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

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.

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.