NFL Says No to Super Bowl Watch Party at Cincinnati's Paul Brown Stadium

Cincinnati Bengals fans won't be cheering for a Super Bowl victory from Paul Brown Stadium after all.

Regional officials have been discussing logistics for hosting a Super Bowl LVI watch party at the stadium on Sunday, Feb. 13, when the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Los Angeles Rams for this season's crown. According to an email from Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto to the county's commissioners, stadium officials had requested permission from the NFL to broadcast the game — which will be played in California — on screens there.

But late Wednesday afternoon, Aluotto shared that the NFL said no.

In a Feb. 2 letter attached to Aluotto's email, Eric Brown, the managing director at Paul Brown Stadium, told Aluotto that the NFL declined the request, saying that the league's decision is "consistent with the NFL's Rules and Policies applicable to similar events."

"The NFL, its 32 franchises, stadium operators, sponsors, broadcasters, and other involved parties, organize and broadcast over 500 games for millions of fans to attend and view each year," Brown wrote to Aluotto. "The legal and logistical barriers to holding a 'Watch' Party for Super Bowl LVI are too significant."

Aluotto said that Hamilton County will continue to seek other ways fans can share in the Super Bowl experience.

Officials had also attempted to coordinate a watch party at Paul Brown Stadium for the Bengals' appearance in the AFC Championship on Jan. 23.

Despite the setback, Paul Brown Stadium will host a Super Bowl pep rally on Monday, Feb. 7, as part of the NFL's virtual "Super Bowl Opening Night" event. The event, which opened up free tickets at 10 a.m. Wednesday, already is filled to capacity.