Venue Info

Sport: Baseball
League: MLB
Team: Cincinnati Reds

Year Built: 2003
Stadium Capacity: 42,941

Road Trip / Great American Ballpark Itinerary

Great American Ballpark is located in downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River just across the water from Kentucky, so there’s plenty to experience when headed to a Reds game. Before the first pitch, a popular spot for fans is Gameday Sports Café, located on Pete Rose Way just a short walk from the stadium. There are cheap drafts before Reds games, and Gameday has indoor and outdoor bar areas and plenty of big screens. … Another hot spot before games is In-Between Tavern, located between Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium. The beer garden is packed with people dressed in red and white before every game. … If drinking is not your thing, arrive at the ballpark early and visit the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Admission is free with a game ticket, and there’s plenty of ground to cover: The Reds have been around since 1869 and are the oldest team in baseball and the oldest pro team period. … Hit Club Red beyond center field at some point for a drink or snack, and take in the patio views of the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky. On Fridays there’s a happy hour before the game with drink specials until the end of the first inning. … Also on Fridays during the summer there are post-game fireworks beginning 30 minutes after the final out. … If the kids are along, head to the FanZone on the Terrace Level along the west side of the park, where there are interactive games, a playground and a picnic deck. … Maybe not for kids, Great American is one of the few ballparks with cheerleaders who dance on top of the dugouts in between innings and shoot prizes into the stands. … After the game, take a river taxi or walk the 2,670-foot Purple People Bridge to the city of Newport to enjoy the nightlife of the Bluegrass State. If you’re ready to get your drink on, celebrate a Reds victory at the Hofbrauhaus. German beers in giant mugs, live music and dancing on tables – what more could you ask for? … If that’s not your scene, venture down to Levee Way and find various bars and restaurants.  

Gameday Sports Café, 537 E. Pete Rose Way., (513) 744-9096

In-Between Tavern, 307 Sycamore St., (513) 621-7009

Hofbrauhaus, Third and Saratoga on the Levee, (859) 491-7200

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Wise Guide Tips / Know what the locals know, go where the locals go

At Wise Guides, we believe “spectator” should be a verb. Not because you should suck down 12 beers, run on the field and try to take the first baseman’s job — you shouldn’t. It’s because there’s so much more to going to a game than simply sitting in your seat watching the action. There are stadiums and neighborhoods to explore, food and drink to try, history to learn and interesting people to meet. Try our Wise Guides tips, they are funny, helpful and, we hope, interesting.

Get to the Game

Unless you’re staying at a downtown hotel or right across the river and walking to the game, driving is the only way to get to Great American Ballpark. Fortunately, access from virtually any direction i... Read more »