Great American Ball Park
4.7(17K)google
4.3(503)yelp
OutdoorSports
Overview
Great American Ball Park is a baseball stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Cincinnati Reds, and opened on March 31, 2003, replacing Cinergy Field (formerly Riverfront Stadium), the Reds' former ballpark from 1970 to 2002. Great American Insurance bought the naming rights to the new stadium at US$75 million for 30 years.
Practical Info
Mon–Fri8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat–SunClosed
Suggested Duration3-4 hours
Best TimeThe live Major League Baseball home series from April to September is the defining time to visit. Catching a traditional 1:10 PM afternoon 'Day Game' is highly recommended; sitting in the stadium stands under the summer sun offers an unmatched baseball experience framed symmetrically by spectacular panoramic vistas of the sparkling Ohio River directly behind the outfield.
Getting ThereTraffic is deadlocked and street parking is heavily restricted on game days; driving is discouraged. Instead, ride the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar directly to The Banks station. The moment you step off the platform, the stadium's grand glass gates are right in front of you, under a 1-minute flat walk away from the riverfront loops.
Travel Tips
- Game-day structural street closures plague the stadium perimeter. Avoid adjacent lots and park on the Kentucky south bank, walking across the Roebling Bridge.
- Security checkpoints enforce an absolute ban on bags exceeding 16x16x8 inches. External liquids, glass containers, and professional zoom lenses are prohibited.
- To mitigate intense afternoon sun glare, avoid booking seats along the 1st base line or right outfield; prioritize the 3rd base line or shaded upper decks.
Reviews
Positive
- Situated right on the riverfront, you get beautiful views of the Ohio River while watching the game; the stadium sightlines are open and the atmosphere is unmatched.
- The Reds Hall of Fame Museum is located right next to the ballpark, containing historical memorabilia and interactive exhibits well worth checking out.
- The stadium's culinary selection is incredibly diverse; you can grab authentic Cincinnati Skyline Chili and famous local ice cream inside.
- Transit is hyper-convenient with seamless light rail and bus links; its proximity to downtown means plenty of bars are open before and after games.
Heads up
- Concessions and merchandise pricing inside are exorbitant; a basic bottle of water or popcorn costs several times more than outside retail prices.
- When catching a midday or afternoon game in high summer, the sun-facing stands (like right field) get blindingly hot with a severe lack of shade structures.
- When the game ends, the parking garage exits and surrounding avenues hit massive gridlock, often stranding you in your car for over half an hour.
- The seat formatting in the Upper Deck is a bit too narrow and cramped, offering heavily restricted legroom for taller spectators.