Crosley Field
Cincinnati, Ohio
Groundbreaking: August 1, 2000
1st National League Game: March 31, 2003
Surface: Natural Grass
Construction: Hunt Construction Group, Inc
Architects: HOK Sport & GBBN Architects (Cincinnati)
Cost: $290 million
Owner: Hamilton County
Seating capacity: 42,059
Playing Field Dimensions:
Left-field line: 328 ft
Left-field power alley: 379 ft
Center field: 404 ft
Right-field power alley: 370 ft
Right-field line: 325 ft
Height of Fences:
Left field, 12 feet high
Right & Center, 8 feet high.
Hosted World Series: Never
Hosted All Star Game: Never
The Cincinnati Reds opened their second ballpark on the riverfront on March 31, 2003. Walking along the outside perimeter of the ballpark down Second Street fans are greeted by a three story building of brick and cast limestone, with the phrase “Rounding third and heading for home,” the signature sign-off of broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, atop the building. Banners of great moments in Reds history also lines the area. At Second and Main streets is an opening to Crosley Terrace, a point most fans pass through before entering the park. The terrace is about an acre of concrete, landscaped with grass and trees. Statutes of Crosley Field-era players (Joe Nuxhall, Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski and Frank Robinson) created by Local artist Thomas Tsuchiya are featured, along with a pitcher's mound built to Major League Baseball dimensions of the day. Grass in the terrace is sloped at the same incline as it was in Crosley Field's outfield.
Great American Ballpark has approximately 42,000 red seats in three tiers. Stretching from foul pole to foul pole, the upper deck is broken into two sections. The gap in the deck between home and third enables people in downtown Cincinnati to see right into the ballpark. Double-decked bleachers are located in left field as well as single decked seats in right field.
Notable moments: April 4, 2003: Sammy Sosa's 500th career homer
The good: Excellent sightlines featuring cantilever decks in the main grandstand.
The bad: It's too bad they couldn't figure a way to build the park a little closer to the river-- a 'splash shot' has to travel at least 563 feet.
"Opening" the park towards the south (River), instead of the north (downtown), meant the stunning skyline view of downtown isn't a part of the ballpark experience here as it is in Pittsburgh's PNC Park. Also, the Sun Deck in right field is so steeply raked, that views of the river are blocked out much more than they needed to be.
The ugly: Somewhat sterile, non-descript architecture. Could use some texture & color-- everything's metalic & white.
Cincinnati Reds
100 Main St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 765-7000
Terrace dugout $ 60
Terrace infield box $36
Terrace box $30
Terrace line $25
View level infield box $19
Mezzanine infield $19
Sun Deck/Moon Deck $19
Terrace outfield $18
View level box $17
Mezzanine $17
View level $12
Bleachers $9
Outer View level $5
Seating Chart
Purchase Tickets
TV: FSN
In-park dining choices: MACHINE ROOM GRILLE
Concession items include: Bratwurst, Cheddarwurst, Polish Kielbasa, Veggie Dog, Goetta Dog, Baked Italian Sub, Calzone, Grilled Reuben Sandwich, Skyline Cheese Coney, Nacho Cheese Waffle Fries. Signature item: DEEP FRIED "TWINKIES"
Cincinnati Dining Guide - Best Bets
Directions & Parking
Ballpark Tour & Vacation Packages
The clock atop the main scoreboard in left field is a "replica" of the Longines clock that was at Crosley Field
An architectural highlight of Great American Ball Park, the Batter's Eye Pavilion in center field is a glass-enclosed, climate-controlled party area, featuring a non-reflective glass shield that doubles as the batter's eye.
Located on the Terrace Level along the west side of Great American Ball Park, the Fan Plaza, built on the former site of Riverfront Stadium, is the second and final phase of construction at Great American Ball Park. The Fan Plaza will feature a baseball themed interactive area for kids, Mega Concession Stand, Picnic Deck, The Rose Garden, Bandstand and two additional entrance locations for Guests.
The grass at Great American Ball Park is comprised of five varieties of Kentucky bluegrass that was custom grown for the Reds in Brookville, Ind.. The turf is growing in a 12-inch root zone composed of 100 percent sand. The drainage and irrigation systems lie below the root zone. The field is capable of handling up to 3 inches of rain an hour with little or no water pooling on the surface.
Located on the west side of Great American Ball Park along Main Street, The Reds Hall of Fame Museum will feature a wide variety of permanent and traveling exhibits and will be open to the public year-round. Construction on the Reds Hall of Fame Museum is scheduled for completion by late summer 2004.
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Click on titles for more info.
Crosley Field: The Illustrated History of a Classic Ballpark
by Greg Rhodes
Redleg Journal
by Greg Rhodes, John Snyder
The Long Ball: The Summer of '75--Spaceman, Catfish, Charlie Hustle, and the Greatest World Series Ever Played
Tom Adelman
Take Me Out to the Ballpark: An Illustrated Guide to Baseball Parks Past & Present
by Josh Leventhal, Jessica M. Macmurray
The Ultimate Baseball Road-Trip
by Joshua Pahigian, Kevin O'Connell
Fodor's Baseball Vacations: Great Family Trips to Minor League and Classic Major League Ballparks Across America
by Bruce Adams
America's Ballparks
by Kenneth Hogan
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