By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer

Georgetown College is expecting larger crowds - and more revenue - this year from the Bengals' training camp.

The college, which signed a two-year contract extension with the Bengals last year, is especially pleased to be opening camp on a weekend - Saturday, July 31.

"It's been so long since we opened on a weekend," said Stacey Varney, director of the Thomas and King Leadership and Conference Center at the college. "It's crazier, but better. We just don't know what to expect during the week."

The conference center is headquarters for the Bengals during their monthlong stay at Georgetown, their eighth year at the college.

Besides opening day - the Bengals practice from 8:45-11:10 a.m. and again from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday - Varney said big crowds will be on hand for the intrasquad scrimmage and mock game (Aug. 6 and 7) and for the three Wednesday night practices.

Interest in the Bengals has increased after their 8-8 season in 2003, their first under coach Marvin Lewis. It was just the team's second non-losing season in the past 13 years. The team has not had a winning record since 1990, the last time it made the playoffs.

Varney has four areas available for groups, and those sales are up from last year, she said.

Lewis created the mock game last year. It is held on Saturday, and the scrimmage was moved to Friday night.

"It will be bigger this year, if that's possible," Varney said of the weekend.

On Wednesdays - Aug. 4, 11 and 18 - the Bengals practice from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Autograph sessions lasting 30 minutes will follow each of those night practices.

"We're going to be busy," Varney said.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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