CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds will take a second crack (of the bat) at opening day Wednesday, as they hope to welcome a full house to Great American Ball Park.
The 12:35 p.m. tilt against the Philadelphia Phillies is the Reds’ first home game without an attendance restriction in more than a year due to COVID-19.
Last month Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that all mask requirements and most other health orders related to the pandemic would expire June 2.
To mark the lifting of the restrictions, Reds officials joined city and business leaders last week to outline plans for what they dubbed “Re-Opening Day.”
The team has planned for several events in and around the ballpark for Wednesday.
Outside the Ballpark
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas proclaimed June 2 a ceremonial “half-day holiday” in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. They both invited fans who are able to attend, to come downtown to enjoy the game and support local businesses.
The DORA District at The Banks, which is just outside the ballpark, will open at 11 a.m. Event organizers announced last week bars and restaurants throughout downtown will be encouraged to be open during that time, with “Re-Opening Day” specials and activities.
Jim Moehring, co-owner of Holy Grail, which faces Great American Ball Park, said he and his team have been “ramping up” over the past few weeks in anticipation. He said he expects capacity in his bar to double when the health orders expire.
“This is going to be great for the Reds and great for the fans, but this is so much bigger than one game,” he said. “Hopefully this is a sign that we are on our way out of this pandemic. The past 15 months have been so difficult for everyone in our state. I am excited for tomorrow and all that comes after.”
3CDC announced plans to program Fountain Square with bars during the game. They will stream the game live on the big screen atop the Foundry Building.
Tickets
The Reds are offering a $5 Re-Opening Day ticket promotion for seats in the View Level section. Availability is limited. As of Tuesday afternoon there were still tickets available.
View Level seats are $10 Monday through Thursday games throughout the season for those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Fans must purchase those tickets at the stadium and show their vaccination card.
It’s important to note that all tickets, even those purchased at the stadium, will be issued digitally via the MLB Ballpark app.
What to expect inside the ballpark
Beginning June 2, masks will be optional and no longer a requirement for entry to Great American Ball Park.
However, there are still some safety measures in place at the ball park. They include:
-Digital tickets to allow for contactless entry
-Contactless and cashless forms of payment at concessions and merchandise stands
-Backpacks are prohibited inside of the ballpark. Acceptable bags include medical bags and diaper bags, which will be inspected prior to entering. Reds Heads bags are also permitted.
Going ‘Red’
Mayor Cranley and Commissioner Dumas invited Reds fans to wear team colors in support of the franchise and the region’s economic recovery. But the fans won’t be the only ones sporting red in support.
Jeff Berding, team president of FC Cincinnati, announced last week that his club’s TQL Stadium will join the Duke Energy Convention Center, Tyler Davidson Fountain (Fountain Square), the Fifth Third Bank Building and other buildings throughout Cincinnati by being illuminated in red to support the team on June 1 and June 2.
FC Cincinnati will also operate with attendance restrictions moving forward. Their next home match is June 19 against the Colorado Rapids.
