Opened: 2003
Capacity: 42,271
What the authors say: “Great American Ball Park … is as gorgeous a yard as you’ll find in the bigs today.”
Learned from the book:
• An unusual architectural element is the 30-foot “Gap” that divides the upper deck in two and allows fans in some parts of the park to see a sliver of the downtown skyline.
• Crosley Terrace in front of the new stadium pays tribute to the long-departed but still beloved old ball yard. It even has a sloped grass incline like the one in Crosley’s outfield, and the bronze statues of four Crosley-era greats (Joe Nuxhall, Frank Robinson, Ted Kluszewski, and Ernie Lombardi) are well done and made to look as if they are interacting with one another .
• The park takes full advantage of its location, with open views of the barges and boats that ply the Ohio River.
• Anyone who loves watching homers sail out of the park is likely to go home satisfied. A breeze that blows toward the river often provides lift for long balls, making Great American Ball Park a notable home run haven.
• The city’s singles crowd enjoys Free Agent Friday nights in which an outfield fan zone is used for mixer, speed-dating, and dance contest promotions.
