The Great American open house is already being planned.

        Circle March 22-33 on next year's calendar, the dates the public will get an (almost) all-access tour of the Reds' new home, Great American Ball Park.

        Times have not been set, but spokeswoman Debra DeCourcy said the public can expect the park to be open for “extensive hours” both days.

        John Allen, the Reds' chief financial officer, said much was learned from the Paul Brown Stadium open house in August 2000, where officials expected about 20,000 people and got more than 100,000.

        An extra day for that open house was added because of a huge turnout that left fans complaining about long lines, limited access and traffic backups.

        Mr. Allen said they also learned a lot from open houses in Pittsburgh and Milwaukee.

        “The Bengals were very helpful to us,” he said.

        “Pittsburgh and Milwaukee are in similar markets to us, so they were able to tell us what they went through.”

        Fans will go on a self-guided tour of the park, although guides will be on hand to point folks in the right direction and answer questions.

        “That's part of why we're having it for two days and long hours,” said Eric Stuckey, assistant county administrator. “We want to give people the opportunity to be there and spend whatever time they want.”

        Areas open to fans include the Reds locker room, all seating bowls, bullpen overlooks, concourses, the deck area, and bleachers.

        Officials are estimating a crowd of about 150,000 people, but they say the unpredictable March weather will have an impact on how many people actually show up.

        The ballpark, which will cost taxpayers $280 million plus an additional $41 million for infrastructure improvements, is scheduled to be ready for Opening Day, 2003.

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