Great American Ball Park

Home of the Cincinnati Reds
100 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Opened: 2003 | Capacity: 43,500 | Surface: Grass

  • Great American Ball Park opened on March 31, 2003, and is the proud home of the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest professional baseball team in Major League Baseball. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the stadium replaced the Reds’ previous home, Cinergy Field (formerly Riverfront Stadium), ushering in a new era for baseball in Cincinnati. Designed to blend the city’s rich baseball heritage with modern amenities, Great American Ball Park pays tribute to the Reds’ storied past.

    The stadium features the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, a must-visit for fans wanting to explore the team’s history. From the beginning, the ballpark was built to prioritize fan experience. Sight lines are among the best in the league, ensuring fans stay close to the action no matter where they sit. Local architecture influences can be seen throughout the park, combining traditional brick with sweeping riverfront views that give Great American Ball Park its unique charm.

    Over the years, the stadium has hosted countless memorable moments, including the 2015 All-Star festivities, a few playoff games, and historic milestones for Reds legends like Joey Votto and Ken Griffey Jr.

    Whether you’re catching a day game under the sun or a Fireworks Friday matchup along the river, Great American Ball Park perfectly captures the timeless magic of baseball in the Queen City. Today, it stands not only as a symbol of Cincinnati’s baseball tradition but as a welcoming destination for travelers, families, and lifelong Reds fans alike.

    • Power Stacks: Located in right-center field, these stacks blast smoke, fire, and fireworks when the Reds win or a Red hits a home run. They are designed to resemble steamboat smokestacks in honor of Cincinnati’s riverfront history. There are 7 baseball bats on each smokestack (a total of 14) in honor of Reds legend Pete Rose, who wore number 14.

    • Mosaic Murals: When you enter GABP’s main gates, you’ll see two mosaics honoring Reds greats. One depicts the legendary Big Red Machine of 1975 and 1976 (“The Great Eight”), while the other highlights the 1869 Red Stockings (“The First Nine”). The Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team and finished their inaugural season with a record of 57-0.

    • Reds Legends Statues: Several statues can be found near the various gates of Great American Ball Park, including Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Pete Rose, Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski, Frank Robinson, and Joe Nuxhall. Pete Rose’s head-first-slide statue is a must-see.

    • Crosley Terrace: Four of the statues mentioned above (Lombardi, Kluszewski, Robinson, and Nuxhall) are located in this area, along with a mini infield and plaques commemorating historic Reds moments at their former home (Crosley Field).

    • Right Field Riverfront Deck: This is a party deck styled to look like an old-fashioned steamboat.

Seating:

The Reds are great at providing tickets for all budgets. Generally speaking, you’ll find the cheapest seats in the Value View section (509) in the left field corner, followed by the 500-level seats in the infield and the 400-level bleachers in the outfield.

As a lifelong Reds fan, I’ve sat nearly everywhere in GABP. My favorite spots are behind the Reds dugout and down the first base line (any level). If I am looking to save a little on tickets, I like to sit in the 400-level behind home plate.

The Reds’ dugout is on the first base side. If you’re going for a day game, the first base side generally is shaded first.

 

Parking:

Central Riverfront Garage is a great parking option for fans attending Reds games. It’s a large garage, so make sure to note where you park. There are several entrances, but I’ve marked the entrance I use most often on the map.

You should pass Paycor Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals) if you take this entrance, too!

Accommodations:

  • AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks: This hotel is right across the road from Great American Ball Park, so if you’re looking for convenience, stay here!

  • Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps: Situated within walking distance of GABP, this hotel offers spacious suites with full kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays.

  • If you’d like to stay outside of the city, check out Florence, Kentucky, for other affordable hotel options.

Fan Gear:

  • Fanatics: Want to shop online before heading to the game? Click here to check out the Cincinnati Reds gear available on Fanatics.com. As a Fanatics affiliate, I earn a commission when you purchase a product from my link.

  • Cincy Shirts: Cincy Shirts is a Cincinnati-based brand that specializes in locally inspired apparel with tons of personality. Their Reds-themed gear blends nostalgia, humor, and hometown pride, which is perfect for game day at Great American Ball Park or grabbing Skyline after the win.

  • Rally House: Rally House has gear for many St. Louis-area teams. They are typically well stocked with lots of hats, shirts, and jerseys!

  • Reds' Team Shop: Located at the ballpark, the Team Shop has everything from jerseys and hats to unique collectibles and game day essentials. It's open year-round, even on non-game days. Great place to grab authentic merch and souvenirs!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and think you'll enjoy too.

Traditions:

  • Fireworks Friday: Every Friday night home game, the Reds have an incredible fireworks display. They also typically do fireworks for the Fourth of July. Last year, the Reds had a drone show! Make sure to stick around for the show.

  • Following the singing of Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch, make sure you sing along to Cincinnati, Ohio by Connie Smith, too.

  • Opening Day is a holiday in Cincinnati. There is a parade downtown, a full day of festivities, and lots of excitement around a new season. Every baseball fan should experience this!

  • Mascots: Mr. Red, Mr. Redlegs, Rosie Red, and Gapper

For the Families

    • First Star Fan Zone: This area includes a mini baseball field, large playground, carnival-style games, Reds-themed entertainment, and a parent-friendly bar nearby.

    • TriHealth Family Zone: Features a playground, toddler-sized batting cages, a reading room, and sensory-friendly elements perfect for younger fans.

    • Family restrooms are available throughout the ballpark, and all restrooms are equipped with changing tables.

    • Pampers Nursing Suite (Suite Level): Located near the Bally Sports Club elevators, this suite features five comfortable gliders, a private restroom, changing stations, a kitchenette with a sink, ice and refrigeration, lockers for storing items, and flat-screen TVs so mothers can continue watching the game.

    • Pampers Nursing Suite (TriHealth Family Zone): Situated on the View Level near sections 536/537, this suite offers comfortable seating, changing stations, restrooms, refrigeration, and lockers for storing items.

  • Strollers are permitted at Great American Ball Park. However, to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, there are specific guidelines to follow:

    • Usage: Strollers should not obstruct aisles, inhibit guest movement, or be placed under seats

    • Storage: When not in use, strollers must be stored. You can check them in at designated Fan Accommodation Stations located in the First Star Fan Zone and on the View Level near Section 420.

  • Great American Ball Park offers a dedicated sensory room designed to provide a calming environment for guests with sensory sensitivities. Located within the TriHealth Family Zone on the View Level, this therapeutic space is equipped with features such as dimmable lighting, sensory pods, interactive bubble tubes, and tactile activities. The room is staffed by trained personnel to assist families and ensure a comfortable experience.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

  • The Banks Entertainment District

 

Extras:

  • According to the Cardinals’ website, “Guests may bring in items such as: bags, purses and soft-sided coolers not exceeding 10" x 8" x 10.”

    Visit http://cardinals.com/security for more information.

  • Guests may bring their own food & drinks into Busch Stadium for all games. Most food items are permitted, but guests should consider the Cardinals’ bag policy when deciding what food to bring.

    Non-alcoholic beverages including water and soda in factory-sealed clear plastic containers no larger than 2 liters are allowed. Food and beverages from the outside will not be permitted in the Cardinals Club, Luxury Suites, Party Suites or any of our other All Inclusive Areas.

    Please visit cardinals.com/security for more information.

  • Click here for more information on Great American Ball Park from the Cincinnati Reds.

Do you have a Great American Ball Park experience you’d like to share? Maybe a tip for future visitors? Let us know!