Occupying pride of place on the banks of the Ohio River at No.100, Joe Nuxhall Way lies one of the Major League Baseball’s finest ballparks, the aptly named Great American Ball Park. Constructed in 2003 at a staggering cost of $ 290 million, this captivating sporting arena has served as the home of the Cincinnati Reds who shared the riverfront Stadium with the NFL’s Bengals for nearly 30 years before moving to the GABP as its popularly known. A structural marvel by any standard, the Populous and GBBN Architect designed baseball arena has an impressive 42,271 spectator capacity. Other notable features of the stadium include The Mosaic found at the main entrance which depicts a mosaic that pays tribute to the 1869 Red Stockings and the 1975 Big Red Machine club which won the World Series twice consecutively. The bas relief carving named The Spirit of Baseball near the entrance is a 15 x 6 m limestone artwork by Todd Myers and Paul Brooke which depicts a young player looking up to gallant figures of a pitcher, fielder and a batter with renowned Cincinnati's landmarks illuminating the foreground. The Gap is a another highlight as this 10.7m wide break which is placed between home plate and third base features a concourse bridging the void on each level. The Power Stacks on the other hand are reminiscent of Ohio River steamboats and serve as fireworks dispensers, smoke machines and flash light emitters used to incite fans during games. The GABP scoreboard is also the 15 largest LED screen in the U.S and the 6th largest scoreboard in Major League Baseball. The Crosley Terrace monument with Bronze statues of baseball greats Frank Robinson, Ted Kluszewski, Ernie Lombardi and Joe Nuxhall engaging in an imaginary game pays tribute to Crosley Field which was the home of the Reds till 1970. Other points of interest include the three-piece 4192 Mural featuring the bat used by Pete Rose on his legendary 4,192nd hit in 1985. The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum on the west-side of the GABP is also worth a visit as is the Riverboat Deck VIP party area, Riverfront Club glass ensconced restaurant and of course Center Field which has been built to the precise measurements of the Riverfront Stadium, the Red’s former home ground. Travellers on the lookout for well appointed Cincinnati hotel rooms in the heart of the city should look no further than the stylish Millennium Hotel Cincinnati. Ideally located within close range of the Great American Ballpark and the city’s business district, this charming rest is also one of the most conveniently located Cincinnati hotels in town.
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