If you woke up this morning, checked the calendar for January 16, 2026, and reflexively searched for "what time was the Reds game today," I have some news that might be a bummer—or a total thrill, depending on how much you like crowds.
There was no game.
Baseball is still in its winter hibernation. But if you’re in downtown Cincinnati today, the energy near the corner of 5th and Elm probably feels like Opening Day. That’s because while there aren't any fly balls or stolen bases happening, today marks the massive return of Redsfest at the newly renovated Duke Energy Convention Center.
What Time Was The Reds Game Today? (Wait, There’s No Game)
Let’s be real. It’s mid-January. The ground is cold, and Great American Ball Park is quiet. You won’t find Elly De La Cruz sliding into third in a meaningful game until the regular season kicks off against the San Francisco Giants on March 26, 2026.
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However, if you're asking about the "Reds schedule" because you saw a bunch of people in jerseys downtown, you're likely thinking of the Redsfest doors opening. For Friday, January 16, the action started at 3:00 p.m. and runs late into the night, wrapping up around 10:30 p.m.
It’s basically the "game" before the game.
Why People Are Searching for Reds Times Right Now
Honestly, the confusion makes sense. The Reds usually hold this fan fest in December, but due to those massive convention center renovations, they pushed it to January 2026. It’s the first event in the new building. If you’re looking for a specific "start time" for the main events today, here is how the afternoon shook out:
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- 3:00 PM: Doors opened to the public.
- 4:30 PM: Bronson Arroyo took the stage for a live musical set (yes, he’s still rocking).
- 5:30 PM: The "Big Introduction" where current players and legends hit the main stage.
- 8:05 PM: The 2025 Team Awards.
Looking Ahead: When Does Real Baseball Actually Start?
If the fan fest isn't enough and you need to see a box score, you’ve got about a month to wait. The 2026 Spring Training schedule is already out, and the Reds are heading back to Goodyear, Arizona.
The first actual "game" time you need to circle is Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Reds play a split-squad game against the Cleveland Guardians. That one starts at 1:05 p.m. MST (which is 3:05 p.m. back home in Cincy).
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
- February 21: Spring Training Opener vs. Guardians.
- March 4: A weirdly cool exhibition game against Team Cuba for the World Baseball Classic tune-ups.
- March 26: Opening Day in Cincinnati.
The "What Time" Trap: Navigating MLB Schedules in 2026
I get why it’s confusing. Google searches for what time was the Reds game today often spike during the offseason because of transactions, winter meetings, or fan events like today’s.
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If you’re looking for the score of a game that happened today, you won't find one. But you will find highlights of Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain signing autographs for kids. The team also avoided a bunch of arbitration cases recently—guys like Tyler Stephenson and Nick Lodolo are locked in for the year—so the vibes at the convention center are actually pretty high despite the lack of a diamond.
Actionable Steps for Reds Fans Today
Since there isn't a game to watch on Bally Sports (or whatever it's called this week), here is how you can actually engage with the team:
- Head to the Convention Center: If you're reading this before 10:30 p.m. on Friday, tickets are still available at the door for about $35.
- Check the Podcasts: Jim Day is recording live today; those episodes usually drop within 24 hours.
- Prep for Spring Training: If you’re planning to fly to Arizona, February 22 is the first home game in Goodyear against the Mariners. Tickets are already hovering around $21 for lawn seats.
- Sync Your Calendar: Download the official MLB app and set your "Favorite Team" to the Reds. It’ll push the 2026 start times directly to your lock screen so you don't have to guess next time.
Bottom line: No game today, but the 2026 season is officially waking up. Catch the player introductions tonight or wait for the desert sun in February.