Redsfest is back in town

CINCINNATI -- It's been a couple of years, but Reds fans once again have a place to heat up their Hot Stove talk and passion for baseball this winter.

Yes, RedsFest is back.

Tickets for Kahn's Redsfest 2006, presented by Great American Insurance Group, go on sale Monday at Reds.com. The fan festival will return to a renovated Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, Dec. 1, from 4-11 p.m. ET and on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 12-8 p.m. ET.

Season-ticket holders will have early access on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. One-day tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for fans 12 and under, while two-day tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for kids.

A list of players scheduled to attend will be announced at a later date.

Proceeds from Redsfest benefit the Reds Community Fund.

Tickets can also be purchased by phone at (513) 381-7337 or toll free at (877) 647-REDS and at all area Meijer retail and grocery stores.

Construction work at the Duke Energy Center, formerly the Cincinnati Convention Center, prevented Redsfest from being held the past two winters.

"We are very proud and excited to announce the return of our annual fan festival," Reds chief executive officer Bob Castellini said in a statement released by the club. "This year's event will kick off annual festivities that are more unique and spectacular than anything we've offered in the past. Our sponsors have really stepped up so that we can make this the premier preseason event for Reds fans."

One question that's been on the minds of Reds fans will be answered during the festival's first day: What will the club's new uniforms look like in 2007?

The Reds' updated look will be unveiled for the first time at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. Other events planned for the evening is an appearance by former reliever Rob Dibble for FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show" and a concert featuring Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo.

New to RedsFest this year will be the Reds Community Fund Celebrity Poker Tournament, in which fans can play Texas Hold 'Em against Reds players, coaches and legends. The cards will be dealt on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. Cash games and registration begin at 5 p.m.

The entry fee is $200 per person for the tournament and spectators can watch for $30, with dinner and two beverage tickets included. All participants and spectators must be 21 or older. No cameras or autographs will be allowed.

Other events planned during Redsfest weekend are kids-only press conferences involving Reds players, a "Reds Idol" national anthem contest, a "Hooters" wing-eating contest, Reds Hot Stove Report with general manager Wayne Krivsky and manager Jerry Narron and a "NewlyReds" game featuring players and their significant others.

There will also be a youth clinic, baseball skills challenge contests and areas that feature merchandise and exhibits from the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.

For more information, please visit Redsfest.