CINCINNATI — Cincinnati is gearing up to celebrate Reds Opening Day on Thursday. Festivities start with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade.
You can watch the parade from noon to 2 p.m. on WCPO 9 on-air, here on this web article story, on your favorite streaming device with the WCPO 9 streaming app and on WCPO 9's YouTube page.
The following streets will close beginning at 8 a.m.:
- Race Street – closed between Liberty Street and McMicken Street
- Elm Street – closed between Liberty Street and McMicken Street
- Findlay Street – closed between Central Parkway and Vine Street
- Elder Street – closed between Central Parkway and Vine Street
- Green Street – closed between Vine Street and Logan Street
- Henry Street – closed between Race Street and Dunlap Street
- Dunlap Street – closed between Findlay Street and McMicken Street
- Logan Street – closed between Liberty Street and Findlay Street
Watch below for what to know about the parade route:
The parade route will begin at the intersection of Race Street and Liberty Street. It will then travel down Race Street to Fifth Street. Once at Fifth Street, it will head east to the demarcation area at Sentinel Street, where the route will end.
The cross streets that will close in addition to the parade route will be:
- Eighth Street – closed between Elm Street and Vine Street
- Seventh Street – closed between Elm Street and Vine Street
- Sixth Street – closed between Elm Street and Vine Street
- Vine Street – closed between Fourth Street and Sixth Street
- Walnut Street – closed between Fourth Street and Sixth Street
- Main Street – closed between Fourth Street and Sixth Street
- Sycamore Street – closed between Fourth Street and Sixth Street
- Broadway Street – closed between Fourth Street and Sixth Street
The City of Cincinnati said in a press release that "access to downtown hotels within the parade route closures will be maintained."
Following the conclusion of the parade, people will have plenty of time to enjoy the Reds Opening Day festivities ahead of the Opening Day game at 4:10 p.m.
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Anyone driving downtown for the game and celebrations can check out these routes:
- I-75 South – Freeman Avenue exit to Mehring Way
- I-75 North – 5th Street exit, then right on Central Avenue
- I-71 South – Reading Road exit to Eggleston Avenue
- I-471/Columbia Parkway – 3rd Street exit to the riverfront
The City of Cincinnati recommends drivers use parking facilities around the riverfront and downtown to walk to the game.
If driving to Opening Day celebrations or the game is too much of a headache, Cincinnati Metro Services is offering free bus rides during all of Opening Day. Metro will maintain service during the Findlay Market parade, but some downtown stops will be temporarily closed in the morning and afternoon. These stops include Government Square and other downtown locations. Streetcar service will begin after the parade ends.
Also happening on Opening Day will be the Reds Community Fund Block Party, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Thursday morning.
These streets will be closed for the block party:
- Freedom Way – closed between Rosa Parks Street and Joe Nuxhall Way
- Marian Spencer Way – closed between Second Street and Ted Berry Way (local garage access maintained)
- Joe Nuxhall Way – closed south of Second Street (hotel and handicap drop-off maintained from Mehring)
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The streets will reopen to traffic after the game.
