CINCINNATI — Three game balls from the Bengals' Super Wild Card win over the Raiders were presented to local bars in Cincinnati, a big boost for the establishments that pour out the support unconditionally.
When the Bengals won their first playoff game in 31 years, a new tradition was born thanks to head coach Zac Taylor.
“It goes to the City of Cincinnati, and we pass these things out at bars across Cincinnati tonight, and we let the fans celebrate with us,” Taylor said.
Not only did he designate game balls from the Bengals win over the Raiders, but he hand-delivered one to Mt. Lookout Tavern.
“The room was just hyped up, and ready to go, and then, bam, he walks in the door. He gets up on that stage and everyone lost it,” Mt. Lookout Tavern general manager Josh Clyde said.
Clyde said Taylor recognizing his bar as one of the best places to watch a game is monumental for the staff and patrons.
“Super exciting,” Clyde said. “We’ve been a bar that’s been here many years supporting the Bengals and always just celebrating every time they come out to play. With them having a huge win like that, I mean we can’t even explain how awesome that was. How thankful we are that he chose our bar to come out to and talk to us, and give us a little gift for the community.”
The game ball was picked up by a fan who thought Taylor was just throwing it out to someone as a prize. But luckily, that fan returned the football and it's back at its rightful home at MLT.
And now, the football is on display for fans to take pictures with.
“I spend a lot of time in here watching the games, here for it to be a really special place in my heart and it's my neighborhood, and just knowing that the Bengals recognize that in their special win was important to me and I love that,” Bengals fan Libby Hider said.
MLT’s staff and patrons are hoping the Bengals success continues with another win on Saturday against the Titans.
“They've got a great matchup against Tennessee, I know they're away, but I’m sure Who Dey Nation is going to come out here at the bar and fill up and support them,” MLT bartender Brian Beaudry said. “And hopefully they'll be able to hear us all the way down to Nashville from MLT.”