Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball Park is a baseball stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is the home field of Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds. It opened in 2003, replacing Cinergy Field (formerly Riverfront Stadium), their home field from 1970 to 2002. The park’s name comes from Great American Insurance Group.

General information

Arena capacity: 42,271 spectators

Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 39.0979° N, 84.5082° W

Year of construction: March 31, 2003

Construction cost: $320 Million

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 325-R, 404-C, 328-L

Seating plan of the Great American Ball Park

Diamond Club

The best seats for a Reds game are located in the first eight rows behind home plate in the ultra-exclusive Diamond Club seats. These seats give fans unrivaled views of the players – and thanks to in-seat wait service – you won’t have to miss a single pitch.

Diamond Club seat ticketholders will also have access to the climate-controlled (indoor) Diamond Club lounge which features a gourmet all you can eat buffet, televisions, and comfortable lounge-style furniture.

Diamond Club seatholders will have early access to GABP through a private entrance and can enjoy the pre-game buffet 90 minutes before first pitch until one hour after the game starts. For a cool look at the players you can peak through a window looking directly into the tunnel from the Reds clubhouse to the dugout.

Club Home and Club Seats

The Club and Club Home seating sections offer fans an all-inclusive experience via the FOX Sports Ohio Champions Club. The club features an all-you-can-eat buffet that with hot dogs, burgers, paninis, pizza, stir-fry, pasta, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

Ticketholders will also have access to multiple exclusive bars and indoor seating options. The Club Home sections are located directly behind home plate (220-228), while the Club sections (301-307) are located along the first base line behind the Reds bench.

Scout Club and Boxes

While the Diamond Club seats receive most of the attention for being the best seats at Great American Ball Park, the Scout Club Seats and Boxes are not far behind. Quite literally, these seats are just behind the Diamond Club and feature some of the best views of the field from behind home plate.

In addition to superb sightlines, fans will be able to take advantage of in-seat wait service through the Ballpark App. If you feel like getting up and roaming around, stop by the Scout’s Club – a private club lounge area which you will be able to access. Within the club you’ll find comfortable seating, full-service bars, private concession stands and plenty of air-conditioning should you need it.

Best Seats for Great Views of the Field at Great American Ball Park

For the best views of a Reds game at Great American Ball Park, fans will want to stick close to the infield where most of the top options are located on the lower 100 seating tier, or the secondary Club Level seating tier.

Among our recommendations are the seats just beyond the team dugouts down the first and third base lines. If you prefer sitting closer to the Reds dugout (first base side), look for seats in rows EE and higher of sections 128-131. The seats feel close to the action and have a good viewing angle of the entire playing field. But one of the biggest draws here is the overhead coverage, which can provide some much appreciated relief from the hot summer sun during a day game at GABP, helping to keep you in your seat watching the game.

You can find similar views down the third base side (closer to the visitors dugout) in sections 112-114, however there is far less overhead coverage here so sitting higher up is not as much of an advantage. Opt for seats in rows R through GG for excellent viewing height, and close proximity to the entry concourse entry tunnel located just above section 113.

Fans will want to avoid sections 116 and 117 as these are far from the concourse (due to the suites just above), making for very long trips to and from the restrooms and concessions. If you want to avoid the protective netting, you’ll want to find seats beyond section 113 on the third base side and section 133 on the first base side.

The aptly named scout seats at GABP offer the best of the best when it comes to views of a ballgame, but also come with a noticeably higher price tag. These seats give you an incredible perspective of the batters box and on deck circles, and also have amazing views of the pitches as they cross the plate.

As a premium option, these seats also come with in-seat wait service, allowing you to order and receive food and beverage without having to miss a minute of the game. Just about every seating row is a phenomenal option here, although we recommend not going any higher than row I in sections 124 and 126 due to additional railings off the sides of the seating sections.

Sticking with the behind home plate views, there are also excellent options to be found on the second tier Club level in sections 222-225. You will have straight away views of the entire field from an ideal seating height, and with 6 rows of seating in each section you can really focus on the game while having short trips to and from the concourse.

Also located on the Club level, seats in rows H-M of sections 303-304 have very good views which are right in line with the Reds Dugout. These are further up in the club tier which can be a big benefit on bright summer days thanks to the better shade you will get. July sun in Cincinnati is no joke, so being able to find some relief is a significant benefit which helps keep you in your seat watching the action.

Should you be priced out of many of the lower and club level options when searching for great views, we recommend considering select options on the 400 level down the third base line. Also known as the Mezzanine, these seats extend closer and lower to the field than 400 level sections down the first base line. The views from rows C-H in sections 417-418 are some of the best you can find on the Mezzanine, with great alignment to the heart of the infield. Just be sure to avoid rows A-B where the safety railing at the front of the section can be a distraction.

Recommended Seats for Kids and Family

Sections 132, 133, 134 and 135:

• Good chance to stay cool on the side of the field with the most shade;
• Near the Fan Zone which has activities including a playground for kids;
• Close to a large concentration of concessions, makes it easy to get refreshments.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Sections 220, 221, 222 and 223:

• Great elevated view from behind home plate;
• Club level seats with access to a lounge and all-inclusive buffet;
• Multiple bars including one in an expansive outdoor area.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Sections 138 and 139:

• Very close to the Bud Light Bar;
• Cheaper seats down the line and far from home plate;
• Good view of scoreboard to catch replays;
• Access to the District rooftop patio;
• Upscale furniture and drink rails make it a great place to gather;
• Gigabar featuring new technological developments.

Where to buy tickets?

Advance Ticket Sales

Online: reds.com/tickets

Phone: In Greater Cincinnati,
call Tickets.com at (513) 381-REDS (7337).
Outside Greater Cincinnati,
call Tickets.com at (877) 647-REDS (7337).

In Person: Reds Main Ticket Office:
Crosley Terrace
Great American Ball Park
Joe Nuxhall Way

Accessible Seating

Visit Reds.com, call Tickets.com at (513) 381-REDS (7337), call (877) 647-REDS (7337), or contact the Reds Box Office at (513) 765-7400, option 3.

Child Admittance

Great American Ball Park offers complimentary admission to children 3 years of age and under. However, we do request that these children sit on their parents’ or guardians’ laps and not occupy additional seats. Promotional giveaway items are only available for ticketed guests. Tickets for children 4 years and older are priced the same as adult tickets.

Digital Tickets via MLB Ballpark App

For information and instructional videos regarding downloading, accessing and forwarding tickets through MLB Ballpark App please visit reds.com/ballparkapp

Lost or Stolen Tickets

Please report any lost or stolen tickets immediately to the Reds Ticket Office at (513) 765-7400, option 3.

Payment Options

Accepted payment methods include cash, checks (accepted at least three weeks prior to ticketed event and in person with valid driver’s license), VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Rain Check Policies

In the event a regulation home game is not played, your rain check may be exchanged, subject to availability, at the main ticket office for a ticket of the same or lower price for any subsequent regular game during the current season. Dates for exchange are at the discretion of the Reds. Check reds.com/rainouts for valid rain check dates. Note that all paid Season Suite, Season Diamond and Cincinnati Bell Technology Pavilion Seat Holders should follow the rain check instructions located on the back of their ticket. A rain check of a complimentary ticket (face value of $0.00) is not a valid rain check.

Ticket Gift Certificates

May be purchased by calling the Reds at (513) 765-7400 (option 3), at the Main Ticket Office at Great American Ball Park, and online at reds.com.

North Ticket Office

Gameday: Opens one and a half hours (1.5) before game time; closes at the end of the third inning.

Non-Gameday: Closed.

How to get there?

Great American Ball Park is located at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way in downtown Cincinnati.

Directions to Great American Ball Park

From I-75 Southbound:

• Take Freeman Avenue Exit.
• Continue on Freeman until it turns into Mehring Way and bears left.

Yellow Passes – Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left at Dock 1 of Great American Ball Park.

Blue Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past US Bank Arena. Enter East Garage on your left.

Green Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past Paul Brown Stadium. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left just prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.

From I-71 Southbound:

• Take Gilbert Ave. Exit and turn right on E Court St.
• Take left on Reedy (across from Casino).
• Take left onto Eggleston.
• Take right onto Pete Rose Way.
• Take left onto Mehring Way.

Yellow Passes – Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your right at Dock 1 prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.

Blue Passes – Enter East Garage on your right.

Green Passes – Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your right past Joe Nuxhall Way.

From I-71/I-75 Northbound:

• Take Fifth Street Exit after crossing Brent Spence Bridge into Ohio.
• Take right onto Central Avenue.
• Take left onto Mehring Way.

Yellow Passes – Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left at Dock 1 of Great American Ball Park.

Blue Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past US Bank Arena. Enter East Garage on your left.

Green Passes – Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left just prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.

From U.S. Highway 50 Westbound (Columbia Parkway):

• Take Third Street Exit.
• Take left onto Central Avenue.
• Take left onto Mehring Way.

Yellow Passes – Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left at Dock 1 of Great American Ball Park.

Blue Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past US Bank Arena. Enter East Garage on your left.

Green Passes – Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left just prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.

From U.S. Highway 50 Eastbound:

• Take Mehring Way Exit.

Yellow Passes – Continue on Mehring Way until you reach Great American Ball Park. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left at Dock 1 of Great American Ball Park.

Blue Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past US Bank Arena. Enter East Garage on your left.

Green Passes – Continue on Mehring Way past Paul Brown Stadium. Enter Central Riverfront Garage on your left just prior to reaching Joe Nuxhall Way.

Parking

SP+Central Parking System manages the parking and on-site traffic operations at Great American Ball Park. SP+Central Parking is a transportation management company engaged in the leasing, management and ownership of commercial parking facilities. SP+Central Parking’s mission is to operate a global parking and transportation management company dedicated to integrity, growth, professionalism, value and leadership and providing quality service to customers and clients.

SP+Central Parking Systems can be contacted at the following:

SP+Central Parking Systems
99 E. Second St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 946-8100

Great American Ball Park Parking Tips

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

For information on Accessible Parking, please see “Accessible Access” information, located under “A.”

Single game accessible parking is available to accessible guests in the eastern section of Central Riverfront Garage for $20 or in the East Garage for $10. These spaces are pay-upon-entry and are sold on a first come, first served basis, based on availability.

Handicap parking passes valid for Central Riverfront Garage can be purchased in advance by contacting the Reds at 513-765-7400, option 3 or online at reds.com/parking.

On-Site Parking

Day of game parking is offered in the eastern side of Central Riverfront Garage for $20, the western side of Central Riverfront Garage for $15, East Garage for $10, Broadway Ave Lot for $20 or the Western Lots B or D for $10. These areas are pay-upon-entry and are sold on a first come, first served basis, based on availability.

The Great American Ball Park parking lots open 3 hours before game time.

Accessible parking/Drop off

The accessible pickup/drop-off zone is located on Joe Nuxhall Way, from Second Street to Mehring Way, along the west side of Great American Ball Park. Cars, vans and small buses displaying a valid accessible placard or valid accessible license plate will be permitted to enter the pickup/drop-off zone beginning one half (1/2) hour before gates open to approximately one (1) hour after the conclusion of the game.

Large school buses and large charter/tour buses are prohibited from entering this zone. Guests traveling to the ballpark in a large school bus or large charter/tour bus should contact the Group Sales department at (513) 765-7600 for information on bus pickup and drop-off locations.

Bus parking information

First Student Charter is the Official Charter Bus Company of the Cincinnati Reds – book your trip at 866-514-8747.

Tour groups who are arriving by bus to a Reds game should load and unload their patrons from westbound Mehring Way at the corner of Mehring and Joe Nuxhall Way. No on-street bus parking will be available. Buses are strongly encouraged to use Tri-State Parking just across the river in Newport, Ky. for parking during the game. Tri-State parking is located at 4th and Columbia Streets in Newport. Rate is $15 per bus.

Directions to tri-state parking from Great American Ball Park:

• Proceed South across the Taylor-Southgate Bridge to Newport;
• Go through the roundabout onto York Street;
• Go South on York Street/Route 27;
• Turn Right onto 4th Street;
• Turn Right onto Columbia Street.

For questions, please contact Tri-State Parking at (859) 291-7275 or (859) 761-1071.

Ohio Charter Bus Companies:

1. First Student Charter Service
   866.514.8747
2. Riggs Bus Company
   513.321.3377
3. Charter Bus Service
   800.442.8687
4. Croswell Bus Lines
   800.782.8747
5. Lakefront
   800.426.9076
6. Brewster Trailways
   800.386.9693
7. Fun Bus
   888.386.2870
8. Fun Bus
   888.386.2870
9. Paul’s Bus Service
   513.851.5089

Kentucky Charter Bus Companies:

1. Miller Transportation
   800.544.2383
2. Shockey Tours
   800.633.4147
3. Toby Tours
   800.955.8680
4. Blue Grass Tours
   800.755.6956
5. Travel America
   800.477.7111
6. Executive Transportation
   800.990.8841

Indiana Bus Companies:

1. Free Enterprise
   800.255.1337
2. Excellent Adventures
   800.552.3893
3. Turner Coaches
   800.873.5252
4. Two Ladies Bus Company
   888.337.0423

Public Transportation

Queen City Metro can be reached at (513) 621-4455 for schedules and information regarding bus transportation throughout Hamilton County. ACCESS provides transportation throughout Hamilton County for the disabled. Please call (513) 632-7590 for more information. Guests seeking bus service to and from Northern Kentucky can contact the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) at (859) 331-8265.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector is an electric mode of transportation operating in its first phase on a 3.6 mile loop connecting key communities in the city’s urban core.

Running up to 18 hours a day and 365 days a year, the streetcar is a vital complement to the city’s existing metro and other transportation systems.

Below is the service schedule for the Cincinnati Bell Connector:

Hours of Operation:
•   Monday-Thursday 6:30 a.m. – midnight:

• Friday 6:30 a.m. – 1 a.m.;
• Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.;
• Sunday and holidays 9 a.m. – 11 p.m..

Pubs & Bars

See what the Handlebar and Machine Room Grille can offer you at Great American Ball Park!

For information on booking these or any other hospitality areas for a private event contact

Reds Group Sales at (513) 765-7600.

Please note: Access to the Machine Room begins when gates open for all Reds home games.

Handlebar at the Riverfront Club presented by JACK Casino

Watching a game from The Handlebar is one of the most fun and unique experiences in Great American Ball Park! Indoor Handlebar Access Passes provide unlimited food, six drink tickets per person, and all of the sounds of the game while you watch on the Handlebar’s newest audio and video technology. Plus, outdoor options are available with rail tickets that have a view of the game and semi-private luxury boxes.

*The sale and consumption of all alcoholic beverages is subject to Ohio law. The Reds reserve the right to limit consumption and/or sale of alcoholic beverages at events. You must be 21 years of age to receive alcoholic drink tickets.

Machine Room Grille

The Machine Room will open when regular ballpark gates open, approximately 90 minutes prior to game time.

Great American Ball Park’s recently renovated brewpub offers fans a unique gameday experience. The front area has been opened up to allow fans to be closer to the game and the covered patio area allows fans to cool down on hot days. Located in the left-field corner, the Machine Room is a dedication to the Big Red Machine, the Reds teams that dominated baseball in the 1970s. This spacious bar and grille has a blue-collar feel, much like the Reds team of the era. Brick and steel finishes, with an exposed ceiling, set the tone.

Additional features of the brewpub include a mini electronic scoreboard, a variety of different seating options for you and your group, mock foul poles, outside seats, the zamboni used at Cinergy Field and plenty of Reds memorabilia. Dishes are your typical sports bar offerings. This space can be rented out entirely for 500 people or just the patio for up to 115 people. Prices start at $70 per person and include a ballpark buffet and two beers per person.

History

Cincinnati voters approved a half-cent-per-dollar sales tax increase to build separate stadiums for Cincinnati’s Reds and Bengals. The budget at the time for both stadiums was $544 million. However, the Bengals new stadium alone exceed that amount.

Negotiations between the Reds and the City of Cincinnati dragged on for years. A major reason for the delay was that Reds ownership had been slow to spend a lot of money, both their own and taxpayer, on a new stadium. There were several proposals put forward by various factions, but Cincinnati voters chose to build a stadium on the waterfront and ruled out a popular ballpark proposal referred to as Broadway Commons.

Construction began in October 2000 and was completed in time for the 2003 season. The new ballpark was “wedged” between Firstar Center and old Riverfront Stadium, allowing games to be played in the old stadium while the new one was built. It also meant that no new land had to be purchased. In March 1999, Hamilton County commissioners approved a ballpark which opened up to the Ohio River, the configuration that was favored by the Reds. The new stadium faces 40° further south than Riverfront Stadium, meaning batters face southeast.

The exterior facades of the ballpark are brick with a cast stone base and details. The major structure is painted steel. The brick is a reference to the architecture of Cincinnati, while the cast stone provides a strong base and references the image of the famous Roebling Suspension Bridge nearby.

The arrangement of the seating areas were designed to be more recognizable neighborhood areas, not like the repetitive round seating at Riverfront Stadium. A distinctive notch separates sections of the upper decks, opening the ballpark to the city and allowing seating areas that are closer to the field than most upper decks in baseball. A bridge in the notch allows for some exciting concourse views into the field.

The Reds continued to play baseball in Riverfront Stadium while they awaited their new ballpark. However, a large section of the outfield stands in the old stadium were removed to make room for construction. Once the new ballpark was completed, Riverfront Stadium was demolished. A plaza connecting Cincinnati’s new baseball and football stadiums was built in its place.

On July 7, 2000 the Reds announced a naming rights deal with the Great American Insurance Company to call the stadium the “Great American Ball Park. The $75 million deal called for the Reds to receive $2.5 million annually for 30 years, beginning in 2003.