What's new at Great American Ball Park in 2021? Food, features, more
What's new at Great American Ball Park in 2021? There are several new foods and features to try this year as fans return to the ballpark.
Here's everything that's new this season.
Health and safety measures
After a season without fans, spectators will return to Great American Ball Park for the 2021 season. Officials with the Cincinnati Reds say will welcome fans back to the ballpark at 30% capacity, as specified by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
With fans come a series of new health and safety measures.
- Masks are mandatory and should cover the nose and mouth unless actively eating or drinking in the seats
- Socially distanced pod-style seating for up to six per group to safely distance fans while watching the game
- Tickets will be issued digitally via the MLB Ballpark app to allow for contactless entry
- Contactless and cashless forms of payment at concessions and merchandise stands including Reds Pay, a new mobile payment solution for Reds fans through the MLB Ballpark app
- New bag policy prohibiting backpacks
New foods and concessions
From traditional ballpark fare and local Cincinnati favorites to special creations, there are several new dishes to try at the ballpark in 2021. Some of the new items include:
SMORE'S FRYBOX: Salty fries topped with miniature M&Ms, chocolate sauce, mini marshmallows and Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Sold at Frybox on first base side, lower level and "view level" (Section 133, 532)
THE SMOKEHOUSE PARFAIT: BBQ pulled pork, mac & cheese with coleslaw in a bread cone
Sold at Montgomery Inn Smokehouse (Section 137)
SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH: Spicy chicken sandwich topped with coleslaw, pickle chips and “Cincinnati hot” sauce on a corn meal bun
Sold at Frybox on third base side lower level (Section 113)
HOUSE SMOKED TURKEY SANDWICH: Slow smoked turkey, coleslaw and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun
Sold at Montgomery Inn Smokehouse (Section 137)
WICKED SAUSAGE NACHOS: Nachos topped with nacho cheese, salsa, jalapeno peppers and sliced Queen City Wicked Sausages
Sold at Food Bar locations (Sections 113, 130, 518)
THE “SLUGGER”: ¼ pound hot dog corn, battered and fried
Sold in Scout’s Alley
New Ballpark Features
There are several new features scattered throughout the ballpark for fans to enjoy this year. Here's what to look out for:
FAMILY ZONE: Open to all fans, located on the View Level in the right-field corner overlooking the river. It includes the following:
- Playground with two slides connected by a bridge and built on rubberized flooring
- Kids-sized batting cages
- Swings that are bench style with great views of the Ohio River
- Family-friendly concession stand serving snacks for kids and drink options for parents
- Nursing suite for moms and babies
- Sensory Room that provides fans with special needs a safe location
EXECUTIVE SUPER SUITE: Converts from a boardroom-style meeting space into a luxury super suite for groups of 35-50. The new suite extends your group’s time in the ballpark so you can host your private event before or after a game. It includes a ballpark buffet, two beers per person and passes to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. It's also available on non-gamedays for meetings. To book this space, click here.
BOONE COUNTY BOURBON PRESS CLUB: The exclusive bourbon-themed club provides great views and first-class dining and amenities in the footprint of the former press box. The Press Club features all-inclusive food and beverages, a fully-stocked bar starring Boone County Bourbon plus a wide range of beer, wine, bourbon and spirits along with in-seat service. The Press Club is sold as season ticket plans only.
REDS PAY: This is a new mobile payment solution through the MLB Ballpark app that allows fans to make purchases using only their cell phone. The MLB Ballpark app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The Mobile Ordering feature on the MLB Ballpark app allows fans to order select food and beverages from anywhere in the ballpark and be notified be via text message when the order is ready. (Select concession stands only).