Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport

13.7 miles/ 20 minutes to Great American Ball Park

WHERE TO STAY?  Hotels Near Great American Ball Park (within 1 mile)

Unlimited Budget

The Westin- Cincinnati

Marriott- Cincinnati Rivercenter

AC Hotel Cincinnati at the Banks

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

Moderate Budget

Comfort Suites- Newport

Hampton Inn & Suites- Cincinnati Downtown

Chaser budget traveler

Aloft Newport on the Levee

WHERE TO PARK?

Downtown Cincinnati offers plenty of parking lots and garages on the East and West sides of the ballpark. Expect to pay between $15-20 for close parking and $5-12 for vendor parking further away from the ballpark. The day of the week and the opposing team will contribute to the parking price. 

Ballpark Chasers Tip: Park on the Kentucky side of the river for cheaper parking and view over the Southgate Bridge!

WHERE TO EAT?

It’s a must for Reds fans to visit the Buffalo Wings & Rings Machine Room to see old Redleg photos and memorabilia. Located in the left field of Great American Ball Park, the Machine Room opens 3 hours before each home game, just in time for batting practice. We love their fried pretzel sticks, burgers and the Wharf (beer battered tilapia, shaved cabbage, sliced cheddar, smoked caper aioli on a toasted bun). 

Mr. Red's Smokehouse is one of our favorite stands in all Major League ballparks! Located at the end of the first base concourse and overlooking the Ohio River, fans can enjoy the smoked meats such as beef ribs, turkey legs, chicken wings and pulled pork sandwiches. New menu items are featured each homestand and are tied to a visiting team and its regional cuisine.

Don’t forget the Cincinnati Coney dogs! Look for sections 116, 130 or 519 for the Skyline Cheese Coney station. 

Bring your appetite and buy an All You Can Eat pass. Located on the first-base concourse of the View Level, this new stand offers unlimited sodas, hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts and chips for just $20 per person. All You Can Eat pass can be added to any game ticket. Limit of four (4) of each item per visit to the stand. Fans purchasing seats in Diamond Club, Club Home, Club Seating, and Handlebar areas should not purchase this voucher, as food is already included with their ticket.

New food at Great American Ball Park in 2021 

Spicy Chicken sandwich - section 113

House Smoked turkey sandwich - section 137

BBQ Pulled Pork, Mac & Cheese with Coleslaw in a Bread Cone - section 137

Crispy Fries with Marshmallows, Chocolate Syrup - Section 133 & 532 

If you want to dine outside the park, make an effort to stop at Arnold’s Bar & Grill (located at 210 East 8^th St). Arnolds has been serving hearty meals since 1861 and will make you feel right at home.  A new Ballpark Chaser recommendation is the Holy Grail Tavern & Grill. Just steps away from home plate, the Holy Grail provides tons of big screen high def TVs, outdoor patio dining, and an excellent selection of American food. Other close options include Moerlein Lager House, and Burrito Joe's.

If you have a rental car, check out Zip's Cafe. Located about 6 miles from Great American Ball Park, a zipburger is well worth the drive. 

Ballpark Chasers Hidden Gem: located on the Kentucky side is a local favorite called Hofbraushaus Newport (don't worry if you can't pronounce it). This German style restaurant is truly one of the only authentic Hofbraushaus' in North America. You have your choice of dining in their Bier Hall which offers live Bavarian music or a quiet dinning room to avoid the crowd. Check out their monthly beer selection to help choose your best month to visit. 

Ballpark Chasers Favorite Bar- Holy Grail Tavern

WHERE TO BUY TICKETS?

The Reds have steadily dropped to one of the worst attendances in Major League baseball. With the exception of Opening Day and big market clubs coming to Cincinnati, we don't anticipate any sellouts. If possible, plan on catching one of the Friday night fireworks’ shows. It’s a top-notch presentation that caps off a great night at the old ballpark. Ballpark Chasers recommends pre-purchasing your tickets through the Reds box office. 

WHEN TO GO?

From May through September, expect temperatures in the 80s with humidity. On average, July tends to be the hottest month, while May is the wettest month. Nothing to worry about as a late afternoon shower will cool off a night at GABP. Ballpark Chasers suggest making your trip to the Cincinnati area in the month of June.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE?

Whether or not you are a fan or the Cincinnati Reds, they are the oldest Major League ball club and have a rich history. We recommend coming early to the park to walk through the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Located on the grounds of Great American Ball Park, it is just $10 for a game day pass and takes roughly 30 minutes to go through and experience the rich past of the Redlegs.

Also close to the ballpark is the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. This Museum is one of the best in the United States. A $14 ticket will enlighten you on the secret network of escape routes that slaves used leading up to the civil war and our country’s fight to end slavery.

Don’t leave Cincinnati without taking a stroll through Fountain Square. Just blocks from Great American Ball Park, this entertainment hub is home to great shops, dining, landscaping and people watching.  

If you have a rental car, take the 90 minute drive to Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Louisville Slugger Museum. Come see the world's largest bat, a 17-ton glove sculpture, and even take batting practice in Bud's batting cage. Guided factory tours begin at 9:00 am and the last factory tour of the day starts one hour before closing. Guests now have the opportunity to see bats being made seven days a week and is enjoyed by all ages. Click here for hours of operation and pricing information. 

BALLPARK CHASERS TRIP?

Cincinnati is in the heart of the Midwest and can easily be combined with travels to other ballparks. The closest is Progressive Field in Cleveland (roughly a 4 hour drive). The toughest part is deciding how many to see!  We suggest one of the following trips:

*Great American Ball Park, Wrigley Field, US Cellular, Miller Park

*Great American Ball Park, Progressive Field, Comerica Park, PNC Park

If your vacation to Cincinnati has you staying within the area, check out some Minor League baseball in Dayton, Ohio. The Dayton Dragons have one of the best Minor League ballparks in the country. Fifth Third Field is definitely worth the one-hour drive.