Bengals And Reds Release Statement On Summer Doubleheader Packages

In years past, a somewhat adversarial relationship between the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals existed. It's not so much that the teams disliked each other, but rather that they competed for the city's attention and both team's management staffs didn't extend many olive branches to well, anyone, really.

The Bengals are continuing their Public Relations turnaround in a creative idea that was formed with the Reds management. The teams released a joint statement earlier today explaining what they're going to be offering this summer to Cincinnatians (credit to Joe Reedy of The Cincinnati Enquirer):

This August as the Reds continue their push towards the MLB postseason and the Bengals prepare for their 2012 campaign by hosting training camp at Paul Brown Stadium for the first time ever, the Cincinnati riverfront will become a summer destination spot for fans of both teams.

Fans can take in practice with the Bengals, enjoy all the great restaurants at The Banks entertainment district and the outdoor fun at the Smale Riverfront Park, park your car in the fully-open Banks Garage and root the Redlegs on towards a division title.

Fans can enjoy a Cincinnati sports doubleheader featuring a Reds home game and a Bengals practice in the same day:

Click the jump to see the specific games that this event will be taking place at.

If you're looking for something to do in the early-to-middle portions of the month of August, you may want to keep these dates circled on your calendar:

Thursday, August 2

• Reds vs. San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park (12:35 p.m.)

• Bengals Practice at Paul Brown Stadium (6 p.m.)

Saturday, August 4

• Bengals Intrasquad Scrimmage at Paul Brown Stadium (3 p.m.)

• Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park (7:10 p.m.)

Sunday, August 5

• Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park (1:10 p.m.)

• Bengals Black/White Mock Game at Paul Brown Stadium (6 p.m.)

Sunday, August 19

• Reds vs. Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park (1:10 p.m.)

• Bengals Practice at Paul Brown Stadium (4 p.m.)

If you're in for a full day of local sports, this should be music to your ears. It's also especially neat that two of the joint events revolve around a Reds-Pirates rivalry and two high-profile Bengals Training Camp events in the Intrasquad Scrimmage and Mock Game.

What's more, the teams have stayed true to their word that their respective events won't be conflicting with each other. This announcement comes just over a week after the team touted it's heavily-criticized "Pep Rally" event that they will be holding. Nevertheless, it's another step by the Bengals (and Reds) to do more to better their standing in the Cincinnati community.