Reds skipping RedsFest (again) makes a disastrous season look even worse

For the third time in the last four years, RedsFest will not be held at the Cincinnati Convention Center. According to 700WLW, no reason was given for the cancellation — though the impending lockout is the likely culprit. RedsFest is traditionally held in early December, and the owners are expected to lock the players out when the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires on December 1.

While that is the most likely (and a reasonable) excuse for canceling RedsFest this year, it's clearly a bad look. The Cincinnati Reds were hoping to build on a trip to the playoffs in 2025, and instead finished in last place in the NL Central with a 75-87 record.

Reds cancel RedsFest for the third time in four years

RedsFest returned to the newly renovated Cincinnati Convention Center this past January. More than 20,000 fans flocked to downtown Cincinnati to meet some of their favorite Reds players and personalities. RedsFest has long been one of best moments of the offseason, as it allows fans and players to intermingle in anticipation of the upcoming season.

The event was canceled after the 2023 and 2024 seasons because of renovations to the Cincinnati Convention Center. RedsFest served as the first event to be held at center this past January, and was expected to be home for the fan-themed festivities again this year.

The last time the Reds had a traditional RedsFest (held in early-December) was in 2022. The team was coming off a 100-loss season, but there was a certain optimism present at RedsFest that year. The 2023 Reds went on to have an unpredictably wild season that included in a 12-game win streak, and almost saw them return to the postseason.

Things have certainly changed since then (and not for the better). The Reds now limp into the offseason with no clear direction, a dysfunctional front office and ownership group, and aforementioned lockout only gums up the works even more. Sorry, Reds fans. It's going to be a long offseason.

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