KSR's Guide to Great American Ballpark

The Cincinnati Reds are a somewhat surprising 18-22 on the year and only five games off the NL Central lead. An electrifying young core has become the organization’s mantra. Players such as Jake Fraley, Spencer Steer, and Nick Senzel have all enjoyed great campaigns with increased roles and health. Team cornerstones Hunter Greene and Jonathan India have been incredible. Tyler Stephenson and Nick Lodolo are beginning to find their form (However, Lodolo was put on the 15-day IL on Sunday). 

With reinforcements on the way (see my article on the team’s rebuild), there hasn’t been a better time to go to Great American Ballpark in years. As KSR’s resident Cincinnatian, I visited the Reds’ matchup with the Mets on May 9th for Bark in the Park night.

During this trip, I documented the must-see attractions at GABP for the whole family. In the coming weeks, the Reds will host plenty of great games, including a series with the popular New York Yankees. In addition, next Friday, the Reds will debut their long-awaited City Connect uniforms against the Bronx Bombers. Allow me to give you a guide on what to do while at GABP this summer.

Repping CINCY for a new generation. pic.twitter.com/BKHpbtqq1e

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 13, 2023

Best places to eat in the ballpark

• 50 West Burger
• Skyline
• Frybox
• Porkopolis 
• Montgomery Inn Smokehouse 

Best places to eat outside the ballpark

• Condado Tacos
• Moerlein Lager House
• Holy Grail
• Yardhouse

Seats

We sat in the second row in right field for the Mets game. This section is usually pretty rowdy and is where some of the drunkest people reside (especially on three-dollar beer night). The best seats in the house are on the first baseline towards the top of the lower level. You have great shade, near all the excellent food, and it won’t break the bank account. Also, tickets are pretty cheap considering GABP is so nice and the team is actually entertaining. 

For the Kids

The Reds First Star Fan Zone is among the best in the major leagues. With a whole wiffle ball field, play set, carnival games, and the kid’s clubhouse, the kids will always be energized at the ballpark. 

Drinks, Drinks, Drinks

For the adults, there is somewhere to get a drink at every turn. Some are wildly overpriced, but I’ve been told a ballpark beer is worth the money. The Reds have their brewery district behind third base with self-serve beer locations.