The opening day at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark was not until April 3, but that did not stop die-hard Reds fans from camping out early to get tickets to the all-important game.
Supporters camped out as early as March 26 to make sure they were in line as soon as tickets went on sale. More than 400 view-level tickets, plus an additional 800 standing-room tickets, sold in moments.
The first person in the line was Cheryl Strunk, who got a pack of tickets for herself and her family that would get them into the season opener, as well as a second game later this year. Other activities that day included a parade from Findlay Street Market to the ballpark, which is considered the kick-off to the baseball season.
The weather was cold, and fans shared their experiences with the media, relating stories of huddling in heaps of blankets, bringing small heaters, or wearing multiple layers of clothing to try and stay warm. One described the camp-out as a “rite of passage”, discussing the opportunity to visit old friends and make new ones. Fans seemed to enjoy the wait to buy tickets almost as much as they relished watching the games.
The Reds might consider working with a banner printing company on a banner to display during these early ballpark days, honoring their fans.
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