Fan Stay
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
Hotel in The Banks with the AC Upper Deck rooftop bar, directly across from Great American Ball Park.
MLB Ballpark
Great American Ball Park
Cincinnati Reds · Cincinnati
Great American Ball Park is the riverfront home of the Cincinnati Reds, sitting on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. It honors the city's deep baseball heritage with steamboat-themed features, statues of Reds legends and an adjacent Hall of Fame.
Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
History
The ballpark replaced Cinergy Field, formerly Riverfront Stadium, which had housed the Reds since 1970. In 1996, Hamilton County voters approved a sales tax increase to fund new venues for both the Reds and the NFL's Bengals. Designed by HOK Sport, construction began in 2000, and the park opened for the 2003 season. Great American Insurance Group purchased the naming rights in a long-term deal. The address was later changed to Joe Nuxhall Way to honor the former Reds pitcher and beloved broadcaster. The design wove in nods to Cincinnati history, from riverboat imagery to a clock echoing historic Crosley Field.
The Ballpark Experience
The ballpark embraces its riverfront setting, offering views of the Ohio River, the Roebling Suspension Bridge and northern Kentucky beyond the outfield. A signature design element is "The Gap," a wide break in the seating bowl that opens a sightline into downtown Cincinnati. In right-center field, two tall Power Stacks evoke 19th-century steamboats, flashing lights and launching fireworks after every Reds home run and victory. The Crosley Terrace entrance features statues of Reds greats, and the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum sits adjacent to the park.
Food & Drink
The menu leans on Cincinnati signatures, most notably Skyline Chili, the city's distinctive chili served over spaghetti or on hot dogs as "coneys." Barbecue is a draw at Mr. Red's Smokehouse, and the Porkopolis stand nods to the city's pork-packing heritage.
Visiting Tips
Seats along the third-base side and the upper deck offer the best skyline and river views, while lower-level seats benefit from the park's small foul territory. The ballpark is in walkable downtown Cincinnati near The Banks entertainment district, with parking garages nearby. Arrive early to walk Crosley Terrace and consider pairing a visit with the adjacent Reds Hall of Fame.
Famous Moments
- 2003 — Ken Griffey Jr. recorded the first hit in the new ballpark on Opening Day.
- 2013 — Reds pitcher Homer Bailey threw the first no-hitter at the ballpark.
- 2015 — Great American Ball Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game.
Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near Great American Ball Park
Hotels, bars and restaurants near Great American Ball Park — every pick web-researched and source-cited.
Where to Stay
Fan Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati-Downtown
Downtown hotel a short walk from Great American Ball Park, with a late-night lounge.
Fan Stay
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Downtown hotel about a half-mile from Great American Ball Park, within easy walking distance.
Bars & Pubs
AC Upper Deck
Rooftop bar atop the AC Hotel at The Banks with full skyline views and easy ballpark access.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille
Sports bar roughly 100 yards from home plate at The Banks, with 31 HD TVs and patios toward the ballpark.
Tin Roof
Live-music bar and grill at The Banks, a local favorite for a pre-game drink across from the ballpark.
Restaurants
Fan Eats
Cincinnati Lager House
Riverfront restaurant and working microbrewery in Smale Riverfront Park celebrating the city's brewing heritage.
Fan Eats
Taste of Belgium - The Banks
Belgian-style cafe at The Banks known for waffles and chicken-and-waffles, between the ballpark and Paycor Stadium.
Fan Eats
The Filson Queen City Kitchen & Bar
Spacious New American restaurant and upscale sports bar at The Banks with creative burgers and pizza.
Cincinnati Reds Rivalries
Frequently Asked Questions: Great American Ball Park
Great American Ball Park opened in 2003. Great American Ball Park is the riverfront home of the Cincinnati Reds, sitting on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. It honors the city's deep baseball heritage with steamboat-themed features, statues of Reds legends and an adjacent Hall of Fame.
Cincinnati Reds play their home games at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
The menu leans on Cincinnati signatures, most notably Skyline Chili, the city's distinctive chili served over spaghetti or on hot dogs as "coneys." Barbecue is a draw at Mr. Red's Smokehouse, and the Porkopolis stand nods to the city's pork-packing heritage.
Seats along the third-base side and the upper deck offer the best skyline and river views, while lower-level seats benefit from the park's small foul territory. The ballpark is in walkable downtown Cincinnati near The Banks entertainment district, with parking garages nearby. Arrive early to walk Crosley Terrace and consider pairing a visit with the adjacent Reds Hall of Fame.
Sources
Planning a trip? See the full Cincinnati travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around Great American Ball Park.
