Ickey Woods leaps for a pass in the Bengals alumni game at Paul Brown Stadium Thursday night. (AP photos) | ZOOM |

        Toilets flushed, beer taps flowed and fans cheered.

        Paul Brown Stadium hosted its first football game Thursday, albeit flag football with former Bengals players.

        The night was intended as a trial run for staff working and fans entering the new, $453.2 million facility. Many fans came in wrong gates and walked considerable dis tances to find their seats, but most were happy once they sat down.

        Ron Boyle, 36, of Amelia, had to walk from Fifth Street to the new stadium — a considerable distance for a guy on crutches — then added to the trek when he went in the wrong gate.

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        Mr. Boyle was a season ticket holder six years ago, and decided to reinvest because of the new stadium.

        “It was a haul to get here,” said Mr. Boyle, who came with his brother Kevin and plunked down nearly $2,000 for the right to buy four season tickets. “But we'll get it figured out. That's why we came tonight.”

        Most of the fans at the stadium Thursday paid thousands of dollars for “charter ownership agreements,” which gave them the right to spend more money on season tickets.

Anthony Munoz signs autographs. | ZOOM |

        Spending that money made Dave Benning's view from the goal line a little less attractive. The 63-year-old Cleves man was at the 30-yard line at Cinergy Field.

        “I was just hoping to be in the area I was in,” Mr. Benning said. “My seats are not what I paid for.”

        The night was also a learning experience for vendors. Charles Posey, 50, of Blue Ash said the new stadium is beautiful but a lot bigger than Cinergy. That's tough when you're hauling around a cooler with ice and beer.

        Mr. Posey has been a vendor for 11 years.

        “I think the sales will be fine here,” he said. “But at my age, I try not to walk too far.”

        John Banchy, general manager of the company running the concessions, said 32 of the stadiums' 52 concession stands were open, and 90 of the 175 vendors were on hand. Saturday, when the Bears play the real Bengals, there will be more than enough help manning the beer taps, he said.

        “We're bringing in an extra bus of help from Indianapolis,” Mr. Banchy said. “We want to make a good first impression.”

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