GABP Aesthetics

[BCubb2003]

Part of it is that most of the signs right now don’t have much of a ballpark feel. They’re just big bright logos with one word: “TOYOTA” or “Kroger” ... no character.

[Roy Tucker]

I wish GABP was more open or integrated with the Ohio River like PNC Park in Pittsburgh. That’s a nice ballpark and a beautiful setting.

We forget how this was The Wedge site and how they had to carve a chunk out of Riverfront outfield to fit it in. Lots of battling between the city and the county still going on now about how and what to build between the 2 stadiums. Some things never change with Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

[bm1475]

I never understood why they built the park just BARELY far enough away that hitting it into the river is impossible. Like 100 feet closer and you’d have a baby McCovey Cove. Also building the dimensions specifically for all the left handed power hitters they happened to have back in 2000 was stupid. A player lasts 20ish years max, a stadium should last at least 40.

[KronoRed]

Probably flood plane issues on moving the park closer to the water.

Or the Reds didn't want to lose money on baseball in the river

[BCubb2003]

Didn’t Adam Dunn hit the river, on a bounce, on a piece of wood that was kind of in the river (I know it’s a stretch, but still)?

[Boston Red]

Rule 1.04: It is desirable that the line from home base through the pitchers plate to second base shall run East-Northeast.

Thus, southpaws.

[CaiGuy]

Is there a particular reason they oriented GABP to face away from the city skyline? I've obviously never been but the aesthetics of some ballparks like Pittsburgh come mainly from their orientation.

I like the orientation (for the site that it was built on). The view is really nice from the upper decks. You can see the river, Riverside Drive Historic District (nice stretch of 19th century mansions) and the rolling hills in the distance.

I would have liked to see it plopped down on Broadway Commons instead (where the casino is now). That would have had a skyline view and could have really activated the great historic district that surrounds that site. Would have been very "Cincinnati."

[Hollcat]

If the stadium alignment stays the same then wouldn't downtown be behind the first baseline if it were at Broadway Commons. I think the stadium would have to be west or north of downtown to have a skyline view without issues from late afternoon/evening sun.

[CaiGuy]

If the stadium alignment stays the same then wouldn't downtown be behind the first baseline if it were at Broadway Commons. I think the stadium would have to be west or north of downtown to have a skyline view without issues from late afternoon/evening sun.

True, the geography in my mind was off. It would be a view of Mt. Adams....still a cool location I think.