A Guide to Great American Ballpark
Opened in 2003, Great American Ball Park (GABP) balances a modern fan experience with deep reverence for the Cincinnati Reds' history as baseball's first professional franchise.
Getting to the Ballpark
- The Southbank Shuttle (aka the Trolley)A fan favorite for those staying in Northern Kentucky (Bellevue, Newport, and Covington). It crosses the Ohio River and drops you right near the stadium.
- The Cincinnati Bell Connector (Streetcar)This free 3.6-mile loop connects downtown, Over-the-Rhine, and the Banks neighborhoods. Use it if you're staying further north in the city or want to park in a cheaper lot away from the stadium.
- ParkingParking at Great American Ball Park (GABP) is primarily centered around the Central Riverfront Garage (CRG), which sits directly beneath the stadium and the surrounding Banks district.
- Central Riverfront Garage (CRG)This is the main hub for prepaid gameday parking. It is recommended to use the 202 East Mehring Way entrance.
- East GarageLocated at 502 East Mehring Way, this is a primary option for fans coming from the east via Columbia Parkway or I-471. It is slightly further from the gates but offers a straightforward walk to the stadium's east side.
- Central Riverfront Garage WestLocated at 102 West Pete Rose Way (near Paycor Stadium), this garage is ideal for fans who want to avoid the immediate congestion of the GABP main gates and enjoy a short walk through The Banks.
- Other LotsMore parking lots are available along 2nd St and near Paul Brown Stadium to the west and the Heritage Bank Center to the east
- RideshareThe primary rideshare zone is on Joe Nuxhall Way though it is advised to walk a bit to avoid the worst congestion.
Pregame Festivities
The Banks is an entertainment district located between GABP and Paycor Stadium. It features a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area), allowing fans to carry alcoholic beverages in marked cups throughout the district's streets and parks.
Bars & Restaurants
- Located right next to the stadium. This state-of-the-art facility features a 350-square-foot video wall, 14 self-service betting kiosks, and 3 wagering windows. It is also home to Nation Kitchen & Bar (Note: Sportsbook is 21+, but the restaurant is all-ages).
- The quintessential Reds sports bar, located directly across from the main gate.
- An upscale brewery with a massive patio overlooking the Ohio River and the stadium.
- A modern Irish pub featuring a unique bottom up Guinness pour and a menu of Pasties (savory hand pies) and BFG wings.
- An indoor bar designed to feel like a park, complete with a massive tree sculpture centerpiece. It offers seasonal cocktails and a creative American menu.
- The go to spot for live music. They serve upscale bar food like Nashville Hot Chicken and double patty smash burgers in a high energy atmosphere.
- Famous for build-your-own tacos and a massive tequila selection. The interior features colorful murals paying tribute to Cincinnati sports history.
- A fusion of Earth and Ocean (Asian and Latin flavors). Best known for their Buddha Crispy Rice, fresh sushi, and the E+O Famous kale and brussel sprout salad.
- Casual Mexican restaurant and bar serving tacos, burritos and other gameday staples.
- A newer, more elevated sports bar perfect for a pregame sit down meal.
- Famous for authentic Liege waffles and a large selection of Belgian beers.
- Across the Bridge (Covington/Newport)For a scenic pregame, park in Kentucky and walk the Roebling Bridge. Stop at The Gruff for pizza or Smoke Justis for bourbon and BBQ. Hofbrauhaus Newport is another iconic stop for liter beers and pretzels. Riverfront Attractions:
Neighborhood Attractions
- A park featuring interactive singing floor pianos, the Carol Ann's Carousel, giant family swings facing the river, and several splash fountains.
- A powerful museum located right in the heart of The Banks, exploring the history of the Underground Railroad and modern day freedom struggles.
- A historic landmark that was the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge; it offers the best photo-ops of the Cincinnati skyline.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Famous Dates BannersLocated on the outer facade on Johnny Bench way, this collection of banners commemorate famous dates in Reds history including the founding of the franchise in 1869, NL Pennants and World Series wins.
- Reds Hall of Fame & MuseumOn the west side of the stadium just south of the home plate entrance, the Hall of Fame has 97 inductees and features 16,000 square feet of historical, interactive and educational exhibits, highlighting the rich and storied tradition of the Reds.
- 1869 Red Stockings PavilionThis pavilion is located adjacent to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. It honors the first all professional baseball team and serves as an outdoor educational space highlighting the Original Nine.
- The Big Red Machine StatuesNear the Reds Hall of Fame, you'll find the Big Four statues, including Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and Pete Rose. Broadcaster Marty Brennaman was added in 2025
- Crosley TerraceLocated at the main home plate entrance on the northwest corner of th stadium, this area mimics the famous incline of the Reds' former home, Crosley Field. It features four iconic statues in action: Joe Nuxhall (pitching), Frank Robinson (batting), Ernie Lombardi (catching), and Ted Kluszewski (on-deck).
- The MosaicsJust inside the main gates at Crosley Terrace, you will find two massive glass tile mosaics. One depicts The First Nine (the 1869 Red Stockings) and the other honors The Big Red Machine of the 1970s.
- World Series Champion BannersBanners depicting the Reds' five World Series championship years (1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990) are located on the facade in left field underneath the Machine Room Patio.
- Chuck Harmon PlaqueDedicated to the first African American player in Reds history, this plaque is located on the elevator shaft pathway leading from Gate 17 on Crosley Terrace toward the Reds Administration Building.
- Retired NumbersThe Reds' retired numbers are displayed prominently on the ring between the luxury suites and the press boxes, visible from almost everywhere in the stadium.
- #1 Fred Hutchinson
- #5 Johnny Bench
- #8 Joe Morgan
- #10 Sparky Anderson
- #11 Barry Larkin
- #13 Dave Concepcion
- #14 Pete Rose
- #18 Ted Kluszewski
- #20 Frank Robinson,
- #24 Tony Perez
- #42 Jackie Robinson (leauge wide)
- The Power StacksIn right center field, two massive smokestacks (resembling Ohio River steamboats) shoot fire for every Reds strikeout and launch fireworks for home runs and wins. The seven bats on each stack represent Pete Rose's #14.
- The GapA 35-foot-wide opening in the stands between home plate and third base that provides a literal window between the city skyline and the field.
- 4192 MuralA mural on the back of the left field scoreboard commemorating Pete Rose's record breaking hit.
- Spirit of Baseball Bas-ReliefA 50-foot wide limestone sculpture on the side of the Reds' administrative building near the main entrance.
Seating & Special Sections
- Premium & Group Ticket Sections
- Boone County Bourbon Press ClubLocated on the press level (level 2) behind home plate. This exclusive club features a bourbon barrel tunnel entrance, a mid-century library aesthetic, and all-inclusive upscale food and top shelf bourbon/spirits.
- The Handlebar (at the Riverfront Club)Located down the first base line, this social club features floor-to-ceiling windows and a 26-foot video wall. It offers all-inclusive upscale buffets and 6 drink tickets per person.
- Champions Club (Sections 220-228)An all-you-can-eat club. It includes a private climate-controlled lounge with a high end buffet and unlimited ballpark snacks/sodas.
- Lexus Diamond ClubThe ultimate luxury experience located in the first few rows behind home plate. It features in seat service and access to a private bunker style club with gourmet food and a window into the player tunnel.
- Dugout BoxThese are the first five rows directly behind the team dugouts (Sections 114–119 and 127–132). They offer wider, padded seats and exclusive access to the climate-controlled Scouts Club.
- Fioptics District (Section 408-410)The social section. Tickets are cheap and come with a concession credit. It features a rooftop bar atmosphere with lounge seating and a great view of the river.
- Budweiser BalconyLocated in the right field corner, this social space offers tiered standing room and a dedicated bar for a more relaxed, party like atmosphere.
- Budweiser Bullpen DecksA tiered area located directly above the Reds' bullpen in center field. It is a popular spot for groups and offers great views of the pitchers warming up.
- Special Sections
- The Sun Deck (Sections 140-146)Located in right field. It's great for home run balls, but as the name implies, you will be in direct sunlight for day games.
- First Star Fan ZoneLocated on the main concourse near the first base side, this multi-level area features activities for fans of all ages, including carnival games
- TriHealth Family ZoneLocated in the right field corner of the View Level, it features a playground, toddler-sized batting cages, a sensory room, and a nursing suite.
- Walt's Fan Zone BarA dedicated bar within the Fan Zone area, named after legendary Reds figure Walt Jocketty, providing a convenient spot for parents to grab a drink while kids play.
Concessions
Cincinnati Classics
- Skyline Chili(Sections 103, 116, 130, 517, and 532) The legendary Cincinnati chili served as cheese cones or 3-ways.
- LaRosa's Pizza(Sections 113, 133, and 519, 532) Traditional thin crust pizza with their signature sweet sauce.
- Montgomery Inn BBQ(Sections 113, 117, 130, 137, 516) Famous for their pulled pork sandwiches and rib tips with iconic BBQ sauce.
- Goetta(Sections 129 & 416) A local German-inspired sausage meat served as burgers or sliders
Specialty Food
- Redlegs BBQ Walking Taco(Sections 117, 133) Grippo's chips topped with Montgomery Inn pulled pork and coleslaw.
- 50 West Pretzel Burger(Section 130) A double cheeseburger served on a soft pretzel bun with signature sauce.
- The Red's Island Griller(Section 109) Hempler's sausage, pineapple salsa and Kogi sweet garlic BBQ sauce, served on a hoagie roll.
- Street Tacos(Section 128) Serving classics such as Carne Asada and Chicken Adobo as well as The Cincy Sizzle featuring brisket, pickled red onions and salsa verde
Specialty Bars & Hubs
- Reds Brewery District(Section 118) Features an 85-foot long bar with over 60 taps of local craft beer.
- Budweiser Bowtie Bar(Section 137) A signature outdoor bar in the right field corner offering Montgomery Inn BBQ and AB-InBev favorites.
- Garden Bar(Sections 108/109) A central spot on the first base concourse for specialty cocktails, frozen drinks, and wine.
- The Bootlegger(Section 133) A speakeasy themed bourbon bar that provides a quiet, air conditioned escape.
- Moerlein Lager House(Section 515): While the main restaurant is pregame, there is a dedicated stand on the View Level (515) serving Moerlein Lager, Radler, and Helles
Craft Beer
This is mostly found at the Brewery District (Section 118) bar. Other specialty beers are available at carts found widely on the 100 and 500 levels throughout the stadium though the selection is smaller and leans more towards craft offerings from macro breweries. Some local breweries and beers of note include Bell's Two Hearted and Oberon, Great Lakes Hazy IPA, Brink Brewing Co. Hoperatic, Mad Tree Rounding Third, and Taft's Nellies and Gavel Banger
Wine
GABP has expanded its wine offerings. You can find wine available at Bar Locations in sections 110, 128, 131, 133, 134, 509, 516 as well as the Markets
Cocktails
A little harder to find than the above options, cocktails are available at most of specialty bars listed above such as The Bootlegger, Garden Bar, and Walt's Fan Zone
Field Dimensions
Stadium Information
Distinguishing Features
- Riverboat smokestacks
- Hall of Fame Gallery
- Riverfront Location
Notable Events
- 2015 MLB All-Star Game
- Homer Bailey's No Hitters 2012, 2013
- Jake Arrieta No Hitter 2016
- Aroldis Chapman 106 mph pitch
- Adam Dunn HR into Ohio River 2004
- Scooter Gennett 4 HR game 2017
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium