CINCINNATI – The home opener for the Cincinnati Reds may have taken place earlier this week. But the organization has something special planned to kick off the season for fun for younger fans of the team.

What You Need To Know

  • Kids Opening Day is April 23

  • Before the game, there will be a red carpet parade featuring mascots and Reds players 

  • There will be events inside the ballpark as well, including musical acts and circus performers

  • Kids can line up to the run the bases after the game

The annual Kids Opening Day returns to Great American Ball Park on April 23 prior to the Reds game against St. Louis Cardinals at 4:10 p.m. The event was cancelled the last two years due to COVID-19.

Fans are invited to arrive early to take part in a red carpet parade outside the ballpark. It won’t be quite as long as the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, but the event features many team celebrities.

The red carpet provides fans of all ages a chance to interact with Reds players, team mascots and other fan favorites. (Photo courtesy of The Cincinnati Reds)
The red carpet provides fans of all ages a chance to interact with Reds players, team mascots and other fan favorites. (Photo courtesy of The Cincinnati Reds)

Starting at about 11:15 a.m., kids will line up along Joe Nuxhall Way to greet, high-five and take photos with the likes of Mr. Redlegs, Roise Red and many other local mascots, including Frisch’s Big Boy.

The real stars of the show, the Reds players, will arrive around noon. The schedule has them walking the red carpet between noon and 1:30 p.m., but the team noted the timeline is subject to change.

Kids 14 and younger will receive a Kids Opening Day Reds hat, while supplies last. They’ll also get a 2022 Reds calendar, presented by Kroger.

After the gates open at 1:30 p.m., fans can take part in other Kids Opening Day activities in the First Star Fan Zone. Some of the festivities include circus performers, face painters and just hanging out with the mascots. There’s also a planned performance by the Cincinnati School of Rock.

During the game, there are several new food and beverage options inside Great American Ball Park to check out. That includes some "controversial" dessert treats.

After the game, kids can line up to run the bases. Line priority goes to Reds Heads kids club members, the team said.

Event timeline

  • 11:15 a.m.: Mascot parade on the red carpet
  • Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Reds player parade on the red carpet*
  • 1:30 p.m.: Ballpark gates open for all fans
  • 4:10 p.m.: Reds vs. Cardinals first pitch

*Times are approximate. Event schedule is subject to change.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 513-381-REDS (7337) or visit reds.com/KidsOpeningDay.

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