Promotional graphic for a high school football game at Paycor Stadium. Large text at the top reads, "Thursday, August 20th." Beneath it, a banner reads, "At Paycor Stadium." The Princeton Vikings logo appears on the left, and the Archbishop Moeller Crusaders logo appears on the right, separated by a large "VS." The bottom of the graphic reads, "Princeton Vikings vs. Archbishop Moeller" with the game time listed as 7:00 PM. The background shows a football field under stadium lights with a dark, smoky atmosphere in Princeton's red, white, black, and gray color scheme.

Princeton Vikings Open 2026 Football Season at Paycor Stadium

Princeton City Schools

August 3, 2026

Princeton City Schools is proud to announce that an agreement has been finalized for the Princeton High School Varsity Football team to open the 2026 season at Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Week 1 matchup between Princeton and Archbishop Moeller High School will be played on Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 p.m.

This exciting opportunity provides Princeton student-athletes with the unforgettable experience of competing at one of the country's premier professional football venues while showcasing two of Southwest Ohio's top high school football programs. 

The game will also be televised live on Spectrum Sports Channel 1. Audio will be broadcast on vikenation.org.

Princeton City Schools extends its sincere appreciation to the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamilton County Commissioner Alicia Reece, and the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for their support in helping make this opportunity possible for local high school student-athletes.

“This is more than a football game; it is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes, band members, cheerleaders, students, and the entire Princeton community to experience the excitement of Paycor Stadium,” said Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips. “Moments like this create memories that last a lifetime and truly reflect what we mean by Every Student, Every Opportunity. We are proud to see our Vikings take the field against Moeller on such a tremendous stage.”

"We are incredibly grateful to the Cincinnati Bengals organization for partnering with Princeton City Schools to provide this outstanding opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, families, and community," said Princeton Athletic Director Joe Roberts. "Playing at Paycor Stadium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of our students, and we appreciate the Bengals' commitment to supporting high school athletics throughout our region."

The Vikings enter the 2026 season with tremendous excitement as Princeton celebrates a new era featuring updated athletic facilities, including a new field house, renovated concession stands, and continued investments that enhance the student-athlete experience.

Game Information

Opponent: Archbishop Moeller High School
Date: Thursday, August 20
Kickoff: 7:07 p.m.
Location: Paycor Stadium, 1 Paycor Stadium Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Tickets: www.vikenation.org/tickets 

  • All tickets will be electronic. No cash sales available.

  • Tickets can be purchased electronically at the gate.

  • General Admission Tickets are $12.00 plus processing fee. 

  • The week of August 17, both Princeton and Moeller students will be able to purchase tickets in advance for $5.00 plus processing fees. 

  • Parking around Paycor Stadium will be available for $10.00.

Additional event information, including parking, stadium entry procedures, and student transportation details, will be shared as they become available.

Princeton City Schools looks forward to celebrating this special evening with the Viking community as the team begins what promises to be an exciting 2026 football season.