When the Cincinnati Reds return from spring training in Arizona, they should find new signs at Great American Ball Park.
The three neon signs, above the scoreboard, over the main gates, and on the southwest corner of the outside, will be replaced with LED lighting.
Normally, the team and Hamilton County would be responsible for the $1 million to $2 million cost, but Scott Beeken with Great American Insurance Group says it will pay.
“We felt that this made a lot of sense with regard to the fact that the All Star Game is coming this year, and the fact that we could make a contribution and update the signs with LED lighting,” Beeken says. “So we thought it made sense, as the naming right sponsor, to be behind this investment."
Beeken says the new signs will look a little different, with white lettering on a blue background, instead of the current blue lettering with a white background. The two signs on the outside of the stadium will also include the company name, while the sign above the scoreboard will read “Great American Insurance Group”.
“We believe Great American Ball Park is the best name on the best venue in Major League Baseball,” said Carl H. Lindner III, Co-CEO of Great American’s parent company, American Financial Group.
“However, the name is so fitting that some people don’t make the connection between Great American Ball Park and Great American Insurance Group,” added S. Craig Lindner, AFG Co-CEO. “The new signage allows us to better showcase our Great American Insurance Group brand and our corporate headquarters building located across the street from the ballpark.”
Beeken says the LED lights will use less electricity, and should cost about 80 percent less to operate than the current neon signs.
The work was expected to start Tuesday, and should be done by Opening Day, April 6.
