Last week featured several “turn the page” moments in and beyond sports. From FC Cincinnati playing the opening match in their new stadium. To announcements that could take us a step closer to post-pandemic life.

FC Cincinnati opens TQL Stadium with loss

FC Cincinnati launched into the next era of their franchise’s young history last Sunday. Through the opening match at their new stadium in Cincinnati’s West End. FCC fans marked the occasion with a pregame march to the stadium. 6,000 fans were on hand for FCC’s 2021 home debut. While TQL Stadium’s new, FCC’s familiar struggles persisted. In the Orange and Blue’s 3-2 loss to Inter Miami.

FC Cincinnati’s sluggish offense and defense stalled their efforts on Sunday. As the team remains win-less four matches into the season. FC Cincinnati fell behind 2-0 in the first half. Miami’s Brek Shea scored TQL Stadium’s opening goal in the seventh minute. Gonzalo Higuain scored Miami’s second in the 38th minute. With assistance from his teammate and brother Federico Higuain.

FC Cincinnati got on the board in the second half. Alvaro Barreal scored FCC’s first goal in their new home. Scoring his first goal of the season in the 59th minute. Barreal’s goal was FCC’s first since their season debut on April 17th. Nick Hagglund scored the equalizer off a corner kick in the 82nd minute.

The tie didn’t last long, Gonzalo Higuain scored the game winner three minutes later. FCC will travel to face CF Montreal next Saturday at 1 PM Eastern. The match will be at Inter Miami’s home DRV PNK Stadium. Due to COVID-19 related US-Canadian border travel restrictions.

CDC mask recommendation changes affects local sports

Sports teams and various groups nationwide are grappling with another “turn the page” moment. Following a recent announcement from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last Thursday, the CDC announced people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 don’t need to wear face masks or socially distance in most settings. Unless a business or government entity mandates it. The announcement is prompting governors in various states to announce the lifting of many COVID-19 health restrictions. In Ohio, COVID-related health orders will be lifted on June 2nd. Kentucky plans to lift nearly all COVID-19 health restrictions on June 11th.

These tectonic shifts are prompting various changes affecting local sports. In response to Ohio’s upcoming changes, the Cincinnati Reds announced plans to return to full capacity on June 2nd. Masks will be recommended but not required inside Great American Ball Park starting then. Until then, masks will be required and GABP will maintain a 40% capacity limit. The Reds are also extending a special ticket deal for vaccinated fans for Monday-Thursday games through the rest of 2021. FC Cincinnati plans to open up to nearly full or full capacity on June 19th. At that time, masks at FCC’s 26,000 seat TQL Stadium will be recommended but not required.

Cincinnati Reds weekly review and preview

The Cincinnati Reds concluded a nine game road trip last week. After starting the road trip with a no-hitter and a series split in Cleveland on Mother’s Day weekend. The Reds began last week by winning two out of three against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Then split a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies to wrap up the week. Losing the first two games and winning the last two.

Cincinnati starts a seven-game home stand tonight. Through the opening game of a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s games are set to start at 6:40 PM Eastern. Thursday’s series finale is set to start at 12:35 PM Eastern. This weekend, the Reds will host their National League Central rival Milwaukee Brewers. Friday’s series opener is set to start at 7:10 PM Eastern. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM Saturday and 1:10 PM Eastern Sunday.

Bengals rookie camp and 2021 schedule release

The Cincinnati Bengals held rookie camp last week. Marking the next chapter for the 2021 Bengals draft class. Coming less than a month after the draft itself. This year’s rookie camp itself marked a return to a more normal off-season routine for Cincinnati. After off and preseason routines were upended by COVID-19 last year.

Elsewhere on the Bengals beat, their 2021 pre and regular season schedules were released last week. The Bengals will host one preseason and nine regular season games. As part of the National Football League’s expanded 17 game regular season schedule. Due to the changes, the Bengals will have three preseason games instead of four. Along with one extra home regular season game compared to previous years.

The Bengals will face the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start the preseason. Facing the Buccaneers in Tampa, FL at 7:30 PM Eastern on August 14th. The Bengals will face the Washington Football Team in Landover, MD. Kickoff in that game is set for 8 PM Eastern on August 20th. Cincinnati wraps up the preseason hosting the Miami Dolphins on August 29th. In a nationally televised game on CBS set to kickoff at 4 PM Eastern.

The regular season schedule shapes out like this.

Date | Opponent | Kickoff (Eastern time)/TV

September 12 Minnesota Vikings 1:00 PM/FOX

September 19 @ Chicago Bears 1:00 PM/FOX

September 26 @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 PM/CBS

September 30 Jacksonville Jaguars 8:20 PM/NFL Network

October 10 Green Bay Packers 1:00 PM/FOX

October 17 @ Detroit Lions 1:00 PM/FOX

October 24 @ Baltimore Ravens 1:00 PM/CBS

October 31 @ New York Jets 1:00 PM/CBS

November 7 Cleveland Browns 1:00 PM/CBS

November 14 Bye

November 21 @ Las Vegas Raiders 4:05 PM/CBS

November 28 Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 PM/CBS

December 5 Los Angeles Chargers 1:00 PM/FOX

December 12 San Francisco 49ers 1:00 PM/CBS

December 19 @ Denver Broncos 4:05 PM/CBS

December 26 Baltimore Ravens 1:00 PM/CBS

January 2 Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 PM/CBS

January 9 @ Cleveland Browns 1:00 PM/CBS