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It's the most important date on Cincinnati's yearly calendar: Opening Day.
America's favorite pastime returns Thursday. Signifying the official start of the MLB's regular season, Opening Day is particularly special in Cincinnati, where thousands of fans take to the streets to celebrate the Reds with a parade and other festivities before the home opener later that afternoon.
Whether you're attending the celebrations in person or watching the game from home, here's everything you need to know about Opening Day 2025.
The Reds kick off their 2025 season on Thursday, March 27, against the San Francisco Giants.
The home game at Great American Ball Park starts at 4:10 p.m.
The Reds have started every season in Cincinnati since 1876, except for 1877, 1885 and 1966 because of rain, 1990 for a baseball lockout and 1888 when the team was scheduled to start on the road for the only time.
There is no official rule stating the Reds must open their season at home. Instead, it's based mostly on geography and tradition. Cincinnati was once the southernmost city in the western batch of National League teams, so there was a better chance of warmer weather.
Many people assume the Reds open each season because the 1869 Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team. But that is not the case, as Reds historians John Erardi and Greg Rhodes wrote in their book, “Opening Day.” The press began linking Opening Day to the home of professional baseball in the 1950s as a way to justify what had already been a tradition.
An Enquirer editorial proclaimed in 1949, “It is well-known fact that Cincinnati unquestionably is the best opening day city in either league – that’s why the Reds’ first game perennially is scheduled on the home lot.”
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade has also been a longstanding tradition, first starting in 1920.
The National Weather Service states the area will likely experience precipitation on Thursday. Lingering, scattered showers will continue to the north Thursday evening.
There is a chance of showers, mainly after 9 a.m. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 59. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
There will also be a chance of showers overnight, with thunderstorms possible after 5 a.m. It will be cloudy in the evening, with a low around 48. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch will occur. Higher amounts will be possible in areas with thunderstorms.
Hunter Greene will be the Reds' 2025 Opening Day starter. He also took the mound to open the 2023 season at just 23 years old, making him the club's youngest Opening Day starter since 1980.
Greene was named a National League All-Star for the first time in 2024 and posted a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts (9-5 record). Following Greene in the order will be Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez and Brady Singer.
Logan Webb will make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the Giants, according to MLB.com. The 28-year-old right-hander finished sixth in the National League Cy Young race after recording a 3.47 ERA over an NL-high 204 2/3 innings in 2024.
This story will be updated once the team announces its Opening Day roster.
Here's the Reds' projected 2025 Opening Day lineup, per MLB.com.
The team announced Wednesday that former Reds third basemen Chris Sabo will deliver the ceremonial first pitch before the Opening Day game. The pitch will kick off the pregame ceremonies beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Sabo was a three-time All-Star for the Reds, playing seven seasons with the team. The 1988 National League Rookie of the Year helped lead Cincinnati to its 1990 World Series championship. He also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Reds inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2010.
Marlana VanHoose, a contemporary Christian singer from Denver, Kentucky, will perform the national anthem at the Reds' Opening Day game. According to her website, VanHoose was born blind and with cytomegalovirus (CMV). She was not expected to live past one year. At the age of 2, VanHoose was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy.
The MLB introduced two on-field rule changes for the 2025 season. The first rule is a modification to the shift rules that were established before the 2023 season, per MLB.com.
The rule states that the defensive team may have no more than two infielders on either side of second base before a pitch is thrown. Each infielder must also be standing on the infield.
If an infielder is caught violating the rule, then "the batting team may accept the result of the play or the batter will be granted a free base (enabling any other runners to advance one base) if there is a violation and the violating player was the first to touch the ball in play."
If this were to occur, then the violating player would "be charged an error and no at-bat would be registered for the batter."
The second rule involves the practice of running through a base other than first base on a force play.
MLB.com states the rule change will give umpires the power to "call the trail runner out for abandonment of second base even if he beat the throw." The runner is considered to have abandoned the bag as soon as both feet land on the other side of the base.
There are Opening Day tickets available for purchase from third-party resellers. The prices vary, but the cheapest options were around $110, as of Tuesday, March 25.
Parking for Great American Ball Park is located on the east and west sides of the ballpark.
Here are some parking options. The lots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:
Parking is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, except the Central Riverfront Garage, which can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400 and selecting option 3, or online at www.reds.com/parking.
Great American Ball Park parking lots open five hours before game time.
Going to the game? Click here to find everything you need to know before going inside Great American Ball Park to see the Reds in 2025.
Reds games, including their season opener, will broadcast and stream on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio in 2025, the team announced in January. Fox 19 will also air the Reds Opening Day game and nine other games during the 2025 season.
Fans can listen to Reds vs. Giants on 700 WLW, as well as the Reds Radio Network.
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade begins at noon ahead of the 4:10 p.m. game.
This year's parade will follow the standard 1.4-mile route, starting at Findlay Market on Race Street. It will go straight down Race to Fifth, turning left on Fifth Street and ending at Taft Theatre.
In addition to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, Sabo will serve as the grand marshal for the 106th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.
Former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip will also lead the parade as an honorary grand marshal. Waltrip, an Owensboro, Kentucky, native, had over 1,000 NASCAR Cup Series starts and won the Daytona 500 twice.
He is now a broadcaster for Fox Sports, which will host the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic game between the Reds and Atlanta Braves on Aug. 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Here are the notable attendees participating in the Opening Day Parade.
Each year, Great American Ball Park invites media types to attend a tasting event so they can sample the new foods and concessions the stadium is offering for the upcoming Reds season.
Enquirer food writer Keith Pandolfi tried the offerings himself and ranked his five favorites. Check them out here.
Get ready for the MLB season by taking our Reds quiz!
The Enquirer's Pat Brennan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Kaycee Sloancontributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds Opening Day: Lineup, channel, weather, parade info, parking, more
Continue reading...
America's favorite pastime returns Thursday. Signifying the official start of the MLB's regular season, Opening Day is particularly special in Cincinnati, where thousands of fans take to the streets to celebrate the Reds with a parade and other festivities before the home opener later that afternoon.
Whether you're attending the celebrations in person or watching the game from home, here's everything you need to know about Opening Day 2025.
When is Opening Day for the Reds?
The Reds kick off their 2025 season on Thursday, March 27, against the San Francisco Giants.
The home game at Great American Ball Park starts at 4:10 p.m.
Why do the Reds always open at home?
The Reds have started every season in Cincinnati since 1876, except for 1877, 1885 and 1966 because of rain, 1990 for a baseball lockout and 1888 when the team was scheduled to start on the road for the only time.
There is no official rule stating the Reds must open their season at home. Instead, it's based mostly on geography and tradition. Cincinnati was once the southernmost city in the western batch of National League teams, so there was a better chance of warmer weather.
Many people assume the Reds open each season because the 1869 Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team. But that is not the case, as Reds historians John Erardi and Greg Rhodes wrote in their book, “Opening Day.” The press began linking Opening Day to the home of professional baseball in the 1950s as a way to justify what had already been a tradition.
An Enquirer editorial proclaimed in 1949, “It is well-known fact that Cincinnati unquestionably is the best opening day city in either league – that’s why the Reds’ first game perennially is scheduled on the home lot.”
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade has also been a longstanding tradition, first starting in 1920.
You must be registered for see images
What is the Opening Day forecast for Cincinnati?
The National Weather Service states the area will likely experience precipitation on Thursday. Lingering, scattered showers will continue to the north Thursday evening.
There is a chance of showers, mainly after 9 a.m. Otherwise, it will be partly sunny, with a high near 59. The chance of precipitation is 20%.
There will also be a chance of showers overnight, with thunderstorms possible after 5 a.m. It will be cloudy in the evening, with a low around 48. The chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch will occur. Higher amounts will be possible in areas with thunderstorms.
Who are the Opening Day starting pitchers for the Reds and Giants?
Hunter Greene will be the Reds' 2025 Opening Day starter. He also took the mound to open the 2023 season at just 23 years old, making him the club's youngest Opening Day starter since 1980.
Greene was named a National League All-Star for the first time in 2024 and posted a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts (9-5 record). Following Greene in the order will be Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez and Brady Singer.
Logan Webb will make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the Giants, according to MLB.com. The 28-year-old right-hander finished sixth in the National League Cy Young race after recording a 3.47 ERA over an NL-high 204 2/3 innings in 2024.
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Reds Opening Day roster 2025
This story will be updated once the team announces its Opening Day roster.
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day 2025 lineup
Here's the Reds' projected 2025 Opening Day lineup, per MLB.com.
- TJ Friedl, CF.
- Matt McLain, 2B.
- Elly De La Cruz, SS.
- Austin Hays, LF.
- Gavin Lux 3B.
- Christian Encarnacion-Strand, 1B.
- Jeimer Candelario, DH.
- Jake Fraley, RF.
- Jose Trevino, C.
Who's throwing out the first pitch for the Reds' Opening Day game?
The team announced Wednesday that former Reds third basemen Chris Sabo will deliver the ceremonial first pitch before the Opening Day game. The pitch will kick off the pregame ceremonies beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Sabo was a three-time All-Star for the Reds, playing seven seasons with the team. The 1988 National League Rookie of the Year helped lead Cincinnati to its 1990 World Series championship. He also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.
The Reds inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2010.
Who is singing the national anthem for the Reds' Opening Day game?
Marlana VanHoose, a contemporary Christian singer from Denver, Kentucky, will perform the national anthem at the Reds' Opening Day game. According to her website, VanHoose was born blind and with cytomegalovirus (CMV). She was not expected to live past one year. At the age of 2, VanHoose was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy.
What are the rule changes for the 2025 MLB season?
The MLB introduced two on-field rule changes for the 2025 season. The first rule is a modification to the shift rules that were established before the 2023 season, per MLB.com.
The rule states that the defensive team may have no more than two infielders on either side of second base before a pitch is thrown. Each infielder must also be standing on the infield.
If an infielder is caught violating the rule, then "the batting team may accept the result of the play or the batter will be granted a free base (enabling any other runners to advance one base) if there is a violation and the violating player was the first to touch the ball in play."
If this were to occur, then the violating player would "be charged an error and no at-bat would be registered for the batter."
The second rule involves the practice of running through a base other than first base on a force play.
MLB.com states the rule change will give umpires the power to "call the trail runner out for abandonment of second base even if he beat the throw." The runner is considered to have abandoned the bag as soon as both feet land on the other side of the base.
How to get tickets for the Reds' Opening Day game
There are Opening Day tickets available for purchase from third-party resellers. The prices vary, but the cheapest options were around $110, as of Tuesday, March 25.
Where can I park for the Reds vs. Giants game on Opening Day?
Parking for Great American Ball Park is located on the east and west sides of the ballpark.
Here are some parking options. The lots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis:
- Central Riverfront Garage, 171 Joe Nuxhall Way.
- The western side of Central Riverfront Garage.
- East Garage, 443 E. Pete Rose Way.
- Broadway Lot, 203 Broadway.
- Lot E, near Paycor Stadium.
Parking is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, except the Central Riverfront Garage, which can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400 and selecting option 3, or online at www.reds.com/parking.
Great American Ball Park parking lots open five hours before game time.
What can I bring inside Great American Ball Park?
Going to the game? Click here to find everything you need to know before going inside Great American Ball Park to see the Reds in 2025.
How to watch Reds vs. Giants on Opening Day
Reds games, including their season opener, will broadcast and stream on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio in 2025, the team announced in January. Fox 19 will also air the Reds Opening Day game and nine other games during the 2025 season.
How to listen to Reds vs. Giants on Opening Day
Fans can listen to Reds vs. Giants on 700 WLW, as well as the Reds Radio Network.
When is the Reds' Opening Day parade?
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade begins at noon ahead of the 4:10 p.m. game.
This year's parade will follow the standard 1.4-mile route, starting at Findlay Market on Race Street. It will go straight down Race to Fifth, turning left on Fifth Street and ending at Taft Theatre.
Who is the grand marshal for the Reds' Opening Day parade?
In addition to throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, Sabo will serve as the grand marshal for the 106th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.
Former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip will also lead the parade as an honorary grand marshal. Waltrip, an Owensboro, Kentucky, native, had over 1,000 NASCAR Cup Series starts and won the Daytona 500 twice.
He is now a broadcaster for Fox Sports, which will host the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic game between the Reds and Atlanta Braves on Aug. 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Celebrities participating in the Opening Day Parade
Here are the notable attendees participating in the Opening Day Parade.
- Grand marshal Chris Sabo.
- Honorary grand marshal Michael Waltrip.
- Broadcaster Marty Brennaman.
- Olympians Jenny Kemp, Darrell Pace, Kim Rhodenbaugh Lewallen, Joe Hudepohl, David Payne, Rau'shee Warren, Duke Ragan, Annette Echikunwoke, Mason Parris and Carson Foster.
- Former Cincinnati Bengals player and Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz.
- Current and former Bengals, including Ted Karras, Keandre Jones, David Fulcher, Jim Breech, Doug Pelfrey, Joe Kelly and Bruce Kozerski.
- Miss America 2000 Heather French Henry.
- Miss Ohio 2024 Stephanie Finoti.
- Miss Teen Ohio 2024 Mackenzie Gibson.
- Miss Indiana 2024 Kalyn Melham.
- Miss Kentucky 2024 Chapel Tinius.
- Restaurateur Jeff Ruby.
- Taxi Phil, David Neiheisel and The Jones Brothers.
- Otis Williams of Otis Williams and The Charms.
- The Zapp Band.
- University of Cincinnati women's rugby team.
- Wrestling state champion William Adkins.
- MMA Fighter Kerry "Meat Truck" Schall.
- Former University of Cincinnati basketball players Damon Flint, Corie Blount and Melvin Levett.
- Super Bowl champion and former New York Giants player Michael Matthews.
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Reds Opening Day parties in Greater Cincinnati
Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at The Banks
- When: Thursday at 11 a.m.
- Where: The Banks on Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way and Walnut Street.
- More information: A free pregame party featuring live music and entertainment. Food and beverages are available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the baseball and softball outreach programs of the Reds Community Fund.
Opening Day at Braxton Brewing
- When: Thursday at 11 a.m.
- Where: All Braxton Brewing locations in Union, Covington and Fort Mitchell.
- More information: Celebrate the start of baseball season at one of three Braxton Brewing locations. Each event will feature Rally hard seltzer, Cracker Jack smash cocktails, Dewey’s Ballpark Pizza and more.
Red’s Opening Day on The Levee
- When: Thursday from 2-7 p.m.
- Where: Newport on the Levee, One Levee Way, Newport.
- More information: This event features live entertainment, a Reds sign-making craft station, photo opportunities, restaurant specials from Beeline, The Buzz, Par 3, Shiner’s on the Levee, Wooden Cask Brewing and Velocity Esports, and more. The event will be hosted inside The Gallery if there is inclement weather.
Top 5 foods served at Reds games this season
Each year, Great American Ball Park invites media types to attend a tasting event so they can sample the new foods and concessions the stadium is offering for the upcoming Reds season.
Enquirer food writer Keith Pandolfi tried the offerings himself and ranked his five favorites. Check them out here.
You must be registered for see images attach
Try for a high score on our Reds quiz
Get ready for the MLB season by taking our Reds quiz!
The Enquirer's Pat Brennan, Gordon Wittenmyer and Kaycee Sloancontributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds Opening Day: Lineup, channel, weather, parade info, parking, more
Continue reading...
