Great American Ball Park
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The Great American Ballpark is the home of the Cincinnati Reds of the National League. It was constructed to replace the aging Cinergy Field. It is one of few ballparks to be located on a riverfront, though it is difficult to see the river unless you are in the upper deck. Some unique features of this park are its red seating and steamboat in centerfield that lights up for every Reds homerun.
[edit] Building GABP
In 1996, Hamilton County voters passed a one-half percent sales tax increase to fund the building of two new facilities for both the Cincinnati Reds and the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals. Previously, the teams shared occupancy of Cinergy Field, but complained that the aging multipurpose facility lacked modern amenities and other things necessary for small market teams to survive.
After much discussion and debate, the site that was eventually chosen became informally known as "the wedge," due to it being "wedged" between Cinergy Field and US Bank Arena. To accommodate construction on the small plot, Cinergy Field was partially demolished, although it remained in use until Great American Ball Park was ready. Cinergy Field, which opened midway through the 1970 season under its working name, Riverfront Stadium, was demolished on December 29, 2002.
[edit] Timeline
- 1996: Hamilton County voters agree to a tax increase in order to build new stadiums for the Reds and the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals.
- 2001: The Great American Insurance Group purchases naming rights.
- December 29, 2002: Cinergy Field is demolished.
- 2003:
- March 28: Great American Ball Park opens with an exhibition game against the American League Cleveland Indians.
- March 31: The stadium holds its first regular season game. The Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Reds on the road, 10-7. Former President George H.W. Bush threw the ceremonial first pitch.
[edit] Features
The Gap. A 35' (11 m) wide break in the stands between home plate and third base called "The Gap" is bridged by the concourse on each level (see photo). Aligned with Sycamore Street, it provides views into the stadium from downtown and out to the skyline from within the park.
Pepsi Power Stacks. In right center field, two riverboat-inspired smokestacks flash lights, emit smoke and launch fireworks to incite or respond to the home team's efforts. When the Reds strike out a batter, smoke blows out of the stacks. When the Reds hit a home run, fireworks are launched from the stacks.
The Spirit of Baseball. A 50 foot by 20 foot (15 by 6 m) limestone bas relief carving near the main entrance features a young baseball player looking up to the heroic figures of a batter, pitcher and fielder, all set against the background of many of Cincinnati's landmarks, including the riverfront and Union Terminal. The piece was sculpted between 2002 and 2003 by local artists Todd Myers and Paul Brooke.
The Mosaic. A mosaic paying tribute to two legendary Reds teams: the 1869 Red Stockings, Major League Baseball's first professional team, and the 1975 Big Red Machine club that won the first of two consecutive World Series, are just inside the main entrance.
The Panoramas. Panoramas of downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Adams, the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky are visible from most of the park (see main photo).
The Scoreboard. At 217 feet, 9 inches (66 m) wide, the scoreboard is the third largest in Major League Baseball; only the scoreboards at Denver's Coors Field and Detroit's Comerica Park, respectively, are larger. The Crosley Terrace features bronze statues of Reds players involved in an imaginary ball game. The Crosley Terrace features bronze statues of Reds players involved in an imaginary ball game.
Crosley Terrace. As a nod to Crosley Field, the Reds' home from 1912-1970, a monument was created in front of the main entrance to highlight the park's infamous left-field terrace. Bronze statues of Crosley-era stars Joe Nuxhall, Ernie Lombardi, Ted Kluszewski, and Frank Robinson are depicted playing in an imaginary ballgame. These statues were created by sculptor Thomas Tsuchiya. Great American Ball Park at night. Great American Ball Park at night.
4192 Mural. A three-piece mural on the back of the scoreboard in left-field depicts the bat Pete Rose used for his record-breaking 4,192nd hit and the ball he hit.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Located on the west side of Great American Ball Park on Main Street, the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates the Reds' past through galleries and extensive use of multimedia. Although theoretically in existence since 1958, there was no actual building until it was built as part of Great American Ball Park. The Hall of Fame currently honors 68 past Reds (63 of them players.) The newest inductees are outfielder Eric Davis, pitcher Jose Rijo, and 19th century players George Wright and Harry Wright. Davis and Rijo were key players on the Reds' 1990 wire-to-wire team that swept the favored Oakland Athletics in the World Series. Rijo was named the series' Most Valuable Player.
"Rounding third and heading for home..." The trademark signoff phrase of former Reds pitcher and longtime radio announcer Joe Nuxhall is depicted on the rear of the third base stands on the north side of Great American Ball Park.
The Home Runs The homer-friendly nature of the park has led to the nickname "Great American Smallpark" among both fans and players. "If you put [the ball] in the air here you've got a chance for it to go out of the ballpark," former Reds Manager Jerry Narron has said.
Riverboat Deck. Above the Batter's eye, new for the 2007 season.
[edit] Picture Gallery
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