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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

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Great American Ballpark Tour - Great American Ball Park

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Great American Ballpark Tour

Took a ballpark tour with my kids on a sunny afternoon. The cost is $17 for adults and $15 for kids age 5 and older (4 and under are free). The price includes the tour and admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Having been to several ballparks, the Reds Hall of Fame is top notch and would interest any baseball fan. There are several interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy including a chance to pitch from a simulated mound. The tour covers the major areas including the press box, diamond club, and the Reds dugout. It was very cool to look out on the field from that vantage point. The tour guide and his assistant were more than willing to take pictures. Along the way, learned several interesting facts including a win in their first game 108 - 8 (there were no run rules back then). For both the tour and Hall of Fame admission, this is a good deal. Note - there are no tours on day game days so make sure to check the schedule. A ballpark tour in the morning, lunch at the Banks (Moerlein Lager House), and a game at night would be a great combo package. Go Reds!

Love this stadium. It has great seating and great views all the way around. Great way to spend the day with family and/or friends.

This stadium definitely lives up to its name: Great American. While I'm a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan, I certainly do appreciate the atmosphere of Great American Ball Park. The seating is such that there's not really a bad location, and the view (even from the top) is incredible, as the stadium is situated so closely to the Ohio River that you look out onto the water (almost feels like you're ON the water). Vendors are great, and there are lots of great restaurants and pubs in walking distance to the stadium, should you want to go out before/after the game. The only reason I don't give this park an "excellent" rating is because my heart belongs in Cleveland. ;)

We were on a tour of ballparks starting in Cleveland, over to Pittsburgh then down to Cincy. GABP is a pretty good park from a functional standpoint. Sight lines, food (Cincy chili), restrooms--all that was good. But having visited Cleveland and Pittsburgh the previous 3 days, it doesn't compare well to those two, especially Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh's park is ranked top 5 by every review I've read. Most folks like an exterior that harkens back to the old time ballpark era, and GABP does not have that feel. I like the steamboat theme in the outfield since that is a big part of Cincinnati heritage. I don't get why the steamboat smokestacks are not on the steamboat itself, that makes no sense. And then flames come out when the Reds do something like hit a home run--kind of strange. Fireworks out the stacks seem more logical. Bottom line, it's a decent park but I think they missed an opportunity to build something with a true old time baseball feel. Especially since the Reds (Red Stockings) are the oldest team still in the Major Leagues.

Very nice park with lots of stuff going on inside beside the game. Good use of mascots in the decor. Good food and the area around the park is nicely developed.

Great America Ballpark is one the has to be experienced. Beautiful views, great sight lines are just the beginning. The folks that designed this really had the fans in mind. Restrooms are easy to find and plentiful enough that there isn't too much waiting. Concessions are what you have come to expect at a big-league park. We will definitely come back when in town. I really wanted to give Great America Ballpark five stars but just could not based on parking. I think these guys could screw-up a two car funeral...I mean parking to the uninitiated is really a mess. From Dayton to the ballpark exit in 45 minutes...another 30 minutes to get parked. The Reds really need to get the word out to their ticket holders some easy instructions to get to parking (and staff the the lots appropriately.)

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Great American Ball Park Tours

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Description

Great American Ball Park Tours offer visitors a chance to sit in a Major League dugout, walk on the warning track directly behind home plate and visit the expansive Great American Ball Park Press Box. Tour stops also include the ballpark's unique Club spaces including the Mercedes-Benz Diamond Club, FOX Sports Club and the Handlebar at the Riverfront Club presented by JACK Casino. Throughout the tour, our guides share a wealth of information not only on the ball park but Reds history as well. Each tour ticket also includes same day admission to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, the largest team Hall of Fame in all of Major League Baseball!

* Tours are NOT available on daytime Game Days

Prices: Adult: $20 Student/Child/Senior (60+): $17 Military/Veteran: $17 Children 4 and younger: Free

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

March 3, 2024 3:34 pm local time

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

• Exclusively Cincinnati
• Group Rates
• Kid Friendly
• Wheelchair Accessible
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Great American Ball Park | Cincinnati Reds

Great American Ball Park

Jump To:   Ballpark Info |  Must Do |  Best   Seats | Ballpark Food | Parking & Transportation | Surrounding Area  |  Submit a Tip

Quick Facts About Great American Ball Park

Year opened.

Cincinnati Reds (1881)

Team Colors

Red, Black, White

Upcoming Homestands at Great American Ball Park

Show past events

August 2024

September 2024, october 2024, november 2024, december 2024, january 2025, february 2025.

Trying to visit multiple ballparks in one trip? Use our sortable home stand schedule to see when each team is playing at their home park.

Great American Ball Park | Ballpark Info

Accommodations for disabilities.

Parking: Accessible parking spaces can be found in the Central Riverfront Garage for $20 and the East Garage for $12. To guarantee a space, you may wish to reserve one ahead of time on the Cincinnati Reds website here . If you are being dropped off at the ballpark, the designated zone is west of the ballpark, on Joe Nuxhall Way, between Freedom Way and Mehring Way. Your car must have a visible accessible plate or mirror placard.

Gates: All gates are accessible, so feel free to enter wherever makes the most sense for your seat. Most days, the gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch. But for games that start at 6:40pm in April, May, or September, Monday through Thursday, the gates will only open 1 hour ahead of the game.

Elevator: You can find elevators in the follow locations of the Great American Ball Park:

• Section 101
• Section 110
• Section 121
• Section 127
• Section 135

Restrooms: All restrooms at the Great American Ball Park have accessible stalls. You can also find Family and companion restrooms in sections 101, 109. 120, 127, 136, 413, and 437.

Seating: Accessible seating is available throughout most of the entire park, with the exception of the 500 level, the 400 level in left field, which require steps to reach. We recommend reaching out to the Cincinnati Reds ticket office to get your tickets and any companion seating you may need. Call them at 513-765-7400.

Wheelchair Service: Find any GABP staff member to request wheelchair service, or let the security staff know as you make your way into the park. You can also visit a Guest Services booth in section 119 or 420 to request assistance. Wheelchairs are available only for escorts to and from your seat.

If you prefer cash for walking vendors, you can find ATMs in the following areas:

• Near the Lexus Diamond Club on Field Level
• Near sections 113, 120, 127, & 134 on the Terrace Level
• Inside Buffalo Wings and Rings on the Suite Level
• Near sections 412 and 428 of the View Level

Backpacks are not allowed unless they are the single compartment drawstring kind. You can bring in soft-sided bags and coolers as long as they meet the MLB requirements of a maximum size of 16″ x 16″ x 8″.

Batting Practice

You can watch batting practice at the Great American Ball Park. For most games, gates open 90 minutes prior to first pitch. Reds BP starts 2 hours before each game, so you’re likely to miss them, but can watch the visitors. During the months of April, May and September, games Monday – Thursday that start at 6:40 will have gates open only an hour before first pitch. There should only be a few of these games.

Bring Your Own Food

You can bring outside food into Great American Ball Park as long as it is individually portioned and wrapped. Both soft drinks and water are allowed as long as they are in sealed plastic bottles.

Charging Stations

Low on phone juice? You can find charging stations at the following locations:

• Section 109
• Section 137
• PNC Diamond Club
• Section 312

Guest Services

If you have any issues or questions while at the ballpark, please utilize Guest Services. Each MLB team has this department, and they are solely focused on making sure each fan has a safe and memorable time at the ballpark.

You can visit the Guest Services desks in sections 119 and 420.

If you need help from security while in the ballpark, you can text “REDS”, your location, and a brief description of your issue to 69050. The security team should reply and dispatch help to your area.

For most games, all gates will open 90 minutes before first pitch. For games starting at 6:40pm Monday through Thursday in the months of April, May, and September, the gates will only open 1 hour before the start of the game. If you’re lucky enough to attend Opening Day, gates usually open a full 2 hours before game time.

The Reds run promotions and giveaways throughout the season. See if your game is included here .

Family Sundays : The Reds run promotions for kids and families each Sunday home game. Kids are sometimes permitted to run the bases after the game. For more information about your specific game, check here .

Radio Broadcast

If you prefer to listen to the radio broadcast of the game from inside the park, tune to WLW 700 AM or WKFS 94.5 FM.

Restrooms are located throughout the entire park, so you’ll never be far from one. You can find them in the following locations:

Women’s restrooms: Sections 101, 106, 108, 115, 117, 128, 134, 141, 403, 410, 415, 417, 423, 427, & 433.

Men’s restrooms: Sections 104, 109, 114, 116, 126, 136, 142, 404, 412, 417, 419, 425, 429, & 435.

Family and companion restrooms: Sections 101, 109, 120, 127, 136, 413, & 437.

Retired Numbers

The Reds are the oldest franchise in history, and have retired the numbers of 10 of their players. You can find the numbers on the facade at the base of the press box. They are:

• # 1 – Fred Hutchinson (1965)
• #5 – Johnny Bench (1984)
• # 8 – Joe Morgan (1984)
• # 10 – Sparky Anderson (2005)
• #11 – Barry Larkin (2012)
• #13 – David Concepcion (2007)
• #14 – Pete Rose (2016)
• #18 – Ted Kluszewski (1998)
• #20 – Frank Robinson (1998)
• #24 – Tony Perez (2000)
• #42 – Jackie Robinson (Retired through all of MLB in 1997)

There is no official policy towards tailgating. We’ve heard reports that it is allowed and also not allowed.

As mentioned above, the Reds are the oldest club in history, so there is a lot to cover. You have several different options and price points for touring Great American Ball Park. All tours include access to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, which as you’ll read below in the must do section , is well worth the cost!

Public Tours: Public tours are for the everyman and include stops in Crosley Terrace, the Moon Deck, the Field (warning track only), visitor bullpen and both dugouts. Tours run year round, but only on Saturdays and Sundays during the off season. The cost is $22 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $10 for kids 5-12 and military. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Reds website .

Major League Clubhouse Tours: This 2 hour VIP tour hits the stops listed in the public tour, as well as the press box, batting tunnels, media room, and both the home and visitor clubhouses. These tours only run on Saturdays from October through March. The cost is $34 for adults, $30 for seniors and students, $28 for military, and $20 for kids aged 5-12. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Reds website .

Premier Ballpark Experience: This is really cool, and also very expensive. If you have a group of 2-10 people, you can get a private tour of Great American Ball Park, which includes stops in the scoreboard operations room, right field, and the Reds bullpen (they’ll let you throw some pitches!). You’ll also get an hour long guided tour of the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and early access to watch the Reds take batting practice from the Right Field Sun/Moon Deck. The cost is steep at $150 a person, but includes a Field Level Box seat for the game. If you already purchased a ticket to the game, the Reds will work with you on the price. You’ll need to make reservations at least 3 days in advance by calling the box office at 513-765-7923.

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Great American Ball Park| Must Do

Check out riverfront’s home plate & rose garden.

If you ever visited Riverfront Stadium, it may be nostalgic to find home plate. In the bottom level of the Central Riverfront garage, walk approximately 13 steps to your left. You’ll see a bronze marker for where home plate sat. If you care to, you can also find the markers for the field goals, since Riverfront was a multi-purpose stadium where the Bengals also played football.

In between GABP and the Red’s Hall of Fame is a rose garden meant to symbolize Pete Rose’s 4,192nd hit. The rose garden is in the approximate location of where the ball landed on Riverfront Stadium’s field.

Visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

We’ve mentioned it before, the Reds are the oldest team in existence. That means there is a lot of history to cover, so you’ll want to leave yourself plenty of time to peruse their museum. Unlike museum exhibits at other parks, the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum requires a separate ticket, which costs $12 for adults and $8 for seniors. Kids under 12 and military are free. Also unlike other parks, this museum is huge — 16,000 square feet to be exact. There are two floors to explore, full of items like jerseys, bronze statues of the Great Eight (from the Big Red Machine), and artifacts from the team’s start in the 1800s. The museum also includes models and artifacts from the Reds’ former parks. If you’re a baseball card collector, you’ll be in heaven as you peruse the George and Kim Vincent Baseball Archive, which includes pull out display cases, and a 1911 set of Turkey Red. The Reds’ Hall of Fame and several World Series Trophies are also on display.

This place is an absolute must see. Don’t forget that all tour purchases come with access to the Hall of Fame & Museum. You can get a tour of the park and access to the museum for $22 total, and you won’t regret it. Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Purchase tickets here .

Check out the Reds Legends of Crosley Field, The Big Red Machine, and the Hit King’s Statues

Try to approach the park from on Second St, and walk towards the main entrance of the park. As you walk up, you’ll see three bronze statues lining Joe Nuxhall way. From left to right, you’ll find Joe Morgan running between bases, Pete Rose making a headfirst slide into a base, and Tony Perez in the follow-through of his 1975 World Series Game 7 home run. When standing directly in front of the Perez statue, turn around and look towards the top of the apartment building across the street. Mounted on the roof, you’ll see the baseball Perez swatted.

As you walk up to the main entrance of Great American Ball Park, you’ll find a group of sculptures depicting four famous reds from the Crosley Field era. The scene is of Joe Nuxhall pitching to a batting Frank Robinson. Ernie Lombardi is behind the plate while Ted Kluszewski stands ready in the on-deck circle. The Reds held a fan vote to determine the 4 Reds who best represented the team during the Crosley Field era.

Instead of heading into the ballpark at the main gate, take a right and walk towards the next entrance. Just a few steps from the main entrance to the Hall of Fame (in the breezeway), you’ll find a statue of Johnny Bench throwing out a runner trying to steal a base.

Enjoy the Artwork

Outside of the main gate is a huge 50′ x 20′ limestone mural depicting Cincinnati’s history with baseball. Just inside the gate, there are two large Italian tile mosaics of the Great Eight and the 1869 Red Stockings. The Great Eight was the core of the Big Red Machine, which won back to back World Series Championships in 1975 and 76. The 1869 Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team in existence.

Keep an Eye on the Riverboat Stacks

From the upper deck, you can see the Ohio River over the outfield. This is a major difference from the Reds former ballpark Riverfront Stadium, which offered exactly 0 views of the river. The Reds really took advantage of the view and ran with the river theme. In right center, you’ll see two “smoke stacks” to the right of a riverboat themed party area. You can rent out the entire section if you have 180 people. The power stacks are the home run feature at GABP. They release a blast of fire into the air when a Red hits a home run, or throws a strike out. If you’re sitting near them in the outfield, you can really feel the heat that comes off of them!

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Great American Ball Park | Transportation and Parking

Great American Ball Park is located along the north bank of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. This makes for great shopping and eating around the ballpark, as well as a great view from inside. However, as with any downtown ballpark, this can present traffic headaches. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get to the ballgame. Something unique about GABP is that you’re just minutes away from Kentucky, which really opens up your parking options. Check out the surrounding bars and restaurants . These can be great places to kill time before or after the ballgame.

Official Great American Ball Park Lots

There are several official lots to choose from, but three main garages. The Reds sell pre-paid parking passes by color: yellow, blue and green. Yellow passes get access to the Central Riverfront Garage, which is closest to the ballpark. You should also park here if you want to see the home plate marker from Riverfront Stadium. Blue passes get you into the East Garage, which is a bit of a further walk, but will probably be less expensive. Green passes access the Central Riverfront Garage West, which is also very close to the park. The pricing in these garages can range from $5 – $20+ depending on the day of the week and opponent. Check your parking pass options when you purchase your tickets. If the price is reasonable, go ahead and snag a pass ahead of time just to avoid the headache of finding a place to park. If the price makes you uneasy, know that you can find cheaper and even free parking a short walk from the park.

Off-Site / Free Parking Options Near Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball Park is in very close proximity to Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati Bengals) and Heritage Bank Center (Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL), so there will be plenty of off-site parking options available. You’ll find lots and garages near the ballpark. Your best option for off-site parking is probably actually to park in Newport or Covington Kentucky for very cheap, then walk across the bridge into Cincinnati. Head to Covington and make a lap around the neighborhood. It should be easy to find street parking there. Just be sure to check signage before you leave your car. In Newport, you’ll find several $5-$10 surface lot or garage parking options as well.

The Southgate Shuttle is run by the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, but will venture into Cincinnati. The shuttle has multiple stops in both Covington and Newport, and stops near the ballpark as well. For $1 fare, you’ll be at the ballpark in no time.

Public Transportation

In addition to the Southgate Shuttle mentioned above, you can also take the streetcar. If you plan on staying downtown, the Cincinnati Bell Connector could be your best bet. You can get a day pass for $2, and it stops at Second and Joe Nuxhall Way, just outside of the main entrance to the ballpark.

Don’t forget to ask your hotel if they have a shuttle service that runs to GABP!

Uber & Lyft

There’s no official rideshare drop off location at the ballpark. If you want to use Uber or Lyft, your best bet may be to walk a block or two away from the park after the game before calling your driver.

If you’re new to Uber, you can use this link to get a discount on your first few rides.

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Great American Ball Park | Best Seats

Best seats for game views.

Great American Ball Park has great site lines from almost everywhere in the park. If you want to see the river and skyline, you’ll need to move up to the highest level (500). If you can manage to get in a section relatively close to behind home plate, you’ll still be close to the action. For example, in 523, you’ll get great views of the field, the water (maybe even a ferry!), and the entire park. The 400 level offers great views of the field, with a few glimpses of water. If you choose the 200 level, you’ll be close to the action but will miss out on the scenery.

Best Seats for Value

If you have the confidence to try and move down to a lower section after a few innings, your best ticket will be the Fioptics District Patio. The Patio is way up high in left field, and is more of a social area. But it’s $15, and comes with a $9 food and beverage voucher. If you are one who likes to stroll around the park and doesn’t pay much attention to the game, this is a great way to do it.

Where not to Sit

There aren’t any horrifically obstructed views in this park, so just be mindful of the obvious things like foul poles. Also keep in mind that the main scoreboard is in Left Field. Sitting way up high and deep in the corner of left field (section 510) can be cheap, but a little awkwardly positioned on the field. You’ll be turning your neck towards home all game.

Best Seats for Shade

The 1B side of the park is going to get shade first. Keep in mind that the sun won’t actually set during a Cincinnati summer until around 9:00pm. During day games, the sun will be especially brutal. The shade will start to creep in along the 1B foul pole, so seats in that vicinity would be a good bet. Even though you’ll be further from the action, the seats in the back rows of the 500 level will get shade from the overhang. You’ll definitely want to avoid seats in the outfield or on the 3B side for day games.

Best Seats for Foul Balls

Trying to take home a souvenir from Great American Ball Park? According to foulballz.com , your best chances will be along hte 1B side in sections 127-131, and 116-119 on the 3B line.

Great American Ball Park | Ballpark Food

If you are a fan of beer (who isn’t?) you must stop by the Reds Brewery District. If you are a fan of IPAs, give the Mad Tree Rounding Third Red IPA a try. If you don’t like IPAs, don’t worry, this 85-foot bar has 60 taps, including 23 craft beers. Find it near section 118.

The Must Have: Skyline Chili

You haven’t really visited Cincinnati unless you’ve had Skyline Chili. Some will recommend that you get the true experience outside of the ballpark, and that the markup on a coney inside the park is about 4x. Just make sure you get one from somewhere, inside out outside of the park! Find Skyline in sections 103, 116, 130, 518, and 533.

Something Special: Mr. Red’s Smokehouse

In the right field corner, you’ll find Mr. Red’s Smokehouse. For each series, they will theme a special meal after the visiting team. Great food and food puns? We’re all in.

The Challenge: FryBox

FryBox offers boxes of french fries topped with just about anything you can imagine. Think of them as nachos with fries instead of chips. For example, some of their offerings include buffalo fries, pulled pork fries, goetta gravy fries, and even smore’s fries. These things are huge and big enough to feed 2 or more people. Find them in 137, 112, and 434.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options at Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball Park has several meatless options like cheese pizza, nachos, popcorn and kettle corn. The vegan options leave a lot to be desired though. You can find veggie dogs in sections 118, 516, and 525. You can also find hummus from the Grab ‘n Go Markets in sections 127 and 427.

Great American Ball Park | Surrounding Area

Moerlein lager house.

Gigantic restaurant, bar, and microbrewery right next to the ballpark.

O'Malley’s In the Alley

The second oldest bar in Cincinnati, and a local favorite.

Taste of Belgium - The Banks

As featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Waffle house with beer, cocktails, and dinner entrees.

Bars and Restaurants

We believe that in order to fully experience a ballpark, you should spend some time in the nearby area. We’re also big believers that pre and post game rushes are awful. We suggest you spend some time at these local establishments instead of sitting in traffic or rushing to the train.

Moerlein Lager House | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Website | Menu | Click to Call This gigantic restaurant, bar and microbrewery is conveniently situated right next to the ballpark, in Smale Riverfront Park. The floor to ceiling windows inside and huge wraparound patio with outdoor seating both offer great views of the Ohio River and across to Kentucky. The menu is German-inspired (you have to try the Jägerschnitzel!), their rotation of beers is on point and they also have a ton of vegetarian/vegan options available.

O’Malley’s In the Alley | 25 W Ogden Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Website | Menu | Click to Call O’Malley’s is the second oldest bar in Cincinnati and a local favorite hang out before and after a Reds game. They have a decent selection of pub food, your typical wings, wraps and sandwiches, and pretty good weekly drink specials. There’s always a great crowd, a lively atmosphere on game days and the staff is super friendly. They also offer free popcorn, so basically, what more can you ask for?

Taste of Belgium – The Banks | 16 West Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | Website | Menu | Click to Call Great American Ball Park named the Taste of Belgium’s waffle as the official waffle of the Cincinnati Reds and they’ve also been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives. You can actually get one of their waffles inside the ballpark, but they have a restaurant just down the street, too. They serve brunch all day (need we say more?!) and even though it’s a Belgium waffle house, they have beer, cocktails, dinner entrées and stay open until 9pm most days.

Local Attractions

If you’re traveling with a family or just trying to make the most out of your trip to the Cincinnati area, here are some recommended nearby attractions.

Riverside Food & Culture Tours | Website We can’t think of a better way to see Cincinnati than to eat your way around it. Riverside Tours offer a lot of different food tours: Brunch, Vegan, Ethnic, Cocktail and even a tour through Covington’s German Village. It’s not just about the food though, you’ll learn about the history and architecture of the neighborhood(s) you’re exploring along the way. The average price is around $60 a person, each tour is about 3 hours long and you’ll usually get to try food from 5 or 6 different restaurants.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center | Website The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is truly a must-visit if you’re in the area. So much to learn, so much to see, so much to take in. It really is a moving and educational experience and a museum you will not soon forget. General admission is about $15 per person.

Smale Riverfront Park | Website | Map & Features You’ll definitely want to carve out an extra hour or so before a game to spend some time in Smale Riverfront Park, located on the Ohio River and just next door to GABP. It’s a beautiful green space, full of water features, gardens, and even a carousel for the kids. Park or arrive early and take your time strolling along the riverfront and taking in the awesome views on your way into the ballpark.

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GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK

Cincinnati, OH

Baseball has been played along the banks of the Ohio River for more than a half century, first at Riverfront Stadium beginning in 1970 and since 2003 at Great American Ball Park. Home of the Reds, the ballpark’s construction helped revitalized the area along the river and is a centerpiece of downtown Cincinnati. Prior to Great American Ballpark’s construction the area along the river was the site of the multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium and massive parking lots. Riverfront Stadium was a standard circular facility that housed the Reds and Cincinnati Bengals (NFL). In the 1990s nearly every professional baseball and football franchise wanted a new single use stadium built that featured seating closer to the field, additional luxury suites and other fan friendly amenities.

In 1996 Hamilton County voters approved a bond to increase the sales tax to fund stadiums for both teams. Two locations for a new Reds ballpark were proposed: Broadway Commons and an area between Riverfront Stadium and US Bank Arena, known as the ‘wedge’. Reds officials were concerned about the cost of land at Broadway Commons whereas the land along the river was owned by Hamilton County. In November 1998, citizens solved the dilemma when they voted to have it constructed along the riverfront. Reds and city officials agreed to a lease and groundbreaking for the ballpark occurred on October 4, 2000.

In order for construction to begin at Great American Ball Park at the site between Riverfront Stadium and the multiuse arena, part of Riverfront Stadium had to be demolished. Nearly 14,000 seats were removed from the outfield part of the structure. For two seasons fans were able to watch construction of the ballpark beyond the outfield fence. Great American Insurance bought the naming rights to the ballpark for $75 million over 30 years; thus the stadium was named Great American Ball Park.

Great American Ball Park is a combination of new and classic ballparks and provides an excellent setting for baseball. Walking along the outside perimeter of the ballpark down Second Street, fans are greeted by a three-story building of brick and cast limestone, with the phrase “Rounding third and heading for home,” the signature sign-off of former broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, atop the building. Banners of great moments in Reds’ history also line this area. At the intersection of Second and Main streets is an opening to Crosley Terrace, the homeplate entrance, that most fans pass through when entering the ballpark. The terrace is about an acre of concrete, landscaped with grass and trees. Statues of Crosley Field -era players (Joe Nuxhall, Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench and Frank Robinson) dot the landscape, along with a pitcher’s mound built to Major League Baseball dimensions of the day. Grass in the terrace is sloped at the same incline as Crosley Field’s outfield. Special lighting illuminates the statues, stone benches and a 60-foot stone sculpture meant to depict the romance of the game are also located in Crosley Terrace. Adjacent and connecting to Great American Ball Park along Main Street is the Reds Hall of Fame Museum and team store. A rose garden, honoring Pete Rose, is located near the museum where his record breaking 4,192 hit was at Riverfront Stadium.

Upon entering the ballpark, fans have sweeping views of the ballpark. Great American Ballpark has approximately 42,271 red seats in three levels. The lower grandstand extends from the left field foul pole to homeplate and around to the right field foul pole. The second deck consists of club seats, luxury suites and the press box. Stretching from foul pole to foul pole, the upper deck is broken into two sections. The gap is an opening in the seating sections located between homeplate and third base. This enables people in downtown Cincinnati to see into the ballpark. It also allows the upper deck to be closer to the field than most in baseball. Doubled decked bleachers are located in left field and additional seating is located beyond the right field fence. With little foul territory at Great American Ball Park fans have excellent views of the game.

Above the bleachers in left field is the massive video/scoreboard. A clock atop the main scoreboard in left field is a replica of the Longines analog clock that was at Crosley Field. The bullpens are located beyond the outfield, the Reds in left centerfield and the visiting team’s bullpen behind the outfield wall near the right field foul pole. A brewpub, known as the Machine Room Grille is located in the left-field corner gives fans a place to relax and catch the ballgame with their friends. The bar features tons of memorabilia from the Big Red Machine era. Other club and dining options include the Championship Club, the Handlebar at Riverfront Club and Diamond Club. Located between the batter’s eye and the stands in right field is a 64 feet high and 36 feet wide homerun feature. It consists of two large smokestacks, a paddle wheel and a large misting system makes noise, shoots fireworks, creates mist and is a general source of entertainment. After the 2006 season, the Reds constructed a two story Riverboat Deck on top of the existing batter’s eye that is used as a party area. The 7,500-foot square foot rooftop deck holds about 150 fans. The newest addition to the ballpark is the right field videoboard. Add prior to the 2015 All-Star Game, the 90-feet wide by 31-feet high LED video board sits above the Sun/Moon Deck seats.

Great American Ball Park Pictures

GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK Merchandise

First Pitch at Great American Ball Park Poster

Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park Panoramic Poster

Everything to know before attending a Reds game at Great American Ball Park in 2024

Baseball season is back!

The Cincinnati Reds ' 2024 season starts March 28 with a home game against the Washington Nationals. The Opening Day game begins at 4:10 p.m.

If you're heading to Great American Ball Park this year, here's everything you need to know.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

How to show tickets for a Reds game

Tickets for games are available through the  MLB Ballpark app . They can be forwarded to other visitors in your party and scanned separately.

Digital tickets can also be saved in your mobile wallet (either Apple Wallet for iPhones or Google Wallet for Androids) ahead of the game.

The box office at the main Crosley Terrace entrance on the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way will also be open for ticket purchases and will call, per the stadium's website .

What kind of bag can I bring inside Reds games at Great American Ball Park?

The following bags are allowed inside the ballpark:

• Small purses.
• Soft-sided coolers that contain food and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles.
• Bags explicitly used for medical purposes.
• Bags specifically used for infant care purposes.
• Reds Heads Bags provided beginning in 2020.
• Unopened, non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles.

All bags must not exceed the size of 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches.

Backpacks that do not fit within the criteria mentioned above are not permitted.

Is Great American Ball Park cashless?

Yes. The ballpark accepts credit cards and  Reds Pay , a contactless method of payment within the MLB Ballpark app.

There are cash-to-card machines available on the Terrace Level near Section 119 and on the View Level near Section 427. The machines will accept cash and load it onto a MasterCard gift card that can be used in the ballpark.

How to park for a Reds game

Parking for Great American Ball Park  is located on the east and west sides of the ballpark.

Here are some parking options. The lots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:

• Central Riverfront Garage, 171 100 Joe Nuxhall Way: $25.
• The western side of Central Riverfront Garage: $21.
• East Garage, 443 East Pete Rose Way: $15.
• Broadway Lot, 203 Broadway: $25.
• Lot E, near Paycor Stadium: $15.

Parking is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of the Central Riverfront Garage, which can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400 and selecting option 3, or online at  www.reds.com/parking .

Great American Ball Park parking lots open five hours before game time.

Betting inside Great American Ball Park

Sports betting is available at the  BetMGM Sportsbook at The Banks . The area features three betting windows, 14 self-service kiosks, a 350-square-foot video wall and an exclusive VIP lounge. The sportsbook also features a full menu and beverage service from Nation Kitchen & Bar. 

Can I bring banners and signs inside Great American Ball Park?

Banners and signs are allowed inside Great American Ball Park, except the Lexus Diamond Club seating section, but there are a few rules.

• Banners and signs cannot be displayed in the eyesight of the batter or hang over the outfield fences.
• They should not interfere with the sight lines of other Great American Ball Park guests.
• They cannot be placed anywhere inside the playing field.
• They cannot be commercial, political, derogatory or obscene as determined by the Reds.
• Signs must not utilize any material or objects that could cause injury.

According to the Reds' website, "It is recommended that banners and signs be foldable or collapsible in order to comply with the 16" x 16" x 8" Major League Baseball size requirement."

Can I bring a camera inside Great American Ball Park?

Cameras and video recorders not exceeding 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches are welcome inside Great American Ball Park but for personal use only, and game action must not be recorded. According to MLB policy and federal law, drones are not permitted within the ballpark. Tripods, monopods and other camera support pods are also not allowed.

Can I bring outside beverages inside Great American Ball Park?

Guests cannot bring glass bottles, cans and alcoholic beverages into Great American Ball Park. However, soft drinks and water in clear plastic bottles are permitted, provided the safety seal has not been broken. Insulated foam or metal cups, restaurant containers and Yeti mugs and cups are not allowed in Great American Ball Park.

Can I bring a cooler inside Great American Ball Park?

Soft-sided coolers that do not exceed 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches are permitted inside Great American Ball Park, but hard-sided coolers are prohibited.

Full list of items not allowed inside Great American Ball Park

Below is the full list of items that are prohibited inside Great American Ball Park. The Reds reserve the right to change this at any time.

• Aerosols (spray sunscreen and bug spray permitted).
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Animals (with the exception of service animals).
• Backpacks or bags with multiple pockets.
• Bags larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches.
• Beach balls or other inflatable devices.
• Explosive materials or devices.
• Glass bottles, cans and opened plastic bottles.
• Hard-sided coolers.
• Hoverboards.
• Illegal substances or paraphernalia,
• Items not able to be inspected.
• Laser pens or pointers.
• Noisemakers.
• Obscene or indecent clothing.
• Pocket knives.
• Selfie sticks.
• Signs or banners that are derogatory, vulgar or political in nature.
• Sticks, bats, poles or clubs.
• Tripods or monopods.
• Weapons of any kind.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Everything to know before attending a Reds game at Great American Ball Park in 2024

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WATCH: Reds' Elly De La Cruz shows off with massive two-homer game, including inside-the-park home run

De la cruz is the first player with an inside- and outside-the-park homer in the same game since 2021.

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is one of the most gifted and electric players in the game, and Monday night against the Milwaukee Brewers ( CIN 10, MIL 8 ), De La Cruz showed off his power and his speed with a pair of home runs. He hit a titanic outside-the-park homer and a thrilling inside-the-park homer in back-to-back at-bats to help lead his team to victory. 

First came the outside-the-park homer. In the fifth inning, De La Cruz clobbered a 450-foot home run off the batter's eye at Great American Ball Park. J.B. Bukauskas caught too much of the plate with a 94 mph heater and good gravy De La Cruz did not miss it:

The 450-foot homer is the fourth longest home run of the young season. The great Mike Trout holds the top spot with a 473-foot-blast.

Two innings later, De La Cruz hit what initially looked like a routine line drive single to center against lefty Bryan Hudson , but Sal Frelick missed the diving catch, and the ball rolled all the way to the warning track. De La Cruz raced around the bases and the throw in hit the pitcher's mound, so there was no play at the plate. Look at the speed:

De La Cruz is the first player with an inside-the-park homer and an outside-the-park homer in the same game since Amed Rosario , then with the Cleveland Guardians , did it against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 31, 2021. And De La Cruz did it from both sides of the plate! He hit the batter's eye left-handed and raced around the bases as a right-handed hitter.

When it was all said and done, De La Cruz went 3-for-4 with the two home runs, four runs scored, two runs driven in, and a stolen base Monday night. It was his first multi-hit game of 2024 and it raised his season batting line from .242/.324/.394 to .297/.366/.595.

"I feel great when I'm running the bases. That's electric," De La Cruz said after the game. "That's electrifying for the whole stadium and that's what I like. The fans like that. And I like it."

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