Batter up! America’s favorite pastime returns this week.
The official start of the MLB’s regular season kicks off March 25 in San Francisco. However, the Cincinnati Reds play their first game of the 2026 regular season March 26 at Great American Ball Park, the start of a six-game homestand.
While Opening Day is beloved by baseball fans nationwide, the day is particularly special in Cincinnati, where thousands of fans take to the streets to celebrate the Reds, the first professional baseball team, with a parade and other festivities before the home opener later that afternoon.
Whether you’re attending the celebrations in person or watching the game from home, here’s everything you need to know about Opening Day 2026.
When is Opening Day for the Reds?
Why do the Reds always open at home?
The Reds have started every season in Cincinnati since 1876, except for 1877, 1885 and 1966 because of rain, 1990 for a baseball lockout and 1888 when the team was scheduled to start on the road for the only time.
There is no official rule stating the Reds must open their season at home. Instead, it’s based mostly on geography and tradition. Cincinnati was once the southernmost city in the western batch of National League teams, so there was a better chance of warmer weather.
Many people assume the Reds open each season because the 1869 Red Stockings were the first professional baseball team. But that is not the case, as Reds historians John Erardi and Greg Rhodes wrote in their book, “Opening Day.” The press began linking Opening Day to the home of professional baseball in the 1950s as a way to justify what had already been a tradition.
An Enquirer editorial proclaimed in 1949, “It is well-known fact that Cincinnati unquestionably is the best opening day city in either league – that’s why the Reds’ first game perennially is scheduled on the home lot.”
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade has also been a longstanding tradition, starting in 1920.
Who are the Opening Day starting pitchers for the Reds and Red Sox?
Andrew Abbott was named the Reds’ 2026 Opening Day starter March 8, just two days after the team lost Hunter Greene until at least July due to surgery for bone spurs.
Abbott was named a National League All-Star for the first time in 2025 and posted a 2.87 ERA last season in 29 starts (10-8 record).
Garrett Crochet will make his second consecutive Opening Day start, and third overall career nod, for the Red Sox, according to MLB.com. The 26-year-old left-hander finished second in the National League Cy Young race after recording a 2.59 ERA in 2025.
Reds Opening Day roster 2026
Here’s a look at the Reds roster heading into Opening Day:
Cincinnati Reds Opening Day 2026 lineup
This story will be updated once the Reds announce their Opening Day lineup.
Who’s throwing out the first pitch for the Reds’ Opening Day game?
Former Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo will deliver the ceremonial first pitch before the Opening Day game. The pitch will kick off the pregame ceremonies beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
Arroyo was a 2006 All-Star for the Reds, playing nine seasons with the team. Arroyo helped lead Boston to its 2004 World Series championship. He also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Reds inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2022.
Who is singing the national anthem for the Reds’ Opening Day game?
The Reds have yet to announce who will perform the national anthem at the Opening Day game. However, a flyover, featuring three AH-64 Apache helicopters and one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment (No Mercy), will occur during the national anthem, per Spectrum News.
How to get tickets for the Reds’ Opening Day game
There are Opening Day tickets available for purchase from third-party resellers. The prices vary, but the cheapest options were around $102, as of March 24.
Where can I park for the Reds vs. Giants game on Opening Day?
Parking for Great American Ball Park is located on the east and west sides of the ballpark.
Here are some parking options. The lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis:
Game day parking passes are available for purchase via credit card only. Cash will not be accepted, per the Reds’ website. Parking passes for the Central Riverfront Garage can be purchased in advance by calling 513-765-7400 or online at reds.com/parking.
Accessible parking is available in the east section of the Central Riverfront Garage for $27 and in the East Garage for $16. Great American Ball Park parking lots open five hours before game time.
What can I bring inside Great American Ball Park?
The following items are permitted in the ballpark:
Click here to read Great American Ball Park’s full guest guide if you’re seeing the Reds in 2026.
How to watch Reds vs. Red Sox on Opening Day
The Reds announced March 9 that a “number of” regular-season games will broadcast for free on Fox 19 (WXIX-TV) in Cincinnati. The first game under the new agreement will be the Reds’ Opening Day matchup.
Additionally, fans in the Reds’ regional TV territory can also stream games on Reds.TV through the MLB app. Fans who live outside the regional area can still watch by subscribing to MLB.TV. Visit mlb.com/reds for more information.
How to listen to Reds vs. Red Sox on Opening Day
Fans can listen to Reds vs. Giants on 700 WLW, as well as the Reds Radio Network.
When is the Reds’ Opening Day parade?
The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade begins at noon ahead of the 4:10 p.m. game.
This year’s parade will follow the standard 1.4-mile route, starting at Findlay Market on Race Street. It will go straight down Race to Fifth, turning left on Fifth Street and ending at Taft Theatre.
Who is the grand marshal for the Reds’ Opening Day parade?
Former Reds relief pitcher and current broadcaster Jeff “The Cowboy” Brantley will serve as the grand marshal on March 26. As a Red, Brantley won the 1996 Rolaids Relief Man Award. He was also named the Ohio Sportscaster of the Year in 2025.
Reds Opening Day parties in Greater Cincinnati
Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at The Banks
JonJon and Friends annual Opening Day Bash at the Cincinnati Lager House
Oscar Mayer Opening Day at Washington Park
Smoke Justis Opening Day in the Cov Street Party
Top 4 foods served at Reds games this season
Each year, Great American Ball Park invites the media to attend a tasting event so they can sample the new foods and concessions the stadium is offering for the upcoming Reds season.
The Enquirer’s David Wysong and Kaycee Sloan, from the trending news team, tried the offerings and ranked their four favorites. Check them out here.
Try for a high score on our Reds quiz
Get ready for the MLB season by taking our Reds quiz!
The Enquirer’s Kaycee Sloan and Bebe Hodges contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds Opening Day is here! Everything to know before the first pitch
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
