As an avid baseball fan and home improvement expert, I‘ve learned that finding great seats for a Cincinnati Reds game is much like renovating a home – the more planning and research you do upfront, the better the outcome will be once you‘re enjoying the finished product. This comprehensive 2500+ word guide will provide everything you need to know to score amazing Reds tickets.
Size Up the Ballpark Blueprint
Great American Ballpark first opened its doors in 2003 after extensive planning and "renovations" to transform it into one of baseball‘s finest new stadiums. The arena seats 42,319 fans and hosts over 2.5 million spectators annually.
The seating bowl is split into three main levels – lower level, club level, and upper level. Here is an overview of the ballpark‘s "floorplan" and best seats:
Lower Level: Sections 100-179 make up the lower bowl extending from behind home plate around to the foul poles. Lower infield seats offer prime views but high demand keeps prices over $100. The lower outfield sections in left and right field provide the best value at $30-$60 per seat.
Club Level: Sections 231-254 feature cushioned seats, access to indoor clubs for food/drink, plus great sightlines of the field. Club infield tickets range from $75-$150 each.
Upper Level: The upper deck or "view level" spans sections 401-550 in a horseshoe around the outfield. These affordable seats are ideally priced at $15-30 and still offer decent views, especially in the side outfield sections.
Pro Tip: Avoid the upper deck sections just past the foul poles (411-425 and 523-537) which can have partially obstructed views.
Crunching the Numbers: Attendance and Pricing
The Reds averaged 25,214 fans per home game in 2022, a nearly 10% increase from the previous season. Attendance and ticket demand typically jumps for weekend games and rivalry matchups against NL Central foes like the Cardinals and Cubs.
Weeknight games in April and May often provide the best ticket availability and lowest prices, with upper deck seats starting around $15. Premium matchups like Opening Day can fetch up to $200+ per seat.
Here‘s a glance at average 2022 ticket prices for different seating zones:
- Lower Infield: $89
- Lower Outfield/Foul: $41
- Club Infield: $136
- Club Outfield: $78
- Upper Box: $26
- Upper Reserved: $17
Compare prices to find the best value seats in your budget range for the game you want to attend.
Finding the Best Ticket Deals
Much like searching for fixer uppers in the home renovation world, there are strategies to find discounted Reds tickets if you know where to look:
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Weeknight games typically have lower demand and more seats under $20.
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Avoid Cubs/Cardinals games which spikes demand. Target opponents like the Pirates or Nationals to save.
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Join the Reds Insider email list for exclusive pre-sale ticket access and coupons.
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Ask the box office about seat upgrades on game day to move closer for potentially a small upcharge.
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For sold out games, try calling the ticket office directly instead of resale sites. More inventory may be held back.
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Follow the team‘s social accounts for special deals around holidays and promotions.
Navigating the Box Office
The Reds box office is located on the east side of the ballpark right next to the Reds Hall of Fame. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM. On night game days it opens at 9 AM and closes at the end of the 3rd inning. Day game hours are 9 AM to 1 hour after the final out.
There are a total of 6 ticket windows meaning you rarely have to wait more than 15-20 minutes on busy days. If possible, go on a weekday morning to find a shorter line. Gates generally open 90 minutes before first pitch so you can visit the box office early before entering the stadium.
Transactions are cash only at the 1st base ticket window but all other windows accept credit/debit cards. If paying cash, it helps to bring smaller bills to speed up making change. There is an ATM located just outside the box office.
Booking Group Packages
For those renovating with a team, group discounts are available for parties of 15+ looking to buy Reds tickets. Savings vary but often reach up to 25% off for upper deck seats.
Group buyers can select from a number of pre-set food and drink packages or order á la carte. Options range from $20 for a hot dog and soda up to $38 for an all-you-can-eat spread.
Contact the Reds group sales department at least two weeks prior to your game for the best ticket selection. Be prepared to make a 20% deposit.
Season Ticket Perks
Season ticket holders enjoy VIP benefits similar to living in a custom dream home. Perks like complimentary food/drinks, batting practice access, ticket exchanges, and gift cards make season tickets a prime investment.
Half-season plans with a 20 or 30-game package are available with no per-ticket fees. Full season tickets start around $1000 for upper reserved seats up to $4000+ for diamond box locations. Financing plans are offered to split up payments.
Current season ticket holders receive early playoff access and special rates if the Reds make the postseason. Make sure to ask a Reds ticket sales rep about playoff presale opportunities.
What to Expect on Game Day
Arrive early – gates open 90 minutes before first pitch so get there at least an hour beforehand. The stadium has a no re-entry policy, so come prepared.
navigation:reference id="toc" Bring a bag no larger than 16x16x8 inches or you‘ll have to check it. Pocket size purses and fanny packs are okay but expect a bag search either way. Sign up for free WiFi to stay digitally connected.
Concessions only accept credit/debit/gift cards or mobile pay – no cash. Download the MLB Ballpark app to order food and pay right from your seat.
Promenade and View Level seats are the last to fill up so you can freely move around up there, just don‘t head down to lower sections without upgrading your ticket.
Enjoy the game! Here‘s hoping the Reds channel their inner home renovation experts to build a winning team for 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best cheap seats?
The upper deck View Level seats down the lines in left and right field offer the best value, with prices as low as $15 depending on the game. Sections like 414-425 and 523-537 provide home run views.
When should I buy tickets to get the best deal?
Purchase at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the lowest prices. Last minute ticket buys will be more expensive, if inventory is even still available.
Can I bring food and drinks into the ballpark?
Outside food and beverages are prohibited. However, each fan can bring one sealed non-alcoholic bottle of water up to 1 liter, as long as it is unopened upon entry.
Is there standing room only admission?
Yes, a limited number of standing room only tickets are sold for each game. These provide spots to stand in the lower concourse or upper View Level. Pricing starts around $17.
Are there discounts for kids, seniors, or students?
Yes, fans 48 inches and under get in for just $10 on Kids Club dates. Senior Citizens and students can find discounted tickets for most games on Reds.com under Specials.
How early should I arrive if I still need to buy tickets?
At least 90 minutes before first pitch to allow time to purchase tickets, park, and get through security. Arrive 2 hours early for key rivalry games when lines will be longer.
What is the best way to buy cheap last minute tickets?
Last minute cheap tickets can be found via the Ballpark app while standing outside the gates. Or try sites like Gametime and SeatGeek which list unsold tickets below face value.
Conclusion
Whether you‘re a season ticket holder or only make it to one game a year, following the tips in this guide will help you maximize value when buying tickets to see the Reds play at Great American Ballpark. Shop early, understand the pricing zones, and take advantage of special deals. Feel free to reach out with any other questions about planning your trip to beautiful downtown Cincinnati – I‘m happy to share more insights from my decade of home renovation expertise applied to finding the best seats in the yard!
