The Crown Network Makes The Park Its Bengals Game-Day Home

Story info courtesy of Game Day Communictions

CINCINNATI — A new Cincinnati media network is taking its shows out of the studio and into the heart of Bengals game-day activity through a season-long partnership with The Park at The Banks.

The Crown Network and The Park announced Saturday that the restaurant and bar at 161 E. Freedom Way will serve as a game-day home for Crown programming throughout the 2026-27 Cincinnati Bengals season.

The partnership will include live broadcasts, Bengals pregame shows, watch parties, meet-and-greets, VIP gatherings, special guests, giveaways and other events featuring Crown personalities.

The first event comes Sunday, Sept. 13, when Cincinnati opens its season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium.

"First Word with James Rapien” will broadcast live from The Park from 9 to 11 a.m., with Rapien, Marisa Contipelli and Jacob Tissot providing Bengals discussion, analysis and predictions. A meet-and-greet with the hosts will follow before the Bengals-Buccaneers game kicks off at 1 p.m.

What is The Crown Network?

For Greater Cincinnati residents unfamiliar with the relatively new media company, The Crown Network is a Cincinnati-based digital media network covering sports, business, entertainment, lifestyle and local culture.

Unlike a traditional television station or radio station that depends primarily on one broadcast channel, The Crown is designed to distribute its shows across several platforms. Viewers and listeners can find Crown programming through YouTube, social media, podcasts and digital platforms, as well as television through RESN, the Rock Entertainment Sports Network.

The network is part of 1831 Media LLC and launched this summer with a lineup of locally produced programs.

Among its shows are “First Word with James Rapien,” focusing on Cincinnati sports; “The Working Lunch with Jack Crumley,” covering local business and entrepreneurs; “The Nat Jones Show” and “Nat Tries That,” focusing on Cincinnati people, restaurants, entertainment and culture; “Rebound Rundown with Paul Fritschner,” covering college basketball; and “The Pitino Show.”

The partnership with The Park represents an effort by the network to move some of that programming into public gathering places and give viewers an opportunity to interact directly with hosts and guests.

The Crown was never designed to live only on a screen,” Crown Network President D.J. Hodge said. “We want to be where Cincinnati is.”

Bringing broadcasts to The Banks

The Park opened in 2024 at The Banks, just a short walk from Paycor Stadium. The indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar was created by hospitality entrepreneurs Will Hodges and Chase Daoud, co-founders of HD Restaurant Group.

Hodges said the Crown partnership is intended to make the venue more than simply a stop for food or drinks before Bengals games.

“The Park was built to be a gathering place, and there is nothing that brings Cincinnati together quite like Bengals football,” Hodges said.

Throughout the season, Crown personalities and guests — including athletes, coaches, business leaders and other Cincinnati personalities — are expected to participate in broadcasts and special events at The Park.

Specific events beyond opening weekend will be announced as the Bengals season continues.

For Sunday’s opener, “First Word” begins at The Park at 9 a.m., followed by the meet-and-greet. The Bengals host Tampa Bay at Paycor Stadium at 1 p.m.

How to Watch: 

Fans who cannot attend in person can watch First Word with James Rapien on YouTube at the First Word Cincinnati channel. The special Bengals pregame broadcast from The Park begins at 9 a.m. Sunday.

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