Overview
- Fans get a full Thursday slate with the Reds–Red Sox first pitch at 4:10 p.m., the Findlay Market parade at noon, and the Reds Community Fund Block Party starting at 11 a.m. downtown.
- Parade plans are set from Findlay Market down Race Street to Fifth Street ending at Taft Theatre, with broadcaster and former reliever Jeff Brantley as grand marshal and longtime team physician Dr. Timothy Kremchek as honorary grand marshal.
- Cincinnati police outline added security with drone deployments, real-time crime center cameras, bike teams, SWAT and the Civil Disturbance Response Team, and they urge groups to set backup meeting spots in case cell service lags.
- Bars and restaurants at The Banks say it is their biggest day of the year and are bringing in extra staff and stock after a slow winter to serve the expected crush of fans at watch parties.
- Citywide festivities include family events at Washington Park and Fountain Square and watch parties at Newport on the Levee, with organizers noting many activities run rain or shine and the charity block party operates as cash-only.