Cincinnati Reds Opening Day 2025: Parade, Game Details, and What to Expect

The Game: Cincinnati Reds vs. San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park.

Date & Time: Thursday, first pitch at 4:10 PM ET. Gates open at 2:10 PM ET.

Starting Pitchers: RHP Hunter Greene (Reds) faces RHP Logan Webb (Giants).

Parade: The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade begins at noon, featuring Grand Marshal Chris Sabo (Reds Hall of Famer) and Honorary Grand Marshal Michael Waltrip (NASCAR icon).

Weather: Expect a chilly start in the 30s (°F) and sunny skies for the parade, warming to the mid-to-upper 50s by game time before cooling slightly.

Broadcast: Watch the parade live on WLWT. The game airs locally on WXIX Fox 19 / FanDuel Sports Ohio (Cincinnati) and NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco), streamable on MLB.TV, with radio coverage on 700 WLW AM.

Why this matters: It's the start of a hopeful 2025 season for both the Reds and Giants, teams that made significant offseason changes aiming for a postseason return. Opening Day in Cincinnati is a cherished tradition celebrating the city's deep baseball roots as home to the first professional team.

Findlay Market Opening Day Parade: Starting at noon, this beloved tradition snakes through the city. Organizers suggest arriving around 10 AM for good viewing spots along the route, which includes Findlay Market, Race Street, Fountain Square, and Washington Park.

Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party: Held from 11 AM to 3:30 PM at The Banks (Joe Nuxhall Way, Freedom Way, Walnut Street). Features food, drinks, and live music from Naked Karate Girls and DJ etrayn, with proceeds supporting the Reds Community Fund's youth baseball/softball programs.

At the Ballpark: Gates open at 2:10 PM, with fans receiving a 2025 Reds schedule sticker. Pre-game ceremonies begin around 3:30 PM, including plaque presentations to managers Terry Francona (Reds) and Bob Melvin (Giants), the national anthem by Marlana VanHoose, a flyover by two KC-135 Stratotankers, a moment of remembrance for Reds Hall of Famers Joey Jay and Pete Rose, the ceremonial first pitch by Chris Sabo, and Michael Waltrip serving as Honorary Captain.

Offseason Moves: The Reds hired veteran manager Terry Francona and added P Brady Singer, IF Gavin Lux, and OF Austin Hays. The Giants saw franchise icon Buster Posey join baseball operations, signed SS Willy Adames ($182M/7yr), and added veteran P Justin Verlander.

Pitching Duel: Hunter Greene gets his second Opening Day start for the Reds after a strong 2024 (9-5, 2.75 ERA). Logan Webb, making his fourth straight Opening Day start for the Giants, boasts a career 1.64 ERA against Cincinnati.

Lineups & Injuries: Expect exciting speed at the top of the Reds lineup with Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz. Key injuries impact both teams: Reds are without C Tyler Stephenson (oblique) and IF Spencer Steer (shoulder), while closer Alexis Díaz (hamstring) starts on the IL. The Giants miss OF Jerar Encarnacion (hand fracture).

Q: What time does the Opening Day parade start?

A: The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade starts at noon on Thursday. Arrive early for good viewing spots.

Q: Who are the starting pitchers for the Reds vs. Giants game?

A: RHP Hunter Greene starts for the Cincinnati Reds, opposing RHP Logan Webb for the San Francisco Giants.

Q: What's the weather forecast for Opening Day?

A: It will be sunny but cold (30s °F) for the morning parade, warming to the mid-to-upper 50s °F by first pitch (4:10 PM ET), then cooling slightly.

Q: Where can I watch the game and parade?

A: Watch the parade on WLWT. The game is on WXIX Fox 19 / FanDuel Sports Ohio (Cincinnati), NBC Sports Bay Area (San Francisco), and MLB.TV. Listen on 700 WLW AM.

Plan Ahead: Dress warmly for the parade and consider layers for the game. Arrive early to secure good spots for the parade and enjoy the Block Party.

Key Players: Watch the pitching matchup between Greene and Webb. Keep an eye on the Reds' dynamic duo of McLain and De La Cruz, and the Giants' new shortstop Willy Adames.

Season Outlook: This game sets the tone for two teams with playoff aspirations after significant offseason adjustments, including new leadership for the Reds under Terry Francona.

Reds Opening Day: Flyover, first pitch, honorary captain and more to kick start the 2025 season

Weather forecast for Opening Day parade, game

Opening Day FAQ: Giants vs. Reds (Note: Based on source content, URL structure assumed)