6 days until the opening of
Great American Ball Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

 

Debra DeCourcy, APR or Laura Whitman, APR
Dan Pinger Public Relations, Inc.
513-564-0700

OPENING DAY TRAFFIC TIP:  PLAN AHEAD
Fans Encouraged to Arrive Downtown Early

Cincinnati, March 25, 2003 – More than 42,000 baseball fans will be making their way to the brand new Great American Ball Park next Monday to watch the Reds’ inaugural game on Opening Day.  To make this year’s Opening Day an all-around “home run” experience, fans are encouraged to plan ahead and keep the following traffic tips in mind:

§            Know where to go

§            Get there early

§            Call ahead

§            Use public transportation, when possible

KNOW WHERE TO GO

“Although access to the Cincinnati riverfront has not changed significantly since last year, motorists need to be aware that Mehring Way is under construction and limited to two lanes,” said Mike Sieving, Hamilton County Construction Project Executive.  “As a result, some road congestion and delays in getting in and out of parking facilities along the riverfront can be expected.  I recommend that fans coming to the game take advantage of public transportation or the many convenient parking facilities north of Third Street or on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, and walk to or take shuttles to Great American Ball Park.”

Motorists are encouraged to use the following routes into downtown Cincinnati:

§            From I-75 South – use the Freeman Avenue exit to Mehring Way to the riverfront

§            From I-75 North – use the Fifth Street exit in Cincinnati, then right onto Central Avenue to the riverfront

§            From I-71 South – use the Gilbert Avenue exit to Eggleston Avenue to the riverfront

§            From I-471 – use the Sixth Street exit to Sycamore Street to the riverfront

There will be several street closures in the central business district to accommodate the Opening Day Parade including Race Street between Liberty and Fifth Street, and Fifth Street between Race and Columbia Parkway.  The roads along the parade route will close at 11:30 a.m. and will reopen following the parade.  Game fans and downtown workers are encouraged to plan for these street closures, find their parking spots early and use public transit where available.

“Due to the street closures that will be in place for the parade, motorists should try to avoid traveling across downtown between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.,” said Steve Bailey, City Traffic Engineer for the City of Cincinnati.  “As we have done on past Opening Days, police officers will be positioned along the parade route and around the riverfront area to assist with directing traffic.”

Parking

Parking is available in the many lots located north of Third Street, along East Pete Rose Way, Eggleston Avenue and near Sawyer Point.  Additional parking lots are located north and west of Paul Brown Stadium.  Limited day of game cash parking will be available in riverfront Lots A, D and E and the City Lot 1 located west of the ballpark.  However,  riverfront Lots B, C and D and the East Garage will be reserved for Reds season parking pass holders.  Handicapped parking will be available in the garage under the Great American Ball Park and in the East Garage on a first come, first serve basis.  Please note that construction sites in and around the riverfront are off limits for public parking.  Sites will be clearly marked and secured, and anyone parking in these areas will be towed. 

GET THERE EARLY

People from all over will be coming to enjoy the festivities, from the Opening Day Parade through the game’s last inning.  Fans getting downtown early will have a better chance of finding parking in riverfront lots, securing good vantage points for the parade and avoiding delays from heavy traffic. 

CALL AHEAD

Either before you leave or while on the road, take advantage of the 511 Traveler Information Hotline, a service of ARTIMIS, the Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management & Information System.  Call the 511 number from any touch tone phone and dial specific route codes to receive up-to-the minute traffic information and estimated travel times.  Additional information is available at www.artimis.org.

USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

As an alternative to driving, fans are encouraged to use public transportation to obtain quick and convenient access to Cinergy Field.

The Southbank Shuttle, operated by the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), will transport fans from Northern Kentucky to Great American Ball Park.  For more information about the Southbank Shuttle as well as the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, contact TANK at (859) 331-TANK or visit www.tankbus.org. 

Metro will be running a normal operating schedule and offers a convenient drop-off location at Government Square in downtown Cincinnati.  In addition, Metro will be operating an express service from four park & ride locations to the Riverfront Transit Center: 

§           Anderson Park & Ride, 7954 Beechmont

§           Kenwood Baptist Church, 8341 Kenwood Road

§           Cobblewood Plaza, 1189 Smiley, off Winton Road near I-275 in Forest Park

§           Western Hills Plaza, Glenway Ave.