CINCINNATI (For Immediate Release) – The tradition of Cincinnati Reds Opening Day is expected to be a home run for the local economy, according to a new study from Visit Cincy.
Last year, Visit Cincy, meetNKY and data partner, Zartico, analyzed the economic impact of the Opening Day festivities from March 26-30, 2024, revealing a significant surge in visitor spending and business activity across the region.
“From packed hotels and restaurants to bustling bars and shops, Cincinnati’s hospitality and entertainment industries will enjoy a robust boost as thousands of fans pour into the city to celebrate baseball’s big day,” said Julie Calvert, President & CEO of Visit Cincy.
Key Visitor Economic Impact from Highlights (March 26-30, 2024)
(“Visitors” defined as people coming from more than 50 miles away)
• Overall Visitor Spending: Visitor spending jumped 9.2% during the Opening Day period in 2024 (compared to the prior month’s average, February 2024). This surge injected millions of additional dollars into local businesses as baseball fans visited from around the region and beyond.
• Dining & Nightlife: Restaurants saw a 24.3% increase in spending from visitors, as fans flocked to eateries before and after the game. Cincinnati’s bars and nightlife venues also enjoyed a 19.7% boost in revenue from visitors, with downtown pubs, sports bars, and breweries filled to capacity. (In fact, food and dining accounted for the majority of visitor spending during the Opening Day weekend, underscoring the event’s benefit to the city’s robust culinary scene.)
• Hospitality (Hotels & Lodging): Downtown hotels reported 89% occupancy surrounding Opening Day in 2024. Many out-of-town fans traveled in for the game and the day-long celebrations, filling hotel rooms across the region (including Northern Kentucky) and extending their stays through the weekend. This influx of visitors translated to an uptick in hotel revenues for local accommodations providers.
“Opening Day is more than just a ballgame in Cincinnati – it’s our city’s unofficial holiday and a celebration that unites our community and fills businesses with fans,” Calvert said. “We’re proud that Cincinnati’s love of baseball translates into real benefits for our region’s hospitality, retail, and entertainment industries. Opening Day gives us a chance to showcase the Cincy Region to visitors, support local jobs, and kick off the baseball season with incredible energy.”
Boost to Retail and Entertainment Industries
Opening Day festivities provide a major lift to Cincinnati’s retail and entertainment sectors:
• Retail & Merchandise: Local retailers saw a 22% increase in business from visitors in 2024. From jerseys and caps to pennants and novelty items, Opening Day fans were eager to show their team spirit, leading to a notable spike in retail sales. Shops around the ballpark and in downtown corridors experienced heavy foot traffic as attendees patronized stores before and after the game.
• Entertainment & Attractions: Beyond the ballgame itself, Cincinnati’s entertainment venues benefited from Opening Day visitors. The Banks entertainment district and other popular areas were abuzz with live music and special events catering to fans. Many restaurants and bars hosted Opening Day specials and post-game celebrations, keeping visitors engaged in the city’s nightlife well into the evening.
About the Opening Day of Baseball in Cincinnati
For over a century, Cincinnati has marked MLB’s Opening Day like a holiday: Fans and families head to the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, and tens of thousands of people line the streets in a display of civic pride. The 2025 parade, now in its 105th year, will feature colorful floats, local bands, and Reds alumni, drawing crowds that set a festive tone citywide. The excitement will continue into the afternoon as fans packed the ballpark for the first pitch against the San Francisco Giants, affirming that no city celebrates Opening Day quite like Cincinnati.
About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
###
