Military ID!
Hot Item: The new Seven Hills Kit — available everywhere above.
Food & Drinks: New for 2026!
TQL Stadium’s concession game is strong. New this season:
- bibigo Korean Fried Chicken Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos
- Pulled Pork Poppers
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap
- …plus a dozen other new dishes!
Full concessions guide: FCCincinnati.com/Matchday/Concessions-Guide
All new food/merch details: Official Announcement
Summary: Your Game Day Checklist
- BUY TICKETS now if you don’t have them.
- LEAVE EARLY — bridge & street construction = traffic.
- PACK LIGHT — clear bag policy only!
- ADD TICKET TO APPLE WALLET for fastest entry.
- HIT WASHINGTON PARK BY 4 PM for free fun, food & the march.
- BE IN YOUR SEAT BY 7 PM for prematch ceremonies.
- GRAB MERCH (Military ID = 20% off!).
- TRY THE NEW KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN WINGS.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What time should I actually leave my house?
A: At least 60–90 minutes earlier than usual. The Brent Spence Bridge construction adds major delays, especially coming from Kentucky or via I-75 North. Check the traffic advisory link before you go.
Q: Can I bring my regular backpack?
A: No. Only clear bags (12"x6"x12") or small clutches (4.5"x6.5") are allowed. Leave the backpack at home or in the car.
Q: Is the Washington Park party good for kids?
A: Yes! It’s designed to be family-friendly with coloring tables, inflatables, balloon artists, and open space to run around.
Q: Do I need cash for food or merch?
A: Most stands are card/apple pay only, but it’s smart to have a card or phone ready. The Team Stores accept all major payments.
Q: What if I’m not in The Bailey — can I still sing and stand?
A: You can stand and cheer anywhere! But The Bailey is the only section designated for safe standing, drums, flags, smoke, and nonstop chanting. Other sections are traditional seating.
See you at the match! Let’s go FCC!
