The boys of Cincinnati summers are back in action Thursday, as the Cincinnati Reds open their season Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.The leadup to the first pitch in Cincinnati is always legendary, with the Findlay Market Opening Day parade to help ring in the new season. But that’s just the start of the celebration the Reds have planned. Whether you’re going to the parade, the game, just want to be near the action at the Banks or are staying at home (or work) to watch, there’s no shortage of ways to help get you ready for what should be an exciting year of Reds baseball.Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at the BanksFrom 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the Reds’ Opening Day Block Party kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Banks, on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Walnut Street.Food and beverages will be made available and there will be live entertainment from Naked Karate Girls and DJ etrayn.All proceeds from the block party will benefit the baseball and softball outreach programs of the Reds Community Fund. Findlay Market Opening Day ParadeThe 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon.The grand marshal this year is Reds Hall of Famer Chris Sabo.This year’s honorary Grand Marshal, in celebration of the Reds’ participation in the upcoming 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol on August 2, is NASCAR icon Michael Waltrip.For more on this year’s parade, click here. The parade can be seen live on WLWT.GABP Gates OpenThe gates to Great American Ball Park open at 2:10 p.m. and fans will receive a 2025 Reds schedule sticker.Pregame CeremoniesThursday’s pre-game ceremonies are set to begin around 3:30 p.m.Representatives from the Rosie Reds organization will make the traditional presentation of Opening Day plaques to Reds manager Terry Francona and Giants manager Bob Melvin.Denver, Kentucky native Marlana VanHoose will perform the national anthem, with a pre-game flyover to be performed by Two KC-135 Stratotankers from the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard (based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio). A moment of remembrance will be recognized for Reds Hall of Famers Joey Jay and Pete Rose.Chris Sabo will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch and Michael Waltrip will serve as the Honorary Captain of the Game.Play Ball!First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. to officially usher in the 2025 Cincinnati Reds campaign. Reds RHP Hunter Greene will start on Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds.Firefighter/Paramedic for the Milford/Miami Township area Fire Department Ralph Vilardo will be recognized as the Kroger First Responder of the game at the end of the first inning.Retired Master Seargeant of the United States Air Force Joe Martin will be honored as the altafiber Hometown Hero of the game at the end of the second inning.Retired Technical Sergeant Felita LaRock will perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
CINCINNATI —The boys of Cincinnati summers are back in action Thursday, as the Cincinnati Reds open their season Thursday against the San Francisco Giants.
The leadup to the first pitch in Cincinnati is always legendary, with the Findlay Market Opening Day parade to help ring in the new season. But that’s just the start of the celebration the Reds have planned.
Whether you’re going to the parade, the game, just want to be near the action at the Banks or are staying at home (or work) to watch, there’s no shortage of ways to help get you ready for what should be an exciting year of Reds baseball.
Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at the Banks
From 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the Reds’ Opening Day Block Party kicks off at 11 a.m. at the Banks, on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Walnut Street.
Food and beverages will be made available and there will be live entertainment from Naked Karate Girls and DJ etrayn.
All proceeds from the block party will benefit the baseball and softball outreach programs of the Reds Community Fund.
Findlay Market Opening Day Parade
The 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off at noon.
The grand marshal this year is Reds Hall of Famer Chris Sabo.
This year’s honorary Grand Marshal, in celebration of the Reds’ participation in the upcoming 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol on August 2, is NASCAR icon Michael Waltrip.
For more on this year’s parade, click here. The parade can be seen live on WLWT.
GABP Gates Open
The gates to Great American Ball Park open at 2:10 p.m. and fans will receive a 2025 Reds schedule sticker.
Pregame Ceremonies
Thursday’s pre-game ceremonies are set to begin around 3:30 p.m.
Representatives from the Rosie Reds organization will make the traditional presentation of Opening Day plaques to Reds manager Terry Francona and Giants manager Bob Melvin.
Denver, Kentucky native Marlana VanHoose will perform the national anthem, with a pre-game flyover to be performed by Two KC-135 Stratotankers from the 121st Air Refueling Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard (based at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio).
A moment of remembrance will be recognized for Reds Hall of Famers Joey Jay and Pete Rose.
Chris Sabo will throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch and Michael Waltrip will serve as the Honorary Captain of the Game.
Play Ball!
First pitch is set for 4:10 p.m. to officially usher in the 2025 Cincinnati Reds campaign.
Reds RHP Hunter Greene will start on Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds.
Firefighter/Paramedic for the Milford/Miami Township area Fire Department Ralph Vilardo will be recognized as the Kroger First Responder of the game at the end of the first inning.
Retired Master Seargeant of the United States Air Force Joe Martin will be honored as the altafiber Hometown Hero of the game at the end of the second inning.
Retired Technical Sergeant Felita LaRock will perform “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
