Riverfront Stadium
Riverfront Stadium, also known as Cinergy Field from 1996 to 2002, was a multi-purpose stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was the home of the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1970 through 2002 and the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL) from 1970 to 1999. Located on the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, the stadium was best known as the home of "The Big Red Machine", as the Reds were often called in the 1970s.
For other uses, see Riverfront Stadium (disambiguation).Former names
Riverfront Stadium (1970–96)
Cinergy Field (1996–2002)
201 East Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati 45202
52,952 (baseball, 1970–2000)
59,754 (football)
39,000 (baseball, 2001–02)
1970–2000
Left field – 330 ft (100 m)
Left-center field – 375 ft (114 m)
Center field – 404 ft (123 m)
Right-center field – 375 ft (114 m)
Right field – 330 ft (100 m)
Backstop – 51 ft (16 m)
2001–2002
Left field – 325 ft (99 m)
Left-center field – 370 ft (110 m)
Center field – 393 ft (120 m)
Right-center field – 373 ft (114 m)
Right field – 325 ft (99 m)
Backstop – 41 ft (12 m)
AstroTurf 8 (1970–2000)
Grass (2001–2002)
February 1, 1968
June 30, 1970
September 22, 2002
December 29, 2002
US$45 million
($353 million in 2023 dollars[2])
Prybylowski and Gravino, Inc.[1]
Construction began on February 1, 1968, and was completed at a cost of less than $50 million. Riverfront's grand opening was held on June 30, 1970, an 8–2 Reds loss to the Atlanta Braves. Braves right fielder Hank Aaron hit the first home run in Riverfront's history, a two-run shot in the first inning which also served as the stadium's first runs batted in.[3] Two weeks later on July 14, 1970, Riverfront hosted the 1970 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. This game is best remembered for the often-replayed collision at home plate between Reds star Pete Rose and catcher Ray Fosse of the Cleveland Indians.
In September 1996, Riverfront Stadium was renamed "Cinergy Field" in a sponsorship deal with Greater Cincinnati energy company Cinergy. In 2001, to make room for Great American Ball Park, the seating capacity at Cinergy Field was reduced to 39,000. There was a huge in-play wall in center field visible after the renovations, to serve as the batter's eye. The stadium was demolished by implosion on December 29, 2002.
Riverfront Stadium during a Cincinnati Reds game vs. the Chicago Cubs on May 23, 1988.
Riverfront Stadium in July 1974
Riverfront Stadium in 1992
Cinergy Field during a Cincinnati Reds game vs. the New York Mets on April 27, 2001.
