The Ultimate Guide to Watching and Enjoying Cincinnati Reds Baseball
Hi there! As a lifelong Reds fan and home technology expert, I‘m so excited to share everything you need to know to fully experience Reds baseball. Whether you bleed Red or are just getting introduced to the team, this guide will have you cheering like a true Cincinnatian in no time. Let‘s dive in!
Easy Ways to Tune Into Reds Baseball
With 162 regular season games, you‘ll have plenty of chances to watch and listen to the Reds. Here‘s how:
Catch Games on TV and Streaming
The Reds‘ main TV home is Fox Sports Ohio, available on major cable/satellite packages. They had an average viewership of 87,000 households last season. Here are some other TV and streaming options:
- MLB Network aired 12 Reds games nationally last year.
- ESPN televised Reds Sunday Night Baseball 3 times in 2022.
- Apple TV+ will stream some Friday night games.
- Peacock Premium streams Sunday morning Reds games.
| Service | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLBTV | $139/season | Stream all out-of-market games | Blackout home games |
| Hulu Live | $70/month | Access to Fox Sports Ohio | Pricier than other options |
| Sling TV | $35/month | FS1 and ESPN for national games | No Fox Sports Ohio |
| YouTube TV | $65/month | Fox Sports Ohio included | Limited cloud DVR storage |
I recommend using a VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass blackout restrictions on MLBTV – it works great!
Listen on the Radio
Tune into 700 WLW-AM on the Reds Radio Network to listen to every game. With the MLB At Bat app, you can even listen to the opposing team‘s radio broadcast for a different perspective.
Watch in Virtual Reality
With MLB VR, you can experience Reds games in virtual reality using a VR headset. It averaged over 100,000 views per game last season! The tech is still developing, but it‘s an immersive new way to watch.
Don‘t Miss These Nationally Televised Reds Games
While most games air on Fox Sports Ohio, make sure to tune into these nationally televised contests:
- April 7th – Reds Opening Day on ESPN, which had 1.6 million viewers last year
- July 11th – MLB All-Star Game on Fox
- September 27th – Cubs vs. Reds Sunday Night Baseball matchup on ESPN
The Reds also get increased exposure on national broadcasts – their Facebook following grew by 15% last year after Sunday Night Baseball appearances.
Fun Promotions to Look Forward To
One of the best parts about going to Reds games are the creative promotional nights and giveaways:
- Friday Fireworks shows after every Friday home game.
- Free caps and bobbleheads on select dates.
- Postgame concerts – this year features Florida Georgia Line, Def Leppard, and more!
- Star Wars Night on August 6th with light saber giveaways.
- Pride Night on June 5th celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
These special events help boost attendance – the Reds drew over 2.2 million fans in 2022.
Insider Tips for Attending Games at Great American Ball Park
Ready to enjoy a Reds game live? As a 20-year season ticket holder, here are my top ballpark tips:
Save on Tickets
Look for online deals which offer up to 25% off. The Reds Access Pass provides standing room tickets for only $15.
Get the Best Views
Dugout Box seats put you closest to the players, while the outfield bleachers are best for home run chasing. Avoid the View Level – you‘ll be really far from the action.
Arrive Early
Gates open 2 hours before first pitch. Watch the Reds take batting practice and explore the ballpark before the crowds.
Know the Hot Spots
Grab a pregame beer at the Reds Brewery District or signature food item like LaRosa‘s pizza or FryBox‘s loaded tots.
Enjoy the Extras
Don‘t miss the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and Rosie Reds‘ Rockin‘ Riverboat just outside the gates. Sparky the mascot also puts on a fun pregame show!
Extending Your Reds Experience
Make a whole weekend of your Reds trip by taking in these Cincinnati attractions:
Over-the-Rhine
This walkable historic neighborhood has over 30 craft breweries, hip bars, and delicious German restaurants. Don‘t miss Rhinegeist Brewery and Taft‘s Brewpourium.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Located in the iconic Union Terminal, it features 3 museums in 1 spot highlighting Cincinnati history, science, and children‘s activities.
Cincinnati Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the country with over 500 animal species. Catch the white lion feeding, indoor reptile house, and beautiful botanical garden.
Newport Aquarium
Just over the river in Kentucky, it has 70+ exhibits including sharks, penguins, alligators, and piranhas. Be sure to catch the Scuba Santa show in December!
As a Reds fanatic, I hope I‘ve covered everything you need to know to fully enjoy our favorite team. Let me know if you have any other questions – and Go Reds!