More than 300 fans from the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as supporters from other U.S. states and abroad, converged on Madrid this week to celebrate the Cincinnati Bengals before their Sunday morning game against the Atlanta Falcons. The group, organized by a local travel club, turned the Spanish capital into a makeshift tailgate, complete with the team’s signature chants and camaraderie.
Fans bring Cincinnati energy to Spain
“It’s like a giant tailgate, the socialization, everybody wants to hang out with everybody,” said Bengals enthusiast Shawn Dedden, who traveled from Ohio to join the festivities. The crowd, dressed in orange and black, set up portable grills, music speakers, and banners emblazoned with the iconic “Who Dey” slogan, recreating the familiar atmosphere of Paycor Stadium on the streets of Madrid.
Superfan Jim Foster noted the surprising number of familiar faces he encountered while walking through the city. “We literally have people here, but we ran into people from Montgomery, Northern Kentucky, Crestview Hills, all over,” he said. “As I’m walking around right now in the middle of Madrid, I’m running into more Bengals fans.”
Community and travel combine
The travel group that organized the trip highlighted the event as a chance for fans to bond beyond the game itself. By gathering in a foreign city, supporters could share stories, meet fellow fans from different regions, and showcase the pride of Cincinnati’s football culture on an international stage.
Local businesses in Madrid welcomed the influx of American visitors, offering special menus and discounts to the enthusiastic crowd. In turn, the fans showed respect for the host city, keeping noise levels reasonable and cleaning up after themselves, reflecting the community‑first spirit that the HyperLocal Loop values.
Looking ahead to the game
While the tailgate in Madrid provides a festive backdrop, the Bengals remain focused on the upcoming contest against the Falcons. Coach Zac Taylor has emphasized the importance of staying disciplined on the field, and the traveling fans hope their enthusiasm will translate into on‑field success.
Regardless of the final score, the Madrid tailgate demonstrates how the “Who Dey” spirit can unite fans across continents, reinforcing the bonds of family, faith, and liberty that define the Cincinnati community.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
