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Great American Ball Park Guide

MLB · Cincinnati

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Great American Ball Park sits on the Ohio River in Cincinnati's Banks district, with views of the Kentucky hills beyond the outfield wall that make sunset games here genuinely spectacular. The free Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar runs a 3.6-mile loop connecting the ballpark to Over-the-Rhine, and Holy Grail Tavern & Grille across the street is where Reds fans gather before first pitch. Downtown hotels are a 10-minute walk, and the riverfront location means you can combine a game with the Newport Aquarium or a walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge.

At a glance

Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
Re-entry is not permitted for any reason, including for…
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
Outside food OK
Getting here
The Cincinnati Bell Connector, a free streetcar, runs a 3.5-mile loop connecting downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine, and The Banks.
Family friendly
The TriHealth Family Zone features a playground, sensory room, and nursing room.
Home team:Cincinnati Reds

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Great American Ball Park on the calendar. See Cincinnati home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Great American Ball Park

The Banks and Downtown Cincinnati are ideal neighborhoods for hotels, offering close proximity and walking distance to the ballpark, with options like AC Hotel Cincinnati at The Banks highlighted for its location.

The Banks

This modern riverfront district is situated directly between Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium, making it ideal for sports fans seeking immediate proximity to major venues. It offers a lively atmosphere with numerous bars and restaurants.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) has multiple stops in The Banks, providing free access to Downtown and Over-the-Rhine. The TANK Southbank Shuttle also serves The Banks, offering connections to Northern Kentucky (Covington/Newport).

Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati offers a central and compact location with easy walkability to major sports venues and a wide range of hotels. It serves as a hub for various city attractions.

The Cincinnati Bell Connector (streetcar) runs a 3.6-mile loop through downtown, connecting to The Banks and Over-the-Rhine with 18 stops, and is free to ride. The Cincinnati Metro bus system also provides extensive routes throughout the city.

Covington/Newport (Northern Kentucky)

These Northern Kentucky cities across the Ohio River offer an alternative to staying directly in Cincinnati, providing scenic views and a different ambiance. They are well-connected to downtown Cincinnati's sports venues.

The TANK Southbank Shuttle Trolley is a key transit option, directly connecting Covington and Newport to The Banks and the major stadiums in downtown Cincinnati for a low fare. The Airporter 2X bus also provides service from CVG airport to downtown Cincinnati and these Northern Kentucky areas.

See full Cincinnati stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The Cincinnati Bell Connector, a free streetcar, runs a 3.5-mile loop connecting downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine, and The Banks. Hop off at Station 1 in The Banks, which is steps away from the stadium, along Second Street just west of Joe Nuxhall Way.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated pickup and drop-off areas for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are located near Joe Nuxhall Way and Second Street.

Parking: Accessible parking is available in the East section of the Central Riverfront Garage for $27 and in the East Garage for $16, which are credit card only and pay-upon-entry. Parking passes for Central Riverfront Garage can be purchased in advance via reds.com/parking or by calling (513) 765-7400. Parking lots open five hours before game time.

After the event

The Banks entertainment district offers a lively nightlife scene with multiple bars open late. Options include Holy Grail Tavern & Grille, Fishbowl at The Banks (open until 2 a.m., hours vary with events), and Tin Roof at The Banks (open until 1 a.m., 2 a.m., or 2:30 a.m. depending on the day). The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) at The Banks operates until 1 a.m.

Works well with these Cincinnati venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located in downtown Cincinnati on the winding banks of the Ohio River, within The Banks entertainment district.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is not allowed.
  • Signature food: Montgomery Inn Smokehouse BBQ is considered a trademark food of the stadium, with Mr. Red's Smokehouse presented by Montgomery Inn located near Section 139 and in the First Star Fan Zone.
  • Fan tradition: Opening Day is a major celebration. The 'Power Stacks' smokestacks launch fireworks after a home run and fire when a visiting batter strikes out. Mr. Redlegs and Rosie Red mascots greet fans.
  • Pregame institution: Holy Grail Tavern & Grille (161 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • The Filson
    25 E. Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    An upscale yet relaxed modern sports bar conveniently located between the Reds and Bengals stadiums. It offers a lively atmosphere with large screens for game viewing, specialty cocktails, local beers, and elevated bar food, making it a go-to spot for pre-game, post-game, and social gatherings.

    What to order: Elevated bar food, specialty cocktails, and local beers. Specific menu items mentioned include 'Uber Pretzel', 'Court Street Nachos', Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Porkopolis Burger.

  • Holy Grail at The Banks
    161 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    Located just 100 yards from Great American Ball Park, it's a popular sports bar featuring 31 hi-def TVs and outdoor patios with garage doors that open to the street. It's known for hosting official pre-game shows for the Bengals.

    What to order: Affordable pub fare and buckets of beer (especially on Bengals game days).

  • Knockback Nat's
    10 W 7th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    An institution for baseball fans, known for its classic sports bar feel, free popcorn, and highly-rated smoked wings. It's a popular spot for pre-game gatherings and features local craft beers and regional bourbons.

    What to order: Smoked chicken wings (dry-rubbed or with a choice of 12 sauces, including award-winning bourbon-pineapple barbecue and spicy garlic ranch), craft beers, regional bourbons, and free popcorn.

  • Tom's Watch Bar - Cincinnati
    175 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · The Banks (Downtown)

    The ultimate destination for live sports and entertainment, featuring a signature 360-degree viewing experience with over 75 screens. It's a high-energy setting with elevated food and drinks, catering to a wide range of sports fans year-round.

    What to order: Elevated sports bar classics, chef-driven dishes, handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and seltzers.

  • Queen City Radio
    222 W 12th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Over-the-Rhine (OTR)

    A multi-level cocktail lounge and music venue housed in a renovated 1920s gas station, offering a large outdoor beer garden and indoor bar. It's considered an 'every-person' bar with diverse drink options, 9 TVs always showing games (Reds, Bengals, Cyclones, FCC), and a vibrant atmosphere.

    What to order: Numerous beers on tap, craft cocktails, and boozy slushies.

  • The Blind Pig
    24 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    A modern-day speakeasy within a 5-minute walk of both Reds and Bengals stadiums. It boasts a rooftop patio with scenic views of the city and Ohio River, 10 TVs for game viewing, local craft beers, pub grub, and daily drink specials.

    What to order: Local craft beers, pub grub, and daily drink specials such as $4 Jameson on Wednesdays and $5 drafts on Thursdays.

  • Kitty's Sports Grill
    218 W 3rd St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    An iconic Bengals bar located directly across from Paycor Stadium. It's known for fresh pub food, unique sports memorabilia, good craft beer, and a convenient location for pre- and post-game stops for both Bengals and Reds games.

    What to order: Smoked wings (grilled on natural wood coals then flash-fried), 'Bengal Bombs', burgers, sandwiches, and homemade chili.

  • Arnold's Bar & Grill
    210 East 8th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202 · Downtown

    Cincinnati's oldest continuously operating bar (since 1861), offering a historic and old-timey vibe. It's known for live Americana, jazz, and bluegrass music, American comfort food, and a wide selection of drinks. It's a classic spot for pre-game drinks before Reds games.

    What to order: American comfort food classics such as Arnold's Famous Meatballs and wings, along with twists on classic cocktails and local brews.