Bengals move training camp from Georgetown College to Paul Brown Stadium

CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Bengals on Friday announced the end of one era and the beginning of another.

For the first time in 15 years, the Bengals will not hold training camp in Georgetown College. Instead, camp will be held at Paul Brown Stadium, the first time the organization has done so at home.

“Georgetown has been a great place for us, but this is the best way for our team to get ready for the 2012 regular season,” said head coach Marvin Lewis. “We going to be right in our home, and that’s where you’re best suited with the way the (NFL) rules have changed. We also hope to see some fans who maybe haven’t had a chance to see us at camp before, and we’re excited to join all the great activities that are happening in the summertime in our downtown.”

This will also be the first time in the team's 45-year history they will not set up shop an hour or so from home during the first part of the preseason. Cincinnati conducted training camp at Wilmington (Ohio) College from 1968-1996.

The team says the new NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement helped influence the decision to come to Cincinnati. Fans will have access that is not available at Paul Brown Stadium during the regular season, according to the team.

“Some very positive opportunities both for fans and the local economy will now be available, and we are excited to bring the benefits to Greater Cincinnati,” said Katie Blackburn, Bengals vice-president. “We think fans will like what we have to offer.”

“It’s great to have the Bengals’ training camp as a major addition to the downtown summer scene. With all of the excitement from last year’s playoff finish, the timing couldn’t be better,” said Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.

Greg Hartman, Hamilton County Commission president, said, “Everything is coming together at The Banks, and the addition of Bengals training camp will provide just one more reason for people to come downtown. This is another example of converting the promises of The Banks into a reality.”

“The new rules bring an aspect that the Bengals and Georgetown College must adjust to,” said Bengals president Mike Brown. “But people who know me know that I will personally miss going away to camp very much. Georgetown is a special place for the Bengals and will remain so. I thank Bill Crouch (Georgetown College president) for working with us to make the arrangement happen. The people we have worked with over the years have been unfailingly helpful and knowledgeable. They have become our dear friends and will remain so.”

The organization has not said if camp will be free to the public. In year's past, fans only had to pay for parking.

Training camp will run from late July through mid-August. Exact dates have yet to be determined.