Atlanta United Vs Cincinnati: Home Opener at TQL Stadium and Travel Alerts
FC Cincinnati opens the Major League Soccer season at TQL Stadium in a home match against Atlanta United FC, and fans should note a scheduling discrepancy and several matchday access changes that affect arrival plans. The atlanta united vs cincinnati fixture is set for late afternoon, but published schedules show conflicting kickoff times that are not publicly confirmed.
Atlanta United Vs Cincinnati kickoff times
Match material lists kickoff at 4: 45 p. m. ET for the home opener, while a separate schedule lists 4: 30 p. m. ET. That inconsistency leaves the precise kickoff time unclear at this time. Gates are noted to open in the mid-afternoon, which gives fans a window to arrive before kickoff once the final start time is confirmed.
How to watch the opener
For the atlanta united vs cincinnati opener, league guidance indicates the previous season pass has been discontinued for the 2026 season and a league streaming subscription is required to view matches. Fans looking to follow the game remotely should verify their streaming access ahead of the match. Tickets are available through the club’s online sales channels or by calling the club’s ticket line at 513-977-KICK.
Matchday and fan information
Kickoff night includes several planned fan activations. Gates open at 3: 15 p. m. ET, with the first 20, 000 fans receiving a rally towel at entry. A prematch party runs in the nearby park earlier in the afternoon, with the organized march to the stadium arriving at about 3: 30 p. m. ET. Inside the venue, prematch presentations will take place; fans in the designated supporters’ area should expect singing, drums, flags and smoke. The supporters’ section is general-admission, safe-standing only, and opposing-team colors are not permitted.
Stadium operations note that water fountains will be inaccessible due to cold weather; fans are allowed to bring one sealed, non-reusable water bottle up to 20 oz.
Road closures and travel advisories
Drivers near TQL Stadium should plan for street closures starting at 1: 45 p. m. ET and lasting until one hour after the game ends. During the supporters’ march, northbound Central Parkway and eastbound Ezzard Charles Drive will be closed until the march is secured in the stadium safety zone; that closure typically begins about one hour before kickoff and lasts roughly 15 minutes. Wade Street will be closed for construction-related work; fans accessing the Workhorse Gate will be directed down Liberty Street to Central Avenue.
Construction on the nearby bridge corridor has additional traffic impacts: the ramp to Winchell Avenue from I-75 North, 9th Street and 6th Street will be closed through May 2029. Motorists from 9th Street to I-75 North will be detoured 8th Street and Freeman Avenue to I-75. Access from 6th Street to Winchell will be closed and a right-lane closure will remain on that ramp. Cincinnati police posts will be on site to help maintain residential access during closures.
What to expect and a forward look
This match starts an unusually busy early-season stretch for the club, which will play multiple matches by the end of February. Given the combination of early scheduled closures and stadium gate timing, fans should plan extra travel time and confirm the final kickoff before leaving for the match. If the later kickoff time holds, the gaps between road closures, gates opening and pregame events will align to give fans a predictable arrival window; if the earlier time is final, arriving earlier will be necessary to avoid missing prematch activity or the opening minutes of play.
