Riverfront Stadium

Park Multipurpose stadium in Cincinnati formerly hosting baseball and football

Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati stood on the Ohio River as the former home of the Reds and Bengals until its 2002 demolition; visitors now encounter the site’s history through local sports museums and riverside redevelopment.

Main image

Riverfront Stadium was a multiuse sports stadium on the Cincinnati riverfront in Ohio, best known as the shared home of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals during the late 20th century.

During its operating life the stadium offered a large circular bowl designed for both baseball and football, with seating for over 50,000 people and a continuous sightline around the playing surface. As a former major sports venue it featured concessions, corporate boxes and skyline views across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.

Built as a multipurpose municipal stadium and opened in 1970, it hosted professional baseball and American football for decades before being closed and demolished in 2002. The site was redeveloped with newer, sport-specific stadiums and riverfront public space following demolition.

Located on the downtown Cincinnati riverfront along the Ohio River, adjacent to other sports and entertainment developments on the city’s waterfront.

  • Dates: Opened in 1970 and demolished in 2002, it served as a multiuse riverfront stadium for both Major League Baseball and the NFL.
  • Capacity and tenants: The bowl seated over 50,000 spectators and was home to the Cincinnati Reds (MLB) and Cincinnati Bengals (NFL) during its existence.
Riverfront Stadium
39.0967, -84.5083
Demolished (Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was demolished in 2002; site now Great American Ball Park)

How to Get to Riverfront Stadium #

The former Riverfront Stadium site is on the Cincinnati riverfront in downtown Cincinnati along the Ohio River. By car, use I-71 / I-75 into downtown Cincinnati and take exits toward Mehring Way/US‑52 to access the riverfront; from the central business district it is a short walk (typically 5-15 minutes) to the riverfront area. Downtown Cincinnati’s bus network serves the riverfront and central districts for public-transport access.

Tips for Visiting Riverfront Stadium #

  • The original Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was demolished in 2002; you cannot visit the old stadium itself, so plan to visit the nearby Great American Ball Park and the Banks district on the riverfront to see the location and any historical markers.
  • If you're after Riverfront Stadium history, stop by local baseball museums or the Reds' team facilities at Great American Ball Park, where exhibits and staff can point out the former stadium footprint and share archival photos.

Best Time to Visit Riverfront Stadium #

Late spring through early autumn is best for visiting the riverfront area when outdoor activity and events are most frequent.

Summer/event season
May-September · 20-30 °C
Warmer weather and many outdoor events-riverfront areas are lively and busiest during this period.
Spring/Autumn shoulder
March-May; September-October · 5-20 °C
Milder conditions and fewer large crowds-good for sightseeing along the riverfront.
Winter
December-February · -5-8 °C
Cold and quieter; outdoor activities reduced though city attractions remain open.

Weather & Climate near Riverfront Stadium #

Climate

Riverfront Stadium's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1067 mm/year), wettest in May.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
11° 25°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
16° 30°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
18° 31°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
14° 27°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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