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National League Ballparks |
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Overview
The plan for Great American Ballpark started out with the monkier "the
notch." It was to be squeezed between the existing baseball stadium, a basketball arena, a highway and the Ohio River. What
was built has the appearance not of a compact wedge but instead an assortment of parts fused together to form a ballpark.
Cincinnati's new park, like its old park, is part of the city's downtown
riverfront. And it faces the river, so that views are of a bridge, the water and the Kentucky hills. It works out actually
quite nicely.
The park, like many others, is surrounded by fabricated brick buildings
which house the team's offices. Inside the park is framed by white steel with red seats. Unlike many other new parks, it only
employs the traditional three tiered structure on the first base line. The famous "notch" is a break in the upper levels of
seating that allows the stadium's design to fuse a traditional curved three level first base side and a third base side that
includes straight lines and an upper deck split into two sections with a concourse with views of the field.
The upper deck is known for being quite high, but there are good views
of the river from such heights. The outfield seating includes the "moon deck," a seating section that roughly resembles one
at Crosley Field. In center field there is a small grass berm and a large black building that seems somewhat out of place.
To its right are the "Pepsi Power Stacks," a hideous but unique celebration machine.
Cincinnati ballgames are laid back and cuisine is traditional - no more
one dollar hot dogs. Attendance is mediocre but steady for usually average teams. Known as one of the great baseball cities,
Cincinnati fans have had only a couple teams to really go nuts about in the last 15 years, and none so far at the new ballpark.
Still, GABP is an underrated and often misunderstood ballpark whose unique elements are lost on many fans. Certainly it's
one of the best ballparks in baseball and a fine new park.
Worst seat
Section 144 of the Moon Deck: These are fine outfield seats but for having
an obstructed view. The Pepsi Power Smokestacks block the view for some seats for about 40% of the field.
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Basic stats
Photos
Rankings
Visit the Cincinnati Reds' locker room
Visit the Cincinnati Reds' press box
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