Great American Ball Park Rules
The Great American Ball Park is the iconic home of the Cincinnati Reds. As a Major League Baseball venue, it enforces a variety of rules and policies to ensure the safety, enjoyment, and accessibility of all guests. Whether attending a game, concert, or special event, understanding these guidelines is essential. Policies are subject to change, so always check the official site for updates.
Accessibility
Great American Ball Park prioritizes inclusivity, offering comprehensive accessibility features for guests with disabilities. The facility is fully ADA-compliant, with accessible seating areas equipped with free electrical outlets for recharging mobility devices. Accessible parking is available in the East section of the Central Riverfront Garage ($27) and the East Garage ($16), on a first-come, first-served basis; these lots open five hours before game time and accept credit cards only upon entry. Advance parking passes can be obtained by calling (513) 765-7400 or purchasing online.
Designated pickup and drop-off zones are located on Joe Nuxhall Way (between Mehring Way and Freedom Way) and at the corner of Broadway and Mehring Way, operational from 30 minutes before gates open until one hour after the game ends; vehicles must display valid accessible placards or plates, and large buses should contact Group Sales at (513) 765-7600 for arrangements. For hearing-impaired guests, captioning is displayed on dedicated boards in left field (3.1 feet x 22 feet) and along the first-base line (3.1 feet x 17 feet), with closed captioning available in club areas.
Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) can be borrowed from TriHealth Fan Accommodation Stations behind Sections 119 or 420. The ballpark features seven public elevators (near Sections 101, 110, 121, 127, and 135) and two escalators for easy navigation. Wheelchair transport services are available upon request from Reds Public Safety, Fan Accommodation Stations, or First Aid Stations (near Sections 109, 127, or 409), including escorts to and from seats; however, personal wheelchairs are not provided for general use.
Family-friendly amenities include diaper-changing stations in all public and family restrooms. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are strategically placed throughout the venue, including at TriHealth First Aid Rooms (Sections 109, 126, 411), the TriHealth Family Zone nursing suite, and various club and suite levels. First Aid Stations, staffed by TriHealth professionals, are located near Terrace Level Sections 125-126, 109-110, and View Level Section 411, ensuring prompt medical assistance.
Animals & Service Dogs
In compliance with state and federal laws, Great American Ball Park allows service dogs and miniature horses that assist guests with disabilities. These animals must be trained to perform specific tasks related to the handler’s disability and are permitted throughout the venue. However, comfort animals, emotional support animals, or any other pets are strictly prohibited to maintain a safe environment for all attendees. Guests with service animals should inform staff upon entry for any necessary accommodations, and animals must remain under control at all times. Violations, such as bringing unauthorized animals, may result in denial of entry or ejection.
Age Requirements
Age policies at Great American Ball Park are designed to promote family-friendly experiences while enforcing legal standards. Children aged 3 and under receive complimentary admission but must sit on a parent or guardian’s lap without occupying an additional seat; they are not eligible for promotional items, which are reserved for ticketed guests. Tickets for children 4 years and older are priced identically to adult tickets. For alcohol consumption, guests must be at least 21 years old to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages anywhere within the ballpark. Concession stands rigorously check identification for anyone appearing 30 years or younger, requiring valid government-issued ID. These rules ensure compliance with Ohio state laws and help maintain a responsible atmosphere.
Bag Policy
The bag policy emphasizes security and convenience, restricting bags to a maximum size of 16” x 16” x 8”. Backpacks or multi-pocketed bags worn on the back are prohibited, except for those specifically designed for medical needs or infant care (e.g., Reds Heads Bags from 2020 are permitted). Allowed items include soft-sided coolers containing food and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed plastic bottles, small purses, and food bags. All carry-ins are subject to thorough inspection upon entry and at any time inside the venue; unattended bags are not permitted and may be removed. Hard-sided coolers of any size are banned, and items that cannot be adequately inspected will be denied entry. This policy aligns with MLB standards to enhance safety without unduly burdening fans.
Entry and Security
Entry procedures prioritize safety through mandatory metal detector scans for all fans and staff. Guests can keep wallets, keys, and phones in pockets or hold them above their heads during screening; accommodations are available for those with medical conditions. Carry-in items undergo inspection, and refusal may lead to denial of entry or ejection. Re-entry is restricted but possible via the designated Gapper’s Alley gate (Gate B), requiring a ticket scan and metal detection with no carry-ins allowed; other gates do not permit re-entry. Gates typically open 60 minutes before games, with exceptions for special events like Opening Day (2 hours early) or Season Ticket Members (30 minutes early). A strict Code of Conduct prohibits offensive language, unruly behavior, property damage, and interference with the game, such as throwing objects or trespassing onto the field. Violations can result in warnings, ejection, or legal action. Security measures also include surveillance and the right to remove disruptive guests.
Food, Drink & Alcohol
Food and beverage options are plentiful, operated by Delaware North, with a focus on cashless transactions. Guests may bring in soft-sided coolers with food and sealed non-alcoholic drinks, but glass bottles, cans, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Concessions feature local favorites like Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn BBQ, LaRosa’s Pizza, and staples such as all-beef hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, and nachos, available at various sections. Markets offer bottled water, soda, salads, and snacks like Dippin’ Dots. Alcohol sales are limited to two beverages per person per transaction, ceasing after the 8th inning or three hours post-game start. Purchases require proof of age (21+), and intoxicated individuals may be denied entry or service. The ballpark adheres to Ohio liquor laws, and management reserves the right to limit or discontinue sales for safety.
Payment Options
To streamline transactions, Great American Ball Park is entirely cashless. All concession stands, retail shops, and the box office accept major credit and debit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. For those with cash, convenient cash-to-card kiosks are located near Terrace Level Section 119 and View Level Section 427, converting cash into a Mastercard gift card with no fees. This policy enhances efficiency and reduces contact, aligning with modern venue standards.
Photography and Recording
Personal photography and videography are encouraged for non-commercial use, provided equipment fits within the 16” x 16” x 8” size limit. However, recording game action is prohibited per MLB rules, and devices must not obstruct views or aisles. Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and drones are banned due to safety and FAA regulations. Guests should avoid standing in aisles while capturing moments, and non-compliance may lead to removal. This balances fan enjoyment with broadcast rights protection.
Prohibited Items
A comprehensive list of prohibited items ensures a secure environment. Banned items include aerosols (except spray sunscreen/bug spray), alcoholic beverages, non-service animals, backpacks, oversized bags, beach balls, drones, explosives, firearms (even with CCW permits, potentially leading to prosecution), glass or metal containers, hard-sided coolers, hoverboards, illegal substances, laser pointers, masks, noisemakers (cowbells allowed), pocketknives, selfie sticks, derogatory signs, and weapons. Items that cannot be inspected thoroughly are denied, and the list is not exhaustive – management may add restrictions as needed.
Smoking Policy
As a designated non-smoking facility under Ohio law, smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are prohibited inside Great American Ball Park. Violations can result in ejection and fines. A single designated smoking area is available outside Gapper’s Alley (Gate B) behind Section 119, accessible via re-entry protocols (ticket scan and metal detection, no carry-ins). This area may close at the Reds’ discretion, and other exits do not allow re-entry. The policy promotes health and complies with state regulations. In addition to these, other venue-specific notes include allowing umbrellas (if not obstructive) and strollers, with a focus on family zones like the TriHealth Family Zone.