The Reds and Cardinals have a long history on the diamond with both teams having been members of the National League since the 1800s.In 1994, both teams joined the newly formed NL Central and the rivalry has really taken off since then. If you’re looking to attend a tense game, get tickets when the St. Louis Cardinals come to town.
The winner of the annual interleague series between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians walks away with the Ohio Cup and the bragging rights over the state. Cincinnatians hate losing to Cleveland in anything, so don’t miss it when these two Ohio based clubs square off.
The Reds and Pirates have a longstanding rivalry that was at its peak during the 1960s and 1970s. The two NL Central rivals met in the NLCS four times in the 1970s, and have had a fierce rivalry ever since. There are few better times to take in a ball game at GABP then when the Pirates are in town.
While the rivalry isn’t what it was during the 1970s and 1980s, when the Reds and Dodgers were battling it out NL West titles, you’ll still be in for a good matchup when the Reds and Dodgers meet.
Reds Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Built in 2003, Great American Ballpark, or as the locals would call it, “GAPB” is the home of the the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati was home to the first professional baseball team in 1866, and as a result both the fans and team itself feel history is the history of baseball in Cincinnati very seriously. Right next to Great American Ball Park, you’ll find a hall of fame and museum containings ton of Reds memorabilia including autographed baseballs, signed cards, jersey designs, bronze statues of iconic Reds players like Joe Morgan, Ernie Lombardi, and much more. Stopping by the Reds HOF before the game is a great way to learn more about the Reds and their history and is a big step towards becoming a true Cincinnati Reds fan.
In addition being extremely knowledgeable their team and the history of the game, Reds fans are also some of the most enthusiastic fans you’ll find anywhere throughout the major leagues. Bad days mean nothing to Reds fans! Before every game at GAPB, you’ll see Reds fans enjoying themselves at nearby bars and restaurants. The festive atmosphere surrounding downtown Cincinnati on game days creates a communal feeling and is a can’t miss part of any Reds game. The love Cincinnati has for the Reds creates an incredible atmosphere before and during the game, so head out early to the bars and restaurants surrounding GAPB before the game to join in on the pregame festivities!
Right next to Great American Ball Park, is the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum. The museum contains ton of Reds memorabilia including autographed baseballs, signed cards, jersey designs, bronze statues of iconic Reds players like Joe Morgan, Ernie Lombardi, and much more. Stop by the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum to learn more about Cincinnati’s rich baseball history.
Outside of Great American Ball Park are several statues of Reds legends playing ball where Crosley Field once stood. The sculptures are a great way to show off the Reds past and a must-see for anyone attending a game at GABP. Stop by and snap a picture with the statues before entering the stadium.
Reds fans usually hang out in iconic spots near the GAPB like Over-the-Rhine or Fountain Square. Fans would often play games with their friends, meet new people, and have a drink or two with them. This is probably how fans get themselves hyped before the game itself.
Baseball fans everywhere love Opening Day, but nobody puts on a celebration for the start of baseball quite like the city of Cincinnati. The Reds Opening Day Parade starts at Findlay Market and then makes its way down Race Street to 5th Street before finishing at Taft Theater. If you’re lucky enough to attend Opening Day in Cincinnati, make sure to attend the Reds Opening Day Parade.
Every Reds fan knows if they want to be considered an ultimate fan, then they have to go to RedsFest. The annual event gives fans the chance to meet fellow fans and get autographs from their favorite past and present Reds players. RedsFest is the ultimate Reds fan experience and a something every Reds fan should experience at least once!
Tin RoofTin Roof is one of the closest restaurants to GABP and is a great place to hang out before the game. Here you’ll find fantastic, delicious, and well-prepared food and drinks as well as live music. If you’re the type of person who likes loud music and a fun atmosphere, this is the place for you!
Holy Grail TavernHoly Grail Tavern is one of the best places to pregame if you’re looking to celebrate a Reds game surrounded by fellow diehard fans. The bar is home to TVs that are so big you’ll feel like you’re in the stadium.
Skyline ChilliSkyline Chili is unique to the Cincinnati area and serves the best chili dogs in the area. It’s true! Even ask other fans, and they’ll say that they can’t get enough of their chili dogs topped with mountains of delicious cheese.
Moerlein Lager HouseIf you want to booze hard before the game, the Moerlein Lager House is the best place for you. The drinks menu offers an incredible selection, making it impossible for you not to find something to wet your whistle. Moerlein Lager House also a great view of the river and gardens making it an excellent pregame destination.
Reds Stadium Guide
In Game
The Cincinnati Reds fans are known as some of the most energetic, passionate, and loyal fans in all of baseball, and it doesn’t take a lot of analysis to understand why! Baseball is a huge part of Cincinnati’s culture, and it shines through in the fans. No matter how the Reds are doing, you’ll find a crowd of adoring fans file into Great American Ball Park. The people here just truly love baseball and the Reds creating an unforgettable atmosphere that you won’t soon forget.
The fans aren’t the only thing that makes attending a game at GABP a fantastic experience, the stadium itself is also top notch. GABP is home to excellent sightlines, and you won’t find a bad seat in the the house, but what really sets GABP apart is the history on display inside and outside the stadium. Crosley Terrace, the Hall of Fame & Museum, and the murals and displays around the stadium all go a long way in bringing the history of the Reds to life at GABP.
If you love incredible fans and baseball history, then a trip to see a Reds game at GABP is a must for you. Plan your trip today to experience one of the best game days Major League Baseball has to offer.
Yes, cheerleaders! The Cincinnati Reds are only one of the few teams in Major League Baseball to have cheerleaders, so it’s quite a treat for fans to find cheerleaders to cheer along with them.
The $1 concessions are a great deal for Reds fans! Especially for those who want to enjoy the thrill of the game without having buy overpriced game food. The only downside is that the lines can be quite long, so if you're looking to grab some of these cheap concessions make sure to arrive early.
It’s common for Reds fans to say that out of all the seats in Great American Ball Park, there isn’t a bad one in the house. Even the cheapest seat give you an amazing view of the game! However, while it is true that there are no bad seats in the Great American Ball Park, there has to be the best one… right? And one the best place to take in a Reds game is the Sun/Moon deck! The seats on the deck are fantastic, not only do they give you a great view of the game, but they also give you an incredible view of the city of Cincinnati and allow you to catch a breeze from the Ohio River!
In right center field are two smokestacks resembling those of 18th and 19th-century steamboats. The stacks are a tribute to Cincinnati’s past and flash lights, emit flames, and launch fireworks to celebrate Reds home runs and wins. Don’t miss the Power Stacks light up when the Reds hit a homer at GABP.
Among the many murals and photo displays at GABP is a mural honoring the Reds legendary Big Red Machine. The Big Red Machine dominated the 70s winning four NL titles and two World Series. Check out the mural to remember all of your favorite Reds from that era including Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan.
Located down the first baseline, the kids area at GABP is the perfect place to take restless kids during the game. The kids area is home to a playground and a wiffle ball field giving kids plenty of ways to work out their excess energy.
The Reds are known to have a lot of mascots (4 to be exact). And these are Mr. Red, Rosie Red, Mr. Redlegs, and the fuzzy Gapper! This a unique thing for the Reds and the Reds fans because this would only mean 4x the fun!!
There's nothing better than enjoying a cold drink and excellent food while watching the game with your closest friends just across the street from Paul Brown Stadium
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