If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that Cincinnati loves Arnold’s. Its our oldest bar, an incredible space with fantastic food. Couple that up with some great people that make it all run? It’s absolutely a staple in our city (which you can read more about here if you’re curious).
One other thing that we LOVE in Cincinnati? Opening day. Baseball is important to this city, and the Red’s opening day has become a holiday. It helps usher in the spring, immediately brings forth the feeling of sun on your skin, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs, and gives a little tingle on the sides of your tongue as you prepare for a cold beer. Like I said… we love it.
When you combine the two, Arnold’s and Opening day? You’re in for a real treat. The bar kicks off the holiday each year for an extravaganza that you 100% should not miss. It’s fantastic. The standard disclaimer that I’ve had to throw out for the last year still applies – things look a little different, for now – but they’re doing this in a really great way – staying safe while celebrating how they’re able to.
Mark your calendar (it should already be marked, honestly…) Opening Day is April 1st – and if you like amazing beer, live music, hundreds of autographed prizes, delicious Avrel Bleh hot dogs, and Jim Tarbell himself… well… let’s just talk about what you can expect.
The Prizes
It’s become a yearly tradition at Arnolds. The bar randomly marks 1 out of every 4 cups which will win you everything from autographed baseball cards to game used memorabilia from the likes of Joey Votto, Ken Griffey Jr, Aroldis Chapman, Brandon Phillips, George Foster, Billy Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Adam Dunn, and more. We’re talking about bobbleheads, Makers Mark wax dipped baseballs, vintage unopened baseball cards… over 150 prizes in all.
It’s so. much. fun.
Entertainment
Jim Tarbell headlines the entertainment as he makes an appearance at some point during the festivities to play the mouth harp – dressed as Peanut Jim Shelton.
Also on hand to keep the party rolling from 12-3 Todd Hepburn will be playing live ‘old time’ baseball music.
The Beer
The beer list is one of the most important factors (for me) in an event like this. And as usual, Arnolds isn’t messing around. tapping at noon:
- Rhinegeist – Sabertooth Tiger
- Listermann – Barrel-Aged Operation Flintlock
- 16 Lots – Raspberry Major League Red PIlsner
- MadTree – Rounding Third
- Fretboard – Centerfield
- Three Floyds – Zombie Dust
- DogFish Head – Mango Smoovie
- Toppling Goliath – King Sue
Arnolds is keeping things safe, and keeping the tradition alive. Social distancing will obviously still be in place, and reservations are highly recommended (and will likely run out). Once they reach their reduced capacity, they’re full. Their special events come with a two hour limit for tables to keep folks rolling through and spreading the cheer to everyone who wants to take part.
The bar opens early at noon. Go. Enjoy. Celebrate!