Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds Travel Guide: Great American Ball Park

Getting to Cincinnati & The Ballpark

• Flying In: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is the main hub, located about 13 miles from the ballpark. It is heavily serviced by Delta, with great budget options on Allegiant and Frontier. If you are flying out of Houston, you can usually find a quick, direct flight into CVG on either Delta or Allegiant.

• Airport Transit: If you want to save cash, take the TANK bus from the airport. It runs every hour to an hour and a half, drops you off in downtown Cincinnati, and only costs $2 per person. Since Cincinnati is very walkable, skipping the rental car and using rideshares or transit is highly recommended.

• Public Transit (The Streetcar): The Cincinnati Connector is an above-ground streetcar that loops through the downtown area. It is a fantastic, free, and unique way to get to the game if you are staying further north in the business district.

• Parking: Because Great American Ball Park sits right next to Paycor Stadium (home of the Bengals), the combined footprint of both venues means parking is incredibly plentiful and generally very cheap in the surrounding garages and lots.

Where to Stay

Great American Ball Park sits in a prime location on the south edge of downtown, right on the Ohio River. You can stay in the heart of the city or just across the river in Kentucky for easy access.

Budget Options

• Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps: Housed in a historic building, this boutique-style extended-stay hotel is a little over a half-mile walk to the park. It features large suites with full kitchens, a free daily breakfast buffet, and a free grocery shopping service. It also boasts an incredible rooftop restaurant and bar, making it a fantastic social hub.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati: Located just across the Ohio River in Kentucky. You get extra space (many rooms have sofa beds), a free hot breakfast, and an indoor pool. Best of all, getting to the game is as simple as taking a scenic, half-mile stroll across the pedestrian-friendly Taylor Southgate Bridge directly to the stadium gates.

Higher-End Options

• Hyatt Regency Cincinnati: Located in the center of the vibrant downtown district, just over a half-mile from the ballpark. It features a unique indoor saltwater pool with a glass dome, an outdoor sun deck, and a farm-to-table restaurant. At only 8,000 World of Hyatt points per night, it is an incredible redemption value for a premium stay.

• The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection: Built inside a classic 1909 building, this is one of the most unique, elegant stays in the city. It features a naturally lit lobby atrium full of trees, an upscale Italian restaurant, and an eclectic rooftop bar overlooking the skyline. At 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, it is perfect for fans who want a luxurious, highly stylized weekend just a half-mile from the stadium.

Pregame Food and Drink

The stadium is flanked by The Banks, a massive riverfront entertainment district packed with spots to eat and drink before first pitch.

• The Ultimate Brewery Experience: Moerlein Lager House is an absolute must-visit. This massive two-story working microbrewery offers over 100 beers on tap, an impressive food menu, and sweeping views of the river just steps from the stadium.

• Classic Sports Bars: Holy Grail Tavern sits right across the street from the ballpark and is the undisputed epicenter of Reds game day energy.

• Casual Bites: Head to Taste of Belgium for incredible waffles (they serve brunch all day), or grab a quick, reasonably priced pizza and beer at Pies and Pints. For tacos and Mexican classics, Jefferson Social offers a laid-back vibe just a block from the park.

• Upscale Rooftops: Want to escape the massive crowds? Upper Deck (on the roof of the AC Hotel) offers fire pits, tapas, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Phelps Bar (on the roof of the Residence Inn) offers fantastic American dining with distant views of both stadiums.

Where to Sit at Great American Ball Park

Cincinnati offers some of the best value tickets and sightlines in all of Major League Baseball.

• The Premium Views: Sit in Sections 222-225 on the Club Level. You get premium amenities, seats just past the dugout, and an absolutely stunning vantage point of both the field and the riverfront setting.

• Away Fans: If you are cheering for the visiting team, look for Sections 116-118. These field-level seats are right down the third-base line, putting you incredibly close to the away dugout for a very fair price.

• Home Run Potential: The right-field seats are perched directly above the river and put you right in the splash zone for home runs. Plus, they face directly toward the massive main scoreboard in left field, so you won't miss any replays.

• The Budget Seats: The upper deck offers excellent, sweeping views of the Ohio River and the hills of Kentucky behind the stadium. It is one of the most scenic upper decks in the league and almost always has cheap tickets available.