CINCINNATI — It's finally Cincinnati's favorite unofficial holiday — Reds Opening Day.
The Cincinnati Reds will take on the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. But action starts far before the game itself.
When do pregame ceremonies start?
Opening Day pregame ceremonies are scheduled to kick off around 3:30 p.m. Thursday.
The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown out by former Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo.
The official game ball will be delivered by Sharonville native and 2026 Olympic gold medalist Connor Curran.
Andrew Abbott is set as the starting pitcher to kick off the Reds official season.
And we can't forget the game's Honorary Captain, Dave Concepción. He's a Reds Hall of Famer and member of the Big Red Machine.
When is the game?
The Reds are set to take on the Boston Red Sox at 4:10 p.m. Thursday.
For more information on ways to watch the game, you can read our story here.
When is the Reds Community Fund Block Party?
Starting at 11 a.m., the Reds Community Fund Block Party kicks off.
The block party will be held at Joe Nuxhall Way, Marian Spencer Way and Freedom Way. Food and drinks will be available to buy from local vendors, and live music and entertainment will happen from 11 a.m. through 3:30 p.m., ahead of the start of the game.
The block party will stop providing alcohol sales at around 3:30 p.m. and festivities will wrap at 4 p.m., before first pitch.
What is the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade?
The annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade kicks off Opening Day in Cincinnati.
This year's grand marshal was the Cowboy, former Reds pitcher Jeff Brantley. Most recently, Brantley has been a Reds broadcaster alongside legend Marty Brennaman. Earlier this year, Brantley won Ohio Sportscaster of the Year for 2025 by the National Sports Media Association — his first time winning the award.
You can watch our coverage of the parade here:
What does the weather look like?
WCPO's 9 First Warning Weather team is predicting a warm Opening Day.
The record high for Thursday is 82 degrees, set back in 1907.
We should get through the ballgame without rain. Clouds will start to increase as we get to sunset.
A cold front moves in from the north late Thursday night, bringing a line of showers and storms. These keep looking later and later, likely not getting to areas north of Greater Cincinnati until closer to midnight now. They may not get to Cincy until 3 a.m., followed by some leftover heavier rain in northern Kentucky into Friday morning
Which roads will be closed?
The following streets are now closed and will reopen after the game Thursday.
- 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)
For more on CPD's safety plan for Opening Day, click here.
