Riverfront StadiumAbout Riverfront Stadium
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.
Nearby Attractions to Riverfront Stadium
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -6° - 4° | -5° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 7° | -2° | 67 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 1° - 13° | 4° | 101 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 19° | 12° | 100 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 11° - 25° | 18° | 115 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 16° - 30° | 23° | 97 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 19° - 32° | 25° | 102 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 31° | 24° | 95 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 27° | 21° | 78 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 74 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 13° | 5° | 88 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -3° - 7° | -2° | 81 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
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.