Great American Ballpark sure shows some great team spirit, there’s that. However, Cincy hasn’t been dominant since the Big Red Machine, whom was arguably one of the best teams in the history of baseball, so it makes sense that the stadium thrives on their memorabilia. Other than that, the concession stands are nothing special other than a few fantastic bars that serve locally brewed beers, and the rarity of serving wine. It’s a good looking stadium with the red seats and smokestacks, but it sure seems cramped in the heart of the city. For the old fashioned baseball fanatic with a love for the history of the game, Great American is a must see, but the general fan would not be blown away.
Like other major league stadiums that express a rich history, there are statues of the greats. At the main entrance fans are greeted by legends including Joe Morgan and Tony Perez. Once inside, there is a mural of the Big Red Machine, and then some. The old look of the red and white stripes as well as the mustache are everywhere around the park, which presents an historical atmosphere reminding fans that baseball is America’s past time. However, being a fairly new ballpark being built in the now modern look era of stadiums, Great American lacks bars/clubs and restaurants overlooking the field that many of the modern style stadiums have.
As normal for most ballparks, the concession stands are backed up against the wall with the concourse separating them from the field. The major concourse between the 1st and 3rd base lines present a whole ton of food options, but nothing special. Once one walks around to left field, center field area, there is a lot of empty space. Centerfield consists of a championship club raised up, which is a cool thing to see, as well as some great barbecue stands, but other than that the view of the river is not seen from any part of the park except for centerfield where the field is unseen.
The style with all the seats being red is a unique look. The big right field section with the smoke stacks is grandest part of the stadium. If the river was more visible and the stadium didn’t seem so cramped into the middle of the downtown buildings, than Great American would be rated high, but other than that, it is a worthy visit for the super fan who has an appreciation for the history of the game. Grade: B-.
