Baseball fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief: Thursday is Opening Day.
Signifying the official start of the baseball season, Opening Day is particularly special in Cincinnati, where thousands of fans take to the streets to celebrate the Reds in 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 what to know about Opening Day this year.
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When is Opening Day for the Reds?
The Reds will kick off their 2023 season Thursday, March 30, against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The home game at Great American Ball Park will start 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, 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, 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.
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade has also been a longstanding tradition, first starting in 1920.
Opening Day's history:Why the Reds (nearly) always have Opening Day at home
What is the Opening Day forecast for Cincinnati?
The National Weather Service is predicting that Opening Day in Cincinnati will be sunny and have a daily high near 60, with a northeast wind around 6 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Thursday night, there is a chance of showers after 3 a.m. with an overnight low around 46.
Is Joey Votto playing on Opening Day?
The longtime Reds first baseman is breaking his 14-year streak of Opening Day appearances. Votto is beginning the year with a Triple-A rehab assignment Friday. He won't be eligible to return to the majors until April 6 at the earliest.
Reds:Joey Votto to begin Cincinnati Reds season on injured list, ending his Opening Day streak
Who are the Opening Day starting pitchers for the Reds and Pirates?
Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will be the team's Opening Day starting pitcher. He recorded a 4.44 ERA in 24 games as a rookie in 2022 and struck out 164 batters.
Mitch Keller will start on the mound for the Pirates, according to MLB.com. He had a 3.91 ERA in 31 appearances last season.
MLB:Cincinnati Reds appear to set Opening Day bullpen after final round of roster cuts
Who's throwing out the first pitch for the Reds' Opening Day game?
The Reds have not announced who will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch for the game this year.
In 2022, fresh off of a Super Bowl appearance, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw the first pitch to head coach Zac Taylor. Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase also presented Reds second basemen Jonathan India his National League Rookie of the Year award.
What are the rule changes for the 2023 MLB season?
Regular season baseball will look a little different this year.
The MLB is implementing a pitch clock, as pitchers will have 15 seconds to make each pitch when the bases are empty and 20 seconds when there is a runner on base. There will also be a 30-second timer between batters. If a pitcher takes too long between pitches, he will be charged with an automatic ball. Hitters must be ready to hit with eight seconds remaining on the clock, otherwise they will be charged with an automatic strike.
Additionally, the MLB is banning some defensive shifts. There must be two infielders on each side of second base and all four infielders must have their feet on the infield dirt until a pitch is released.
Another notable change will be the size of the bases. Besides home plate, the size of the bases will increase from 15 inches square to 18 inches. It’s designed to create more stolen base attempts.
MLB rules:A pitch clock. Banning the shift. Inside MLB's rule changes for the 2023 season.
How to get tickets for the Reds' Opening Day game
Opening Day tickets at Great American Ball Park appear to be sold out, according to the MLB's website. However, there are still tickets from third-party resellers:
- Ticketmaster has tickets listed from $44 to $481 each.
- StubHub has tickets listed from $41 to $447 each.
- SeatGeek has tickets listed from $41 to $393 each.
- Vivid Seats has tickets listed from $37 to $428 each.
Know before you go:Visiting Great American Ball Park for a Reds game this year?
Where can I park for the Reds vs. Pirates 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, 171 100 Joe Nuxhall Way.
- The western side of Central Riverfront Garage.
- East Garage, 443 E. Pete Rose Way.
- Broadway Ave. Lot, 203 Broadway.
- Western Lots B or D, W. Pete Rose Way.
Great American Ball Park parking lots open 3 hours before game time.
Parking passes for Central Riverfront Garage can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400, option 3 or online at www.reds.com/parking.
How to watch Reds vs. Pirates on Opening Day
All Reds games are airing on Bally Sports Ohio and the Bally Sports app, including Opening Day. Reds vs. Pirates will also air on Local 12 (WKRC-TV) on Thursday.
You can stream Reds games on DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. If you live out of the Reds' TV market, you can watch games with an MLB.TV subscription.
How to listen to Reds vs. Pirates on Opening Day
You can listen to Reds vs. Pirates on 700 WLW, as well as the Reds Radio Network.
When is the Reds' Opening Day parade?
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade will begin at noon ahead of the 4:10 p.m. game.
The parade will begin at Findlay Market on Race Street. From there, it will travel straight down Race Street to Fifth Street, turning east on Fifth Street until the ending point at the Taft Theatre.
Opening Day Parade 2023:Here are all the road closures for the Findlay Market parade
Who is the grand marshal for the Reds' Opening Day parade?
Parade organizers have selected Danny Graves and Bronson Arroyo, both former pitchers for the Reds, to be the co-grand marshals for the 2023 parade.
Graves is the all-time saves leader for the Reds. He played in Cincinnati for eight years from 1997-2005.
Arroyo played in Cincinnati for nine seasons, earning an All-Star selection in 2006.
Opening Day parties around Cincinnati
If you're looking to celebrate Cincinnati's unofficial sick day, The Enquirer gathered various places you can pregame before the Reds take on the Pirates on Thursday, including Arnold's Bar & Grill and Newport on the Levee.
Check them all out here.
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