Nippert Stadium

[3wt]

Saw the Bengals play Daryl Lamonica's Raiders and John Hadl's Chargers with Lance Alworth at Nippert.  The game against the Raiders was on a very hot dry September day and we were up close.  I was 15.  The Bengals were in their black jerseys and were struggling to run the ball.  I don't recall for sure but I believe Dewey Warren was playing quarterback.

I had not really followed pro football much, but remember seeing parts of games on (black and white) TV.   It was fascinating to see men that big up close.  The field was not in good shape and there was a huge cloud of dust after every play.

I didn't know much but I was hooked.  Went as often as my step father would ask me.

Then I remember when I was selling shoes at Potter's downtown store.  Sold a pair of Stacey Adams to Tommy Cassanova.  I remember thinking that he looked too small to play pro football.   But he sure played big on the field.

I remember at Riverfront how the music between plays was this old jazz band that played Dixieland style jazz in the end zone.  The music barely wafted up into the stands.   I don't think they had cheerleaders yet...

I loved it all and loved Crosley Field.   There's such a different feel at games now - especially baseball.  Too overstimulating for me.   I liked the murmur of the crowd between the plays and the organ.  Now it's pretty much constant noise.