In the shadows of Paycor Stadium, tucked in the northwest corner of Lot 1S, there’s a roar that builds every Sunday morning in the fall—long before the Bengals take the field. It's not just the crowd noise or the buzz of anticipation. It’s something deeper, more electric. It’s the sound of Bengal Bombs dropping, the scent of grilled masterpieces rising, and the unmistakable vibe of a family coming together under the orange and black. Welcome to the Bengal Bomb Squad tailgate—equal parts party, ritual, and community hub.

If you're lucky enough to be walking down from "The Banks" around 9 a.m., your nose might lead you to Big John Robinson's gameday spread. He’s the culinary cornerstone of this sprawling tailgate village. Alongside him, you'll find co-founders like Shawn “WhoDeyBaby” Moore, Mike “The Bengal Thing” Johnson and his wife Tracy, the Ballenger family, and a host of other superfans who have turned tailgating into a full-on Bengals lifestyle. What began in 2008 as a merging of a few small tailgate groups has since grown into a Cincinnati institution—welcoming hundreds each week, no matter where they're from or who they root for.

This isn’t just a tent and a cooler situation. This is tailgating taken to the next level. The Bengal Bomb Squad rolls in as early as the lot opens and immediately transforms their corner into a sensory overload of team spirit. There’s the Who Dey Heroes bus, unmistakable in its orange and black glory. Music pumps through the lot—everything from stadium rock to singalongs with the Dropkick Murphys. There are rounds of Bengal Bombs served in custom bomber cups. There’s cornhole, beer pong, and epic flip cup showdowns. And then there’s that moment of pause—right before kickoff—when the final round of bombs is poured, and everyone huddles in for a group photo, a giveaway drawing, and a thank you that feels more like a hug from an old friend.

The heart of the experience is in the people. These aren’t just fans; they’re family. Week after week, faces new and old gather in Lot 1S, bringing food, drinks, and stories. They’ve welcomed fans from all over the league—sometimes even rival fanbases—because for the Bomb Squad, gameday is about celebrating football and building connections. There’s even a running joke that once you stop by, you never really leave. Ask around and you’ll find dozens who “just wandered in one week” and now wouldn’t miss a game for the world.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Bomb Squad party without their signature drinks. Bengal Bombs, Tiger Bombs, Cin Bombs, Freezer Bombs, even Big Red Bombs—each tailgate features a themed lineup of shots served in their signature cups (souvenirs you’re encouraged to keep). The bar is always full, the coolers are stocked, and the team spirit is off the charts. Don’t forget to try the Texas Raisins—a beloved snack whose exact recipe remains a bit of a guarded secret, but whose smoky-sweet flavor keeps guests coming back for more.

Costumes and face paint are part of the culture here. Shawn “WhoDeyBaby” and other members show up in full war paint, complete with tiger stripes and an unwavering game face. Jeff Boeing can often be found working the facepainting station, making sure everyone is game-ready in orange and black. Visitors might arrive as strangers, but by kickoff, they’re part of the pride.

Beyond the food, drinks, and fun, the Bengal Bomb Squad represents something more lasting: giving back. Each week, donations collected from raffles, giveaways, and souvenirs go to local charities throughout the Cincinnati community. It’s a purposeful gesture wrapped in a party—a way to channel the spotlight into something bigger than football. As John Robinson puts it, “If we’re going to get all this attention, we wanted to make sure it did some good.”

Before the crew heads into the stadium, there's one more ritual that brings the entire experience full circle: the crowd belts out a rowdy version of Dropkick Murphys’ “Kiss Me, I’m Shitfaced.” It’s the final act of tailgate theater—a slightly irreverent but perfectly fitting anthem for a fan base known for its grit, humor, and heart.

So if you find yourself in Cincinnati on a Sunday morning, don’t just walk past the northwest corner of Lot 1S—stop in. Say hello. Grab a cup. Take a shot. Get your face painted. And join the chorus of “Who Deys” echoing through the lot. Because once you tailgate with the Bengal Bomb Squad, you’re not just a fan. You’re family.