The past few baseball seasons have been more "wild pitch" than "can of corn" with all the pandemic cancellations, partial seasonsand postponements. Add to that the Major League Baseball lockout this year, and it was starting to seem like Reds Opening Day would never come. Well, fans, let's keep our fingers well and truly crossed that the baseball gods smile down upon us on April 12 and we have beautiful weather and an incredible game of baseball, complete with a Joey Votto grand slam andthe home teamtrouncingthe Cleveland Guardians in spectacular fashion. We can dream, can't we?
To celebrate the Reds' first home game of the season against the Cleveland Guardiansandthe return of the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on April 12, lots of places around the city are hosting parties and special events. Here's a look at where to find them.
Reds home opener festivities onTuesday, April 12
Arnold's Opening Day Extravaganza, 9 a.m., Arnold's Bar & Grille, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. Breakfast from 9-11 a.m., live music, "Who's On First" and "Casey at the Bat" performancesfrom Cincinnati Shakespeare Companyactors, autographed Reds prizes, Jim Tarbell as "Peanut Jim" Shelton andexclusive one-off variants from breweries, including Rhinegeist, Fretboard, 50 West, Listermann, Brink, 16 Lots, Bells, Wooden Cask, Three Floyd's and Founders.
Bob & Tom Show Broadcasts Live: 6-10 a.m., Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway, Downtown.Ages21-up. Free.
Findlay Market Opening Day Parade:noon-3 p.m., Over-the-Rhine and Downtown. Parade starts at the Race Street side of Findlay Market, proceeds south to Fifth Street, turns left onto Fifth past Fountain Square and ends at the Taft Theatre. findlaymarketparade.com.
Opening Day Parade Watch Party: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Top-notch parade views, live music, family-friendly games and activities, giveaways, drink specials and more. Free. washingtonpark.org.
Opening Day Parade Watch Party: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., The Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown. Watch the parade from private event rooms. Ballpark food stations, drink specials. $35-up. eventbrite.com.
Opening Day Brunch: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Via Vite, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Buffet brunch in the main dining room. $35 per person. Reservations: opentable.com.
Opening Day Party: 9 a.m.-midnight, Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Drink specials, live viewing of the game on taproom jumbotron, baseball-themed decor and giveaways. Free admission.
Opening Day Party: 11 a.m., Braxton Brewing Co., 25 W. Seventh St., Covington. Celebrate the Reds home opener at this Opening Day party.
Opening Day Party: 11 a.m., Mac's Pizza Pub Mainstrasse, 604 Main St., Covington. Food and drink specials.
Reds Community Fund Block Party: 11a.m.-4p.m., The Banks, 150 E. Freedom Way, Downtown. The Reds Community Fund hosts a block party prior to the first pitch. Free admission.
Reds Rally on the Square: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Grab a spot to watch the parade and enjoy the party atmosphere.
OPENING DAY AT THE BANKS
Several establishments at The Banks will be opening early to celebrate the return of baseball in the Queen City.
Reds Opening Day 2022 also marks The Banks' first Opening Day since being designated a DORA district.
So if you're wondering – yes, there are drink specials. There are also all-day celebrations happening at many venues at The Banks on Tuesday, April 12.
AC Marriott's Lounge opens at 10 a.m., followed by the Upper Deck Rooftop Bar at 11 a.m and the Courtyard at noon. Watch for food trucks and all day fun.
Holy Grail Tavern & Grille, directly across from Great American Ball Park, will be the site of WLW's live radio broadcasts - with special guests - all day.
Moerlein Lager House is debuting a new beer garden, along with tis popular event lawn. Q102 will be onsite, along with live music, hourly trivia and interactive games with prizes. Gamble 'n Fin Larger Than Live will broadcast live with special opening day guests.
E&O Kitchen will feature $6 Rhinegeist Hustles, and a live broadcast from 1-4 p.m. with JonJon on KISS 107.
The Stretch opens at 10am with giveaways, DJs before and after the game, and a live broadcast of the Reds game on its 120" projection screen starting at 4:10 p.m.
Tin Roof's stage will be rocking throughout the day, featuringlive entertainment from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Fishbowl at The Banks will start the day with a DJ, but Reds fans: you can listen to the entire game starting with the first pitch at 4:10 p.m.Live music will follow.
