Opening Day is an unofficial holiday in Cincinnati. Historically, the Reds have begun each season at home, touching off a citywide celebration, where kids of all ages skip work and school to watch the parade, then head out to the ballpark.
But why do the Reds always open at home?
It is not in any official baseball rules, though it may seem that way. The Reds have started every season in Cincinnati since 1876, except for 1877, 1885 and 1966 because of rain, 1990 for a baseball lockout and 1888 when the team was scheduled to start on the road for the only time.