Sentimentality also made a visit to the Bengals' opener.

        The Massillon High School Swing Band, a 160-member strong marching band from northeastern Ohio, performed pre-game and halftime shows. The band is the pride of the high school where Bengals founder and NFL legend Paul Brown coached from 1932-1940.

        “We get asked to appear every year, but being the first band to perform is very special for the kids,” said Bunny Weltlich of Massillon, whose daughter plays baritone in the band.

        Massillon High's football stadium — like the Bengals' new facility — is named for Paul Brown. He grew up in the football-crazed town.

        “We're glad to carry on the Paul Brown tradition,” added Janice Weston, whose son also plays baritone.
Parking? Ouch!
               Parking downtown was at a premium Saturday, with garages that normally charge $3 on Saturday afternoon upping their fee to as much as $15 a space.

        At the Enquirer building at Third and Elm, Imperial Parking was charging $15 during the game. Around the corner on Fourth Street, Tower Place Parking was charging $10. At Bartlett Garage, the fee was $15.
Finan: Not a dump
               Ohio Senate President Richard Finan inspected the stadium's exterior two hours before kickoff ... and liked what he saw.

        “So far, I think we've got a good bang for our bucks,” said the Evendale Republican, who helped pry loose state dollars for the stadium.

        He seemed especially impressed with the extensive landscaping around the stadium.

        “If we had spent $100 million less and got a dumpy-looking place, people wouldn't be happy,” he said.

        The new stadium also should be a magnet for new bars, restaurants and small businesses, he predicted. “Now if we can just win a few games.”
Memories for sale
               The souvenir price list: Bengals jersey, $45. T-shirts, $14 to $18. Jacket, $50. Pennant, $2. Sweatshirt, $30. Hats, $10 to $20. Oh, and $5 for a foam Bengal paw.

Photo gallery
Tell us what you think about the new stadium. See what others are saying.

Grand opening for Paul Brown Stadium Bengals 24, Bears 20 Warrick promises more leaps into crowd Warrick familiar with reverse Bengals finally capitalize in red zone Players: Opening night 'electrifying' Bears-Bengals Stats Stadium chow gets standing ovation SULLIVAN: Bengals give fans hope DAUGHERTY: The Man focuses on The Game BRONSON: Thank you, Mike Brown List of 'firsts' at Paul Brown Stadium Opening Game Notebook

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