The Cubs vs Reds Rivalry

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are both members of the National League Central division, which means they face each other multiple times every MLB season. These are two of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball, and divisional games between them carry real weight in the standings — especially in the second half of the season when playoff positioning is on the line.

Cubs fans are known for packing Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago, while Reds fans fill Great American Ball Park along the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati. Both venues have distinct atmospheres and storied histories, making in-person attendance a memorable experience. Whether you are following your team's playoff push or just want a competitive midseason game to watch, the Cubs vs Reds matchup consistently delivers good baseball.

This guide covers everything you need: where to watch on TV, how to stream without cable, how to find the schedule, how to buy tickets, and what to know before heading to the ballpark.

How to Watch Cubs vs Reds on Local TV

Most regular-season Cubs and Reds games are broadcast on regional sports networks rather than national television. Here is what to look for based on your location:

• Chicago area: Marquee Sports Network carries the majority of Cubs home and away games. It is available through major cable and satellite providers including Comcast, DirecTV, and Charter Spectrum. Check your provider's channel guide for the exact number.
• Cincinnati area: Bally Sports Ohio broadcasts most Reds games. Contact your cable or satellite provider or check their website to find the channel number for your address.
• National broadcasts: Selected games air on national channels including ESPN, TBS, FS1, and Apple TV+. These games are accessible to anyone with the corresponding channel or streaming subscription.

To find the exact broadcast channel for any specific game, visit mlb.com/schedule, locate the game you want, and look for the broadcast listing next to the start time. The listing will show both the national and local network options.

How to Stream Cubs vs Reds Without Cable

If you do not have a cable or satellite subscription, several streaming services let you watch Cubs vs Reds games live. Here is a breakdown of your best options:

MLB.TV

MLB.TV is the official streaming service from Major League Baseball and the most comprehensive option for baseball fans. A subscription gives you access to every out-of-market game, live and on demand. The major limitation is blackout restrictions: if you are in the Chicago or Cincinnati designated market area (DMA), the Cubs vs Reds game will be blacked out when your local team is playing. For fans outside those markets, MLB.TV is the best value for watching all the games.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV carries ESPN, TBS, FS1, and regional sports networks including Marquee Sports Network in the Chicago area. Plans are subscription-based with no annual contract, and a free trial is typically available for new subscribers. The unlimited cloud DVR is useful for recording games you cannot watch live.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV bundles a live TV package with Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost. It includes ESPN and select regional sports networks depending on your market. Pricing is comparable to YouTube TV. Check Hulu's website and enter your ZIP code to see which regional sports networks are available in your area before subscribing.

Fubo TV

Fubo TV is built for sports fans and often carries more regional sports networks than other streaming services. It includes Marquee Sports Network and Bally Sports Ohio in many markets. Enter your ZIP code on the Fubo website to confirm availability before committing to a subscription.

Sling TV

Sling TV's Blue and Orange packages include ESPN and FS1, making it a solid option for nationally televised Cubs vs Reds games. Regional sports network availability is more limited than Fubo or YouTube TV. Sling is typically cheaper and is a good choice if you only want to watch nationally broadcast games.

How to Find the Cubs vs Reds Schedule

Before watching or buying tickets, you need the correct game date and time. Here are the most reliable ways to check the schedule:

1. Visit mlb.com/schedule and use the team dropdown filter to view the full Cubs or Reds calendar. Each game listing shows the start time, home and away teams, and broadcast channels.
2. Open the MLB At Bat app on iOS or Android. Navigate to your team's schedule for a full season calendar with real-time updates on game status, lineup changes, and pitch-by-pitch tracking.
3. Search Cubs schedule 2025 or Reds schedule 2025 directly in Google. The search results page displays a schedule widget showing upcoming games, times, and opponents without needing to open another site.
4. Use the ESPN app under the MLB section. It lists all games for the day with start times adjusted to your local time zone and links to watch through connected streaming accounts.

One detail to watch: game times are listed in the time zone of the home stadium. Wrigley Field games are shown in Central Time, Great American Ball Park games in Eastern Time. Confirm the time converts correctly to your local zone before planning your evening.

How to Buy Cubs vs Reds Tickets

There are two main routes to buying tickets: the official team channel at face value and the secondary resale market. Each has advantages depending on how far in advance you are planning.

Official Tickets at Face Value

Buy Cubs home game tickets directly at mlb.com/cubs/tickets or Reds home game tickets at mlb.com/reds/tickets. These are prices set by the team and do not include resale markups. Seat options typically range from outfield bleacher seats to premium club-level seats, with prices varying by game date and the opponent.

Secondary Market Resale

For more flexibility or last-minute purchases, the following resale platforms are widely used:

• StubHub — one of the largest resale markets with a buyer guarantee that covers you if tickets are invalid
• SeatGeek — shows a deal score rating for each seat listing so you can quickly identify good value compared to nearby options
• Vivid Seats — competitive pricing with a loyalty rewards program for frequent buyers
• Ticketmaster Fan-to-Fan Resale — resale tickets sold through the official Ticketmaster platform, which many teams use as their primary ticketer

Tips for Getting Better Prices

• Prices on resale sites often drop sharply in the 24 to 48 hours before first pitch, as sellers reduce prices rather than holding unsold seats.
• Weekday games (Monday through Thursday) are almost always cheaper than Friday, Saturday, or Sunday games.
• Seats near the foul poles, in the upper deck, or in the outfield corners offer significant savings while still providing a complete view of the game.
• Set a price alert on SeatGeek for the specific game and section you want. You will receive a notification when prices fall to your target range.

What to Know About the Ballparks

Whether you are traveling to Wrigley Field in Chicago or Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, knowing the basics before you arrive saves time and frustration on game day.

Wrigley Field — Chicago Cubs

• Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
• Public transit: Take the CTA Red Line to the Addison stop. The main gate entrance is one block from the station. This is by far the easiest way to get to Wrigley, especially for evening games when street parking is extremely limited.
• Parking: Street parking fills up hours before first pitch on weekend games. Pre-book a nearby lot through SpotHero or ParkWhiz for guaranteed space and better rates than day-of pricing.
• Bag policy: Wrigley Field enforces a clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Small clutch purses under 4.5 by 6.5 inches are permitted without the clear requirement.

Great American Ball Park — Cincinnati Reds

• Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Public transit: Multiple Metro bus routes serve the downtown Cincinnati area. The park is also walkable from many downtown hotels and the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
• Parking: Several lots are available within a few blocks of the stadium. The Reds Garage adjacent to the park is convenient but fills quickly on sold-out nights. Arrive 90 minutes early if you plan to park close.
• Bag policy: Great American Ball Park requires clear bags for entry. Check the Reds official website for current size requirements and any exceptions before your visit, as policies can be updated.

Game Day Tips for Cubs vs Reds Fans

A few simple preparations make a big difference whether you are watching from home or in the stands.

If You Are Watching from Home

• Check the broadcast channel the evening before the game so you are not hunting for it at first pitch. Set a reminder on your phone for the start time.
• If streaming via MLB.TV or a live TV app, make sure your app is updated and your internet connection is stable. Streaming live sports works best over a wired connection or strong Wi-Fi.
• Use the MLB At Bat app alongside the broadcast for real-time pitch speed, player stats, and lineup tracking. The app pairs well with any TV broadcast.

If You Are Attending in Person

• Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before first pitch. Gates open roughly 90 minutes before game time, and watching batting practice gives you a great feel for the ballpark before the seats fill up.
• Download the Cubs or Reds mobile ticketing app before you leave home. Both Wrigley Field and Great American Ball Park support mobile ticket entry, and having your tickets ready on your phone avoids delays at the gates.
• Bring sunscreen for afternoon games. Upper deck and outfield seats at both parks can be exposed to direct sun for several innings.
• Check the weather forecast before you go. Both stadiums are open-air, so heavy rain can cause delays or postponements. Monitor the MLB app for real-time weather and game status updates.
• Concession lines move fastest in the first inning and between innings four and five. Avoid the rushes at the second and seventh innings when most fans head for food and drinks at the same time.