·         Opening Day is Here! – The Cincinnati Reds marketing strategy this season is centered around the beginning of the end of Cinergy Field.  The Reds’ “Its History” campaign will be evident on Opening Day 2002, as the Cincinnati Reds take the field for their final season at the former Riverfront Stadium. The 2:15 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs sets the stage for what promises to be another historic day in Cincinnati baseball history. This time next year, fans will be flocking into Great American Ball Park to begin a new era in baseball along the riverfront.

Fun Fact – Throughout history, Opening Day for the Cincinnati baseball has been an event all in itself. Following is a list of historic Opening Days in the Queen City:

°         April 25, 1876 (Avenue Grounds) – The first game at Avenue Grounds marked the inaugural season of what eventually became Major League Baseball.

°         April 17, 1902 (Palace of the Fans) A fire charred Redland Field in 1900. A unique new iron and concrete grandstand designed in old Roman and Greek manner opened in its place. This style and flair was never seen before in a grandstand, and has never been seen since.

°         April 11, 1912 (Redland Field II) – After renovating the Palace of the Fans, the Reds officially re-dedicated and re-named the ball park Redland Field. Over 29,000 fans packed what would be the home for the Cincinnati Reds for over 58 years. Powell Crosley eventually bought the Cincinnati Reds in 1934 and renamed the park Crosley Field.

°         April 2, 2001 (Cinergy Field) – To accommodate construction work at Great American Ball Park, workers removed a section of Cinergy Field. “The Bite” gave fans the opportunity to see the site for future Opening Day games.

·         Brick Program Update – With the contest winding down, fans now have only one day left to register and possibly win the chance to have their name inscribed at Great American Ball Park.

The contest gives 100 people the opportunity to immortalize themselves at the ball park by having their name and/or message inscribed on a brick that will be permanently paved into the ball park’s main concourse. Entries will be collected on April 1, and the winning entries will be drawn on Wednesday, April 3. The contest is open to the public and there is no charge to participate. Those who wish to participate in the contest at Opening Day can do so at the Great American Ball Park informational booth located on the Cinergy Field Plaza Level.

Fans also may enter the contest at the Hamilton County Web site at

www.hamilton-co.org/gabp.

·         Opening Day Model Appearances – The Great American Ball Park architectural model will be featured on the Cinergy Field Plaza Level on Opening Day. The model will be on public display from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.