Dayton to host first Cincinnati Bengals training camp practice

The Cincinnati Bengals are coming back to Dayton this summer.

They will begin training camp July 27 in the Gem City at Welcome Stadium.

The practice, which will be open to the public, is part of the NFL’s celebration of its 100th season.

It will also be the first training camp practice under the direction of new head coach Zac Taylor, who was hired to replace Marvin Lewis in January.

»RELATED: 7 things to know about Zac Taylor

In 2019, the league is honoring its 13 "original towns," including Dayton, the home of the first game between two teams in the league that would become the NFL.

“There have always been great Bengals fans in the Dayton area,” Bengals executive vice president Katie Blackburn said in a statement. “The Bengals are excited to get back to Dayton for a special practice opening the Zac Taylor era, kicking off the 2019 season and recognizing the history of the NFL and the first game played in Dayton at Triangle Park.”

>>PHOTOS: Dayton's Triangle Park | 7 area connections to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Admission to the practice will be free with goes to open at 1:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes before players and coaches will start taking the field.

Practice will begin at 2:30 and last about an hour, at which time there will be an autograph session.

Parking is available around the stadium for $5, and the concession stands will be open, with Bengals merchandise and tickets also available for purchase.

On October 3, 1920, the Dayton Triangles beat the Columbus Panhandles 14-0 in the first game of the American Professional Football Association which later became the NFL.

>>READ MORE: The story behind the first NFL football game

The Bengals have practiced in the Dayton area multiple times previously, most recently in 2016 when they held a training camp practice in West Carrollton.

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