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The Stadiums Guide

Great American Ball Park: Home of the Cincinnati Reds

posted on June 26th 2023 by James Brockbank // last updated on June 26th 2023

Nestled along the picturesque banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park stands as a testament to the city’s rich baseball history and serves as the proud home of the Cincinnati Reds.

As the first professional baseball franchise, the Reds have roots dating back to 1869 with their predecessors, the Red Stockings.

Today, fans can experience the excitement and tradition of America’s favorite pastime, while also enjoying the modern amenities that the stadium has to offer.

Since its inauguration in 2003, Great American Ball Park has been a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide an unforgettable experience for Reds fans of all ages.

With stunning views of the field and the surrounding cityscape, visitors can marvel at the unique architecture that pays homage to classic ballparks from the past. Notably, the stadium recently introduced the BetMGM Sportsbook, as of January 1, 2023, expanding its array of entertainment options for visitors to explore.

As a member of the National League Central Division, the Cincinnati Reds consistently face off against formidable opponents, such as the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Each game offers a thrilling spectacle for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike to enjoy.

Whether savoring traditional ballpark fare, participating in family-friendly activities, or simply basking in the ambiance of a classic American pastime, visitors can expect a memorable experience at Great American Ball Park: Home of the Cincinnati Reds.

Opening and Significant Events

Notable achievements, seating capacity and views, statues and displays, concessions, family entertainment, specialty nights and events, public transport options, parking facilities, tour options, great american ball park history.

Great American Ball Park, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, officially opened on March 31, 2003, as the home of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball’s first professional franchise.

The ballpark stands along the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, succeeding Riverfront Stadium, which had been the Reds’ home since 1970.

A notable feature at the main entrance plaza on Joe Nuxhall Way pays homage to the Reds’ former home, Crosley Field, which was their ballpark from 1912 to June 1970.

Here, statues of Crosley-era stars Nuxhall, Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski, and Frank Robinson are depicted playing.

• 2000 : The 30-year naming agreement with Great American Insurance Company was announced, giving the ballpark its name.
• 2003 : The ballpark hosted its first regular-season game on March 31, with the Reds defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• 2015 : Great American Ball Park was the host venue for the 86th MLB All-Star Game.
• Personal milestones : The ballpark has witnessed several major league milestones, such as Ken Griffey Jr.’s 500th and 600th home runs, as well as numerous individual achievements by Reds players and opponents alike.

Throughout its history, the Great American Ball Park has been an exciting venue for fans to watch their favorite team and enjoy the game.

Hand-in-hand with its rich past, the park remains an important part of Cincinnati’s sports history and culture.

Stadium Features

Great American Ball Park, located on the winding banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, is the home of the Cincinnati Reds.

The stadium provides a variety of seating options, catering to different budgets and preferences, while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that enhances the fan experience.

The unique design of the stadium offers breathtaking views of the riverfront, northern Kentucky landscape, and downtown Cincinnati.

Great American Ball Park pays tribute to the rich history of the Cincinnati Reds through various statues and displays.

One notable feature is the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the accomplishments of the team’s greatest players and moments in Reds history.

The park also boasts larger-than-life bronze statues of legendary Reds players, such as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez, commemorating their significant contributions to the team.

Game Day Experience

At Great American Ball Park, you’ll find a wide variety of concession stands and dining options to satisfy your hunger during Cincinnati Reds games.

From classic ballpark fare like hot dogs, nachos, and soft pretzels to more unique offerings such as local favorites like Skyline Chili, there’s something for everyone.

Here are a few notable options:

• Frisch’s Big Boy : Enjoy a classic Big Boy burger and fries.
• Porkopolis : Try a delicious smoked pulled pork sandwich.
• Mr. Red’s Smokehouse : Savor some tasty barbecue ribs, brisket, or chicken.

The Great American Ball Park offers numerous family-friendly activities and entertainment options.

Kids can enjoy the following:

• FanZone : This interactive area lets children practice their baseball skills with various games and activities.
• Reds Heads Kids Club : A membership club offering unique experiences, promotions, and activities for kids 12 and under.
• Mascot Races : Root for your favorite Reds mascot as they race around the field between innings.

Throughout the season, the Cincinnati Reds host a variety of specialty nights and events at Great American Ball Park to engage and entertain fans. Some examples include:

• Firework Fridays : Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show after the game on select Friday evenings.
• Themed Nights : Look out for special theme nights such as Star Wars Night, Bark in the Park, and Kids Opening Day.
• Bobblehead Giveaways : Arrive early on select game days to score a limited-edition Reds bobblehead.

These are just a few highlights of what you can expect during a game day at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds. Enjoy the baseball action and have a great time!

Transportation and Parking

Great American Ball Park, located at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way in downtown Cincinnati, is easily accessible by public transportation.

• Metro buses : Metro has numerous bus routes that can take you close to the ballpark. Visit the Metro website to plan your route and check schedules.
• Southbank Shuttle Trolley : This service runs between the ballpark and various nearby points of interest, including hotels, parking lots, and restaurants. Check the Southbank Shuttle Trolley website for fares and schedules.

Several parking options are available for those planning to drive to Great American Ball Park:

• Yellow Passes : Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter the Central Riverfront Garage on your right at Dock 1 prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.
• Blue Passes : Enter the East Garage on your right.
• Green Passes : Enter the Central Riverfront Garage on your right past Joe Nuxhall Way.
• Pre-booking parking : To find and book parking near the ballpark, consider using online parking reservation platforms like ParkWhiz or SpotHero .

For the most up-to-date information, it’s a good idea to check the official Cincinnati Reds website for parking updates before heading to the ballpark.

Stadium Tours

Great American Ball Park, the home of the Cincinnati Reds, offers behind-the-scenes ballpark tours for baseball fans and tourists alike.

Stops during the tour include:

• Crosley Terrace
• The Handlebar presented by Hard Rock Casino
• Bally Sports Club
• Scouts Club presented by Belterra Park
• Lexus Diamond Club
• Warning Track
• Visitor and Home Dugouts

The prices for ballpark tours may vary, so it’s best to check their official website for up-to-date pricing information.

To book a tour of the Great American Ball Park, simply visit their website or check for available tour dates. It is advised to book early, as tours might fill quickly. Keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming tour opportunities and make sure you don’t miss out on this unique experience at the home of the Cincinnati Reds.

James Brockbank

James is a big time NBA Golden State follower, who makes sure to catch games when he's in the area. He likes to follow International Soccer, with an interest in small town soccer club, Blackburn Rovers located in the North on the UK.

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ATTAINABLE ADVENTURES FOR EVERY SEASON OF LIFE

Cincinnati Reds Ballpark Tour at Great American Ballpark

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My family recently went on the Scotts Ballpark Tour at Great American Ballpark.

I have a sports family and even though I’m not as much of a die hard sports fan, I was interested in seeing the behind the scenes aspect of the Reds Ballpark.

The tour starts at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame which is located next to the ballpark.  Our tour guide first showed us the “Rose” garden that is technically located outside of the ballpark. The white rose in the middle is the exact spot at the old Riverfront Stadium where the ball landed when Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb’s career record for hits.

The tour takes you from the main level followed by a view from the top.

You can really appreciate how nice the ballpark and it’s surroundings are from this vantage point.

Below is the whiffle ball field that my kids love to play on when we go to a game.

After learning about the stadium and the field, we toured the Riverfront Club. This room has great views of the ballpark and the city and can be rented out for special occasions.

It also has a special dining area with great views of the game.  You can dine here with any ticket for that day’s game.  With an inexpensive ticket, you could be upgrading your view of the game with a great meal!

*** Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance.

Field View (first seating):  Guest are asked to vacate their table by the end of the National Anthem

Field View (second seating):  Guest may stay for duration of game.

The FOX Sports Ohio Champions Club is also another area that can double as a venue for special occasions.

Ticket holders for this area have great views and can eat from two different areas within the club.

During the tour, you get a new vantage point for Crosley Terrace, that is the main entrance into the ballpark.

Our tour took us to the press box next. It was great to see the vantage point that the media get during the games.

Our next stop was the Diamond Club that is for more high end dining and also might give you the opportunity to watch the players come out on the field.

This window toward the back of the dining area gives patrons the chance to watch the players walk by on their way to the dugout. This is also a way to view a mural of a certain player that you won’t find displayed anywhere else in the ballpark.

Do you see which player is on there twice?

My favorite part of the tour was getting to step on the warning track and going into the dugout.

What kid wouldn’t love to dream of gracing this field one day?

It was great to take it all in and picture the players in these spaces.

You will encounter many photo opps on the tour so bring your camera or smart phone.

Insert irony below.

A ballpark tour is a great memory to make with family or friends. Even if you aren’t an avid sports fan, you can appreciate the tour.

Prices for the Ballpark Tour also include admission to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum. You can read more about the museum here . I feel like this is a really good value because the museum has sooooo much to see and do as well and the tour is only a little more than the admission for the museum.

Disclosure: I was given complimentary admission for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Overnight Adventure at Morgan’s Canoe in Brookville, Indiana

Children’s museum of pittsburgh, 5 thoughts on “cincinnati reds ballpark tour at great american ballpark”.

Great review and photos! I did this tour in 2012 and it was one of the coolest attractions I had ever experienced (Cincinnati or elsewhere). I’d highly recommend it to anyone – well worth the price!

Batter up! It’s baseball season and a great way to enjoy some family fun is at a Cincinnati Reds game.

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Step Inside: Great American Ball Park – Home of the Cincinnati Reds

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Home of the Cincinnati Reds

Great American Ball Park is a fitting name for one of MLB’s oldest franchises. It is the home of the Cincinnati Reds and offers fans a great home field experience in one of the most historical cities in baseball. Embracing the legacy of the world’s first all-professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the downtown riverfront stadium features thoughtful designs and unique attractions honoring The Queen City’s place in baseball history – all while celebrating the Reds’ sustained success in Major League Baseball .

What Events are Coming Up at Great American Ball Park?

See upcoming events and buy tickets for Great American Ball Park via Ticketmaster.

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Great American Ball Park History

Great American Ball Park opened in 2003, marking the beginning of a new era for Cincinnati’s downtown riverfront district. Great American Insurance Co. owns the naming rights to the stadium through 2033. Although the Reds and the NFL ’s Cincinnati Bengals had previously shared the multipurpose Riverfront Stadium for decades, the construction of individual stadiums in the late ’90s gave way to the massive sports complex that now dazzles on the city’s Ohio River border.

It’s hard to miss the history behind Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park, as it has numerous nods to its host city’s early influence on professional baseball. Guests are first greeted at the main entrance by The Spirit of Baseball, a 50-foot tall bas-relief sculpture which artfully blends the game’s fundamental elements with some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Inside, two mosaics commemorate the 1869 “First Nine” team that launched the first professional baseball franchise and “The Great Eight,” the two-time Reds championship squad from the 1970s, otherwise known as the Big Red Machine.

The intimate connection between Cincinnatians and America’s pastime continues with The Gap, or Gapper’s Alley, an opening on the outfield concourse which provides field views from the park’s exterior as well as downtown sights from inside. Meanwhile, two massive Power Stacks in right center field bring memories of the riverfront city’s iconic steamboats ashore, though these smokestacks give off a bit more firepower: a 2012 renovation rigged the fixtures to blow fire when the home team strikes out an opposing batter and shoot fireworks for every Reds home run and team win.

Although Great American Ball Park is steeped in history, the stadium also offers plenty of cutting-edge amenities. Following a 2020 renovation, Great American Ball Park became the first MLB venue to integrate every video board with display high dynamic range (HDR) content. It has also become an entertainment destination all its own, hosting headlining performances by Paul McCartney , P!NK , Luke Bryan and more.

Parking and Admission at Great American Ball Park

Parking at Great American Ball Park can be found on the east and west sides of the stadium with single game passes available in advance via the team’s website . Day-of parking can also be purchased on-site by credit card only on the eastern side of Central Riverfront Garage ($25), the western side of Central Riverfront Garage ($21), the East Garage ($15), the Broadway Avenue Lot ($25) or Lot E ($15). Parking lots at Great American Ball Park open five hours before the game and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Ahead of entry, be aware that Great American Ball Park policy prohibits bags larger than 16” x 16” x 8” and backpacks, with the exception of those specifically designed for medical or infant care, as well as children’s Reds Heads bags provided in 2020 or later. Additional restricted items include noisemakers such as cowbells, air horns and whistles, hard-shell coolers, bodysuits and firearms or weapons of any kind.

Great American Ball Park rules for carry-in items allow outside food, food bags, soft-sided coolers and drinks that are non-alcoholic and sealed in clear plastic bottles. Small purses, cameras and video equipment smaller than 16″ x 16″ x 8″ are permitted. Fans are invited to bring banners that fit the same size requirement, but must not impede the vision of players or fellow guests and are subject for removal at the team’s discretion.

Great American Ball Park Capacity & Seating Options

With its 43,500-seat capacity, Great American Ball Park features a variety of seating options between its terraces, VIP and Club Seats and premium boxes. Fans can stay close to the action with Diamond and Scout Seats behind home plate, while the Dugout and Infield Boxes sit in-line with first and third base. Elsewhere, take in everything Cincinnati has to offer with views of the field, downtown skyline and the adjacent Ohio River with tickets to the Sun/Moon Deck, Mezzanine or View Level.

What are the best seats at Great American Ball Park?

The best seats at Great American Ball Park vary depending on the event and personal preferences. Check out Great American Ball Park seating charts and find your favorite seat today.

Food & Beverage Options at Great American Ball Park

The dining options at Great American Ball Park cover the best of Cincinnati’s culinary bites, from the cheese coney at Skyline Chili to the mouth-watering ribs from Montgomery Inn. Grab a burger at Frisch’s Big Boy or slice from LaRosa’s Pizza, but be sure to leave room for dessert at the Cincy staple Graeter’s Ice Cream.

Meanwhile, fans can pick from an assortment of local beers at the Brewery District or cheers at the historic Moerlein Lager House’s ballpark location. Guests can also find a number of Cincy’s finest brews on tap at Taft’s Ale House and 50 West Brewing, along with signature drinks at Bootleggers Bar and BLOX Frozen Cocktails.

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