Cincinnati Bengals - Bengal Jim's Before the Roar Tailgate Experience

Cincinnati Bengals - Bengal Jim's Before the Roar Tailgate Experience

Ohio

Inducted: December 21, 2020
Captain: Jimmie “Bengal Jim” Foster
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Jimmie “Bengal Jim” Foster

Jimmie Foster—better known across the NFL landscape as Bengal Jim—isn’t just a tailgate captain; he’s a Cincinnati institution. A former NFL Fan of the Year and lifelong Bengals devotee, Jimmie has transformed the Before the Roar tailgate into a powerhouse of connection, culture, and cause. He doesn't just host a party—he curates an experience that captures the soul of WhoDey Nation. With the skyline at his back and Paycor Stadium just steps away, Jimmie leads a high-energy crew that fuses live broadcasts, charity initiatives, and unmatched hospitality into one roaring Sunday ritual. What sets him apart isn’t just the scale of the event or the star-studded guest list—it’s the intention behind it all. Bengal Jim opens his lot to everyone, turning first-timers into family and fans into friends, all before the first whistle ever sounds.

Learn More About Our Tailgate

Nothing captures the spirit of WhoDey Nation quite like the Before the Roar tailgate led by Jimmie Foster—better known as Bengal Jim—whose roots in Cincinnati fandom stretch all the way back to 1981. He’s made it his mission to turn Sunday mornings east of Paycor Stadium into a celebration of the sonics of game day, digital storytelling, and genuine camaraderie. Over the years, humble beginnings have blossomed into a community set-up that draws thousands of fans from across the country—and even overseas—each week.

You’ll find the Before the Roar festivities just southeast of the stadium, complete with a panoramic view of downtown Cincinnati and the beloved Roebling Bridge. Jimmie and his crew don’t just tailgate—they stage it. They host weekly live broadcasts of Bengal Jim & Friends, where Jimmie Foster welcomes current and former Bengals into the lot. Themed menus align with opponents, while a cascading margarita tower and Bloody Mary bar ensure there’s something for every palate. Beneath the structure and celebratory fanfare lies a core commitment to community: over $20,000 raised for local charity programs and counting.

This isn’t show—it's substance. Jimmie, a cancer survivor and vocal advocate, uses Before the Roar to raise funds and awareness, especially during October’s breast cancer battles. Tailgate guests are invited to pin their hometown on a sprawling map mural—a symbolic gesture that reinforces their place in the Bengals family. When kickoff arrives, it’s hard not to feel the electricity of connection built over countless Sundays spent ahead of the roar. Bengal Jim’s lot isn’t just part of game day—it’s the heartbeat.

What makes Before the Roar stand out isn’t just the pageantry—it’s how seamlessly Bengal Jim weaves nostalgia, media, and service into one full-throttle experience. Tailgaters arrive as strangers and leave as friends, thanks to Jimmie’s instinct for hospitality and storytelling. The marquee setup with cameras, streams, and NFL guest appearances turns each lot tailgate into a small-scale production—and that's by design.

But the event isn’t all flash. Beneath the presentation is a wellspring of generosity. Bengal Jim’s personal journey as a survivor fuels his mission-driven tailgate; Before the Roar isn’t just about Bengals fandom—it’s a platform for real community impact. Donations from fans, proceeds from specialty menu items, and broadcast-based outreach funnel into local charities and patient-support programs.

These elements combine to create an experience that transcends what most folks imagine of a tailgate. By the time Paul Brown Stadium’s doors open, Before the Roar has already become an unofficial prelude—a place where fans share hopes, rally behind causes, and carry the Bengals spirit onto the field in more ways than one.

Get Latest News Updates

By Entering your email you're accepting our Terms & Conditions. And this is 100% privacy protected.

Copyright © 2025 – All Right Reserved

Get Latest News Updates

By Entering your email you're accepting our Terms & Conditions. And this is 100% privacy protected.

Copyright © 2025 – All Right Reserved

Get Latest News Updates

By Entering your email you're accepting our Terms & Conditions. And this is 100% privacy protected.

Copyright © 2025 – All Right Reserved