·            Open House Dates Announced: Hamilton County and the Cincinnati Reds announced that Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23, 2003 will be the dates for the Great American Ball Park open house.

Although exact times have not been finalized, initial plans are for the ball park to remain open for extensive hours during both days. During the open houses, fans will have the opportunity to visit a variety of areas within the new park, including the seating bowl, bullpen overlooks, concourses, the sun/moon deck, the bleachers as well as the Reds locker room. Tours will be free and open to everyone. Guides will be on hand to lead the tours, point out general features of the ball park and answer questions.

·            Topping Out Planned: The final light tower will be installed on Monday, May 6, marking a momentous occasion at Great American Ball Park. Workers will honor this event with a brief, historically based “Topping Out” ceremony.

“Topping Out” is a ritual celebrated when a structure reaches its highest point. During the procedure at the ball park, an evergreen tree and an American flag will be raised. 

Loosely based on Scandinavian and Egyptian tradition, the evergreen tree will symbolize strength, life and renewal. The American flag will signify that the structure is built with pride and dignity. The gesture is to wish prosperity and vitality to the building and its occupants, as well as to recognize the diligence and care of the workers.

·            Back, Back, Back, Back GONE! : The Cincinnati Reds have announced the exciting design plans for Great American Ball Park’s home run celebration feature. The design consultant, Michael Schuster Associates (MSA) unveiled the plan that will entertain fans with a riverboat-themed celebration after a Reds home run .

MSA promises the 64-foot high and 36-foot wide feature will be unique. To tie in the fact that the ball park is right on the river, the ambiance will include two smoke stacks, a deck and paddle wheel. The feature will not be limited to home runs. Strikeouts and other big plays also will set off the celebration. Fans will have the opportunity to witness the feature up close and personal. They will be able to walk up to the right field stands nearest the batter’s eye and enjoy the music, mist and fireworks.