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Cincinnati fans celebrate one tough 'Run through the Jungle'
Over 66,000 fans pack Paul Brown Stadium to witness first win of season
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
CINCINNATI — For the first time in several seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals didn't rev up their fans at Paul Brown Stadium by blasting the Guns N' Roses classic "Welcome to the Jungle" over the speakers. Instead, Creedence Clearwater Revival provided a smoother groove with "Run Through the Jungle."
The Bengals hope that isn't the only change this season.
Extras
Fans showed they are optimistic by packing the stadium for the Bengals' 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens on the season-opening broadcast of Monday Night Football. They expect that last season's 8-8 finish wasn't a permanent step back after the team made its first playoff appearance of the millennium two seasons ago.
The excitement of an ESPN broadcast and anticipation of the season's beginning led 66,093 people to the game, making Monday's crowd the second largest in the stadium's eight-year history. They came in Bengals-painted cars, buses, and trucks to circle the Ravens in orange and noise.
"I like Opening Day (for the Cincinnati Reds) every year, but this is different," said Tom Sanders, 34, of Fairfield, as he entered the gate. "Maybe because the game is at night, we've been working toward it the whole day."
The excitement peaked at 10 p.m., when running back Rudi Johnson entered the left side of the end zone for a two-point conversion and a seven-point lead. They chanted "Who Dey" with breath saved for months.
