Cincinnati Bengals Upgrade to IP-Based Control Room for Enhanced Stadium Production Capabilities
The Cincinnati Bengals have constructed a new SMPTE ST 2110 and HDR-capable control room at Paycor Stadium during the 2026 offseason, marking a major upgrade from their previous 1080i production system. The transition to an IP-based workflow significantly increases the number of inputs and outputs the franchise can support, providing greater flexibility for future expansion and higher bandwidth demands. Systems integrator Alpha has supported the Bengals through multiple production upgrades over the past decade, including control room renovations, graphics overhauls, replay updates, and IPTV system enhancements.
The Cincinnati Bengals have systematically modernized their production infrastructure over the past decade, with systems integrator Alpha serving as a consistent partner through multiple phases of upgrades. The franchise's incremental approach—updating graphics in 2020, overhauling replay systems in 2022, and enhancing IPTV capabilities in 2024—culminated in this comprehensive control room renovation. The shift from 1080i technology to ST 2110 and HDR represents a fundamental change in how video signals are transmitted and processed within the facility, requiring coordination with multiple specialized vendors and construction partners to execute during the competitive offseason window.
This upgrade may enhance the fan experience through higher-quality broadcast and in-stadium visual production while potentially establishing a template for aging sports venues facing similar technological transitions. Venues nationwide could evaluate comparable modernizations to remain competitive as newer stadiums adopt IP-based workflows. The project may also create employment opportunities for systems integrators and specialized contractors, though the long-term competitive implications for facilities unable to fund similar upgrades remain uncertain.