### Bengals' Snow-Covered Seats Spark Controversy Amidst Disappointing Game The Cincinnati Bengals faced backlash after failing to clear snow from seats at Paycor Stadium during their Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 14, 2025. Fans arriving at the stadium were greeted with snow-covered seats, leading to complaints and accusations of violating NFL regulations. The situation was exacerbated by the Bengals' 24-0 loss, leaving fans frustrated not only with the game but also with the conditions they encountered at the stadium. The NFL issued a statement addressing the issue, while local officials called for improvements in stadium management. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Failure to Clear Snow**: - The Bengals did not adequately clear snow from the seating area, which is against NFL rules requiring home teams to ensure seating is safe and accessible for fans [https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/bengals-apparently-violate-league-policy-snowy-stadium-seats/ea179d38e6669b88a30ae1ff]. 2. **Official Responses**: - Hamilton County Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas publicly criticized the Bengals for the snow-covered seats, stating, "We need to do better" [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hamilton-county-commissioner-snow-covered-182608976.html]. - The NFL defended the Bengals, claiming they prioritized clearing aisles and that seats could be easily wiped off [https://frontofficesports.com/nfl-defends-bengals-over-snow-covered-paycor-stadium-seats]. 3. **Fan Reactions**: - Fans expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, highlighting the uncomfortable conditions they faced while attending the game [https://www.si.com/nfl/fans-ripped-bengals-ownership-after-failing-to-clear-snow]. - Many noted that they received more snow on their seats than points on the scoreboard from the Bengals [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/hamilton-county-commissioner-snow-covered-182608976.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Game Conditions**: Approximately 6 inches of snow fell in Cincinnati the night before the game, contributing to the poor conditions at the stadium [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/heres-what-the-nfl-said-about-snow-covered-seats-at-bengals-game]. - **Bengals' Statement**: The Bengals acknowledged the situation but maintained that they had taken steps to address safety by clearing aisles first [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/read-the-bengals-statement-about-removing-snow-from-stadium-seats]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Improvement The incident at Paycor Stadium highlights significant issues regarding fan experience and stadium management. 1. **Violation of NFL Rules**: The Bengals' failure to clear snow from seats represents a clear violation of league policies, which prioritize fan safety and comfort. 2. **Public Accountability**: Local officials and fans are calling for better management practices to prevent similar situations in the future. 3. **Need for Action**: The NFL and the Bengals must take this incident seriously to restore fan trust and ensure a better experience at future games. In summary, the Bengals' mishandling of snow removal not only marred the game experience but also raised questions about the team's commitment to fan welfare, necessitating immediate improvements in stadium operations [https://www.outkick.com/sports/bengals-fan-suffering-new-level-snow-stadium-seats].