By Sharon Turco
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Loyal Bengal fans were rewarded Sunday with a fourth-quarter win, but it didn't change anyone's mind.

Those who already decided to give up their season tickets say they still will. And those who vowed allegiance to the team despite its 2-13 record will be back next year.

"They gave me hope today," said Mary Holterman, 46, of Finneytown. She was surprised, but happy, the Bengals beat the New Orleans Saints 20-13 for their only home win of the season.

Hundreds of people poured out of Paul Brown Stadium at halftime with the Bengals down 13-7.

"I'm going to stay loyal, no question" said Even Riley, 19, of Fort Wright. "I saw those people leave, and they missed out."

Those who left had their reasons.

"We don't even want to finish the game," said Matt Beiting, 45, of Fort Thomas, who brought his son, Jake, 13, to the game. "We're done."

They have season tickets, but next year they'll watch football on television, Jake Beiting said.

The cold and wind - it was 45 degrees but felt like 37 - also drove people home early.

"It's cold and we're hungry," said Nick Hundley, 14, of Norwood, despite being bundled up in a Bengals' jacket and hat.

"If we were winning we'd stay, but I've got a TV and a warm house to go back to," he said.

Paid attendance was 43,544, according to the Bengals. However, Chris Mattingly, 23, who sells merchandise outside the stadium, doesn't believe nearly that many came out.

"This is the smallest crowd I've seen," Mr. Mattingly said.

The paid attendance was 10,555 below the Bengals' season average of 54,099. The team has the third lowest average attendance in the NFL, with only San Diego and Arizona lower.

The stadium seats 65,535. Some people sought free tickets from disgruntled fans - and got them.

More than 200 Bengals teckt holders donated their tickets to disadvantaged children earlier this week.

Charlotte Walter, 18 and her brother, Jason, 15, of Burlington, also got lucky when a man handed them tickets 26 rows from the field.

"I thought we could get free tickets, but that didn't happen," said Keith Hepp, 38, of Maineville, who stood in line for $35 tickets with his son Andrew, 6. "But it's my son's first game and I didn't want to disappoint him.

"If I thought I would have had to put money in Mike Brown's pocket, we never would have come," Mr. Hepp said.

E-mail sturco@enquirer.com

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