The Name of the Old Cincinnati Reds Stadium: A Legacy in Baseball History

For more than a century, the Cincinnati Reds have been a cornerstone of Major League Baseball, delighting fans with thrilling games, iconic players, and deep-rooted traditions. A big part of that legacy is tied to the team’s home stadiums—structures that served as the backdrop for dynasties, championships, and unforgettable moments on the diamond. When fans ask, “What is the name of the old Cincinnati Reds stadium?” the answer isn’t as simple as a single name. Over the years, the Reds played in several historic ballparks, each contributing its own chapter to the tapestry of the team’s story.

The most often referenced “old” Reds stadium by longtime fans is Riverfront Stadium, but before Riverfront, and even after, other significant venues shaped the team’s identity. This article explores the evolution of the Reds’ home fields, with a focus on the names, eras, and historical significance of these ballparks—especially the one most recognized as the old stadium: Riverfront.

The Evolution of Cincinnati Reds Ballparks

Before diving into Riverfront Stadium, it’s important to understand that the Reds’ journey through various ballparks reflects broader trends in baseball history, from wooden grandstands to modern multi-purpose arenas. Each venue symbolizes a distinct era in the team’s development.

Early Beginnings: Union Grounds and League Park

The history of the Reds dates back to 1869 when the original Cincinnati Red Stockings became the first professional baseball team. Their earliest home was Union Grounds, located near the banks of the Ohio River. Though short-lived as a baseball site, Union Grounds holds pride of place as the birthplace of professional play.

By the 1880s, the modern version of the Reds had emerged as a charter member of the National League in 1890. For much of the early 20th century, the team played at League Park, also known as Crosley Field after a later renaming. League Park was initially built in 1902 and stood as a major hub for Cincinnati sports until the mid-1970s.

Crosley Field: A Beloved Ballpark with Lasting Legacy

While Riverfront Stadium is often remembered as the old Reds stadium by younger generations, Crosley Field—originally League Park—was the emotional heart of Reds fandom for decades. Officially renamed in 1953 after radio magnate Powel Crosley Jr., who owned the team, Crosley Field hosted the Reds from 1902 until 1970.

This compact, asymmetrical ballpark was located at the intersection ofFindlay and Western Avenues in Cincinnati’s West End. Despite its quirks—such as a short left-field foul line, just 309 feet, and a challenging overhang—Crosley Field was famed for its intimate atmosphere and rich traditions.

Memorable Moments at Crosley Field

• World Series Wins: The Reds captured the World Series in 1919 (a controversial victory amid the Black Sox scandal), 1940, and 1970 (the final full season at Crosley, though the Series games were already being held at Riverfront).
• First Night Game in MLB History: On May 24, 1935, the Reds played the first-ever nighttime Major League Baseball game under permanent lights at Crosley Field, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 2–1. This game marked a turning point in baseball history and helped popularize night games across the country.
• Reds Legends: Iconic players like Ted Kluszewski, Johnny Bench, and Pete Rose played under the shadow of Crosley’s famous light towers, contributing to a legacy celebrated by fans to this day.

Despite its charm, Crosley Field faced growing challenges by the 1960s: limited seating capacity (~30,000), deteriorating infrastructure, and lack of modern amenities. These factors made it inevitable that the team would seek a new, state-of-the-art facility.

Riverfront Stadium: The True “Old” Reds Stadium for Most Fans

When most fans today refer to the “old Cincinnati Reds stadium,” they’re talking about Riverfront Stadium, which served as the team’s home from 1970 to 2002. Located in downtown Cincinnati along the Ohio River, Riverfront—officially known as Cincinnati Riverfront Stadium—was a key component of a broader urban renewal project and exemplified the multi-purpose stadium trend of the 1970s.

Opening Day and Construction Facts

Riverfront Stadium opened on June 30, 1970, replacing Crosley Field. Its inaugural game featured the Reds defeating the Atlanta Braves 8–2, with Hank Aaron grounding out to Pete Rose at third base—a poetic moment connecting two legendary franchises.

The stadium was constructed at a cost of about $45 million, which was considered a massive investment at the time. Designed by the architectural firm HNTB, it was a feat of engineering and planning for its era. The stadium seated approximately 56,000 fans for baseball, making it one of the largest ballparks in the league during its early years.

Key Architectural and Design Features

• Circular, multi-purpose design to accommodate both baseball and football.
• Shared by both the Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals (NFL).
• Fully enclosed with a AstroTurf playing surface.
• Symmetrical outfield dimensions: 375 feet to the power alley, 406 feet to center field.
• No foul poles in the original design; these were added later.

Riverfront Stadium, known officially during its early years simply as Riverfront, became a symbol of Cincinnati’s modernization. It boasted luxury boxes, wide concourses, and modern lighting—amenities that were missing at Crosley Field.

The Great American Ball Park vs. Riverfront: Clarifying the Confusion

Some fans confuse Riverfront Stadium with the current Reds ballpark, Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003. This confusion adds to the ambiguity around “the old stadium.” Great American Ball Park, located just south of the Riverfront site, is the Reds’ current home and features a more baseball-only design with natural grass and sweeping river views.

Thus, by process of elimination:
– Crosley Field = the Reds’ primary home from 1902 to 1970 (early 20th century)
– Riverfront Stadium = the Reds’ home from 1970 to 2002 (late 20th century)
– Great American Ball Park = current home (2003–present)

While both Crosley and Riverfront are “old” by today’s standards, Riverfront is the one typically referred to in popular memory due to the team’s dominant “Big Red Machine” era happening during its tenure.

Celebrating the Big Red Machine at Riverfront

Riverfront Stadium became synonymous with the Big Red Machine, the Reds’ powerhouse teams of the 1970s led by legends like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Pérez, Joe Morgan, and manager Sparky Anderson.

The team won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, both of which were clinched on the road—but the victories were celebrated by thousands at Riverfront during public events and parade homecomings. The stadium echoed with cheers during:

• The 1970 All-Star Game, hosted at Riverfront, which featured a memorable performance by pitcher Dock Ellis, who claimed to throw a no-hitter on LSD (though he later somewhat disputed this).
• The 1972 NL Championship Series, a hard-fought battle against the Pittsburgh Pirates, ending in a dramatic Game 5 win.
• The rise of Johnny Bench, widely considered the greatest catcher in baseball history, who hit numerous home runs off the light towers in center field.

Riverfront wasn’t just a stadium—it was a place where greatness was forged, rivalries intensified, and fans forged deep emotional bonds with their team.

A Multi-Purpose Arena with Dual Legacy

One of the defining—and most controversial—features of Riverfront Stadium was its multi-purpose design. The stadium was shared with the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL, which meant frequent field conversions between baseball and football configurations. This dual use impacted the quality of the playing surface and limited baseball-specific improvements.

Co-Hosting with the Bengals

From 1970 to 1999, the Bengals played their home games at Riverfront, now often referred to as Cinergy Field after a 1996 renaming due to a corporate sponsorship by Cinergy Corporation. The naming rights deal added to the stadium’s layered history.

The convergence of NFL and MLB at one venue was common during that era (e.g., Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia), but by the 1990s, fan demand for sports-specific facilities grew. The artificial turf—initially a marvel of innovation—became a liability, causing injuries and requiring tedious transitions.

Cinergy Field Era (1996–2002)

In 1996, Riverfront Stadium was officially renamed Cinergy Field following the merger of Cincinnati Gas & Electric and PSI Energy to form Cinergy Corp. While the ballpark kept the same structure, the new name marked a commercial shift. However, many fans, especially die-hard Reds supporters, continued to call it Riverfront out of tradition.

Cinergy Field hosted some of the Reds’ final seasons before the opening of Great American Ball Park, including:
– The 1999 National League Wild Card game, where the Reds upset the Mets.
– The final Reds game at the stadium on September 22, 2002, a 3–2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Afterward, the team moved across the street to the newly constructed baseball-only Great American Ball Park, leaving Cinergy Field to be demolished.

The Demise and Legacy of the Old Reds Stadium

The closure and demolition of Riverfront/Cinergy Field marked the end of an era. On December 29, 2002, the stadium was imploded—a spectacular event watched by thousands in person and broadcast live on television.

Why Was the Stadium Demolished?

Several factors contributed to the demolition:
– Structural limitations for modern baseball.
– Aging facilities that couldn’t compete with newer, fan-friendly ballparks.
– The success of new retro-classic stadiums like Camden Yards (Orioles, 1992) that emphasized tradition and intimacy over multipurpose capacity.

Rather than repurpose the stadium, the city and teams opted to clear the land. Today, the site is occupied by Paycor Stadium, home of the Bengals since 2000 (originally Paul Brown Stadium). This transition reflects how Cincinnati’s sports landscape evolved to accommodate modern facilities.

Memorials and Tributes

Although Riverfront Stadium is gone, its legacy lives on:
– A Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame exhibit at Great American Ball Park honors the Big Red Machine and includes artifacts from Riverfront.
– Former players frequently return for reunion games and ceremonial events.
– Memorabilia, seat sales, and historical photos keep the memory of Riverfront alive among collectors and lifelong fans.

Comparing the Reds’ Key Ballparks

The following table summarizes the Reds’ most historically significant ballparks:

Why the Old Reds Stadium Still Matters

The story of what was once known as Riverfront Stadium—now often nostalgically remembered simply as “the old Reds stadium”—is about more than brick, steel, and turf. It’s about the fans who packed the stands on summer nights, the crack of bats against the backdrop of the river skyline, and teams that achieved greatness on that field.

Riverfront Stadium represented the modernization of baseball, the transition from neighborhood parks to urban mega-arenas, and the birth of a sports culture that combined civic pride with corporate sponsorship. It also symbolizes the end of an era—when multi-purpose stadiums gave way to the retro ballparks that now dominate MLB.

For younger fans, the name might not evoke the same emotion. But for anyone who witnessed Pete Rose’s headfirst slide in the 1970 All-Star Game, or saw Johnny Bench blast a home run toward the Ohio River, or felt the rumble of the Bengals’ offensive line in December—Riverfront was more than a stadium. It was a stage.

Conclusion: A Timeless Answer to a Simple Question

So, to answer the fundamental question: What is the name of the old Cincinnati Reds stadium? The most accurate and widely accepted answer is Riverfront Stadium, which also operated under the name Cinergy Field from 1996 to 2002.

While earlier homes like Crosley Field hold substantial historical importance, Riverfront is the stadium embedded in the modern memory of Reds fans—the venue where the Big Red Machine roared, where two World Series teams were forged, and where an entire generation experienced the joy of victory and the heartbreak of near-misses.

Today, the Reds play in the picturesque Great American Ball Park, a tribute to traditional ballpark design. But whenever fans talk about the “old stadium,” they’re speaking of Riverfront—a colossus of concrete and dreams that helped shape one of baseball’s proudest franchises.

What was the name of the old Cincinnati Reds stadium?

The old Cincinnati Reds stadium was officially known as Crosley Field. It served as the home of the Reds from 1912 to 1970 and holds an important place in baseball history as one of the earliest multi-purpose ballparks in Major League Baseball. Originally named Redland Field when it opened, it was renamed in 1934 in honor of Powel Crosley Jr., a prominent local businessman and the team’s owner at the time. The name change reflected his instrumental role in purchasing and modernizing the stadium.

Crosley Field was located in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati and featured unique characteristics such as a challenging left-field terrace and narrow dimensions that influenced the game’s strategy. Notably, it was the site of the first Major League Baseball night game in 1935, a milestone that transformed the sport. Though modest in size and outdated by modern standards by the end of its tenure, Crosley Field was a beloved landmark for generations of Reds fans and played host to many historic moments in baseball.

Why was the stadium renamed to Crosley Field?

The stadium was renamed from Redland Field to Crosley Field in 1934 to honor Powel Crosley Jr., who had purchased the Cincinnati Reds franchise earlier that year. Crosley was a successful industrialist and radio manufacturer who brought significant investment and innovation to the team. His ownership revitalized the struggling franchise and led to widespread upgrades at the ballpark, making the renaming a tribute to his contributions and financial commitment.

Beyond renovations, Crosley introduced transformative ideas, including the installation of permanent lighting for night games. This innovation culminated in the first-ever MLB night game at Crosley Field on May 24, 1935. The renaming not only recognized his ownership but also symbolized a new era for the Reds, aligning the stadium with modern advancements and enhancing its place in baseball history. The name Crosley Field became synonymous with progress and community pride during his tenure.

When did Crosley Field close and why?

Crosley Field officially closed after the 1970 baseball season, with the Reds playing their final game there on June 24, 1970. The decision to close the stadium was driven by the need for a modern, larger facility that could accommodate more fans and provide better amenities. By the late 1960s, Crosley Field had become outdated in comparison to newer multi-purpose stadiums being built across the country.

The Reds moved to Riverfront Stadium (later known as Cinergy Field), which opened in 1970 as part of a larger urban redevelopment project. Riverfront offered ample seating, luxury boxes, and the ability to host both baseball and football, thanks to its artificial turf and circular design. While nostalgic for fans, Crosley Field’s small footprint, aging infrastructure, and limited parking could no longer meet the demands of a growing fan base and evolving sports entertainment standards.

What were some notable events that occurred at Crosley Field?

One of the most significant events at Crosley Field was the first night game in Major League Baseball history, held on May 24, 1935. This groundbreaking game between the Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies drew over 20,000 fans and marked a turning point in how baseball was consumed, enabling workers to attend games after work. The successful event prompted other teams to install lights, revolutionizing the sport’s scheduling and accessibility.

Crosley Field also witnessed numerous individual achievements and memorable games. On June 10, 1944, Reds pitcher Joe Nuxhall, at just 15 years old, became the youngest player ever to appear in a major league game. The stadium hosted the 1953 and 1959 All-Star Games and was the home field during the Reds’ 1970 National League Championship season. These events solidified Crosley Field’s status as a cornerstone of baseball’s mid-century evolution.

What made Crosley Field unique compared to other ballparks of its era?

Crosley Field stood out for several distinctive architectural and gameplay features. The left-field area sloped upward into a 32-foot high terrace, which players had to navigate when chasing fly balls—similar to the famous hill in center field at Fenway Park’s predecessor. This terrain added a layer of strategy and difficulty for outfielders, making it a unique challenge in the National League. Additionally, the park’s compact dimensions, especially down the right-field line, favored hitters and led to many home runs.

Another hallmark was its urban setting, with the field nestled tightly between city streets and surrounding buildings. Fans could even watch games from apartments across the street, creating an intimate, community-driven atmosphere. Unlike newer stadiums built on open land, Crosley Field reflected the cozy, character-filled ballparks of the early 20th century. Its blend of quirks and charm gave it a devoted fan following and a distinctive identity in baseball lore.

What happened to Crosley Field after it was closed?

After the Reds played their final game at Crosley Field in 1970, the stadium was quickly demolished to make way for urban development. By the end of that year, the site was cleared, and no physical remnants of the ballpark remain today. The location, bounded by Findlay Street, Western Avenue, and McLean Avenue, was redeveloped primarily into a residential housing complex known as “Crosley Terrace,” a subtle nod to the stadium’s legacy.

Despite the absence of structures, efforts have been made to memorialize the ballpark. A historical marker now stands near the original site, detailing the stadium’s significance and major events. Additionally, pieces of the original structure, such as seats and signage, are preserved in museums and private collections. Fans continue to pay tribute through vintage photos, reunions, and storytelling, ensuring that the spirit of Crosley Field lives on in Cincinnati’s cultural memory.

How is Crosley Field remembered by fans and historians today?

Crosley Field is remembered as a cornerstone of baseball tradition and a symbol of Cincinnati’s deep-rooted connection to the national pastime. Fans fondly recall the intimate atmosphere, neighborhood feel, and historic moments that defined games played there. Its role in pioneering night baseball and nurturing memorable players like Frank Robinson and Ted Kluszewski ensures its lasting reverence among Reds supporters and baseball enthusiasts alike.

Historians value Crosley Field for its place in the evolution of MLB infrastructure and its reflection of mid-century urban ballpark design. Though smaller and less glamorous than modern stadiums, its unique layout and contributions to baseball innovation mark it as a trailblazer. Annual commemorations, documentaries, and exhibits keep its legacy alive, reminding new generations of the humble yet profoundly impactful stadium where legends once played and history was made.