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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Riverfront Stadium #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).