Playoff Dreams Alive in the Heart of it All

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - From Progressive Field to Great American Ball Park, Ohio is alive with playoff fever as both the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds punch their ticket to the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason together for the first time in more than a decade. As Ohio rallies behind its big-league home teams, TourismOhio is supplying the lineup of world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and unforgettable attractions that'll make trips outside of the ballparks worth cheering for too.

"Congratulations to the playoff-bound Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds," said Governor DeWine. "Fran and I, along with the entire state, are excited to watch both of Ohio's major league teams progress toward the World Series!"

"This is more than just a great sports story, it's a win for Ohio's communities and local businesses," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "When our teams make the postseason, hotels fill up, restaurants get busier, and visitors get a chance to see what makes Ohio such a vibrant place to live, work, and play. It's a home run for the entire state."

"No matter which cap you're wearing - Guardians or Reds - we're all rooting for the heart of it all," said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. "October baseball is the perfect excuse to catch a game and experience the energy that makes Ohio so special. No matter what happens on the field, we all win when we take time to discover more of our state."

The Guardians are making their 18th playoff appearance after securing their second straight American League Central title, while the Reds return to the postseason for the first time since 2020, marking their 16th overall appearance. The only previous times both teams advanced to the playoffs in the same season were in 1995 when Cleveland would make a run for the World Series, and in 2013 when both lost in the wild card game.

Beginning Sept. 30, the Guardians will play host to the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field, and the Cincinnati Reds will travel to Dodger Stadium the same day to kick off the year's three-game Wild Card Series against the defending World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

Progressive Field in Cleveland. Photo credit: Gabe Wasylko

Cleveland

Visitors heading to Cleveland for playoff baseball will find the excitement extends far beyond Progressive Field. The city of rock & roll is home to a vibrant arts scene, the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and iconic stops like the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the West Side Market. Between games, fans can explore, dine, and discover even more at the Cleveland section of the Vibrant Cities Road Trip on Ohio.org.

Check out more to inspire your trip to The Land:

• 48 Hours in Cleveland - the best places to eat and visit from morning to late night when you only have two days to visit.
• Extended Stay: Places to See in Northeast Ohio - explore the rolling hills and rocky shores that surround Cleveland and extend your trip in the heart of it all.
• Hotel Cleveland's Stunning Transformation & Best Things To Do in Cleveland - Take a tour of the newly renovated Hotel Cleveland and discover the best things to do during your getaway in the vibrant city of Cleveland!

Comic book fans will also delight in being in the home of Superman, as the city was home to the comic book legend's creators Siegel and Shuster, in addition to portraying Metropolis in the latest screen adaptation Superman (2025).

Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Photo credit: Cincy Region

Cincinnati

The Reds may open their postseason run in Los Angeles, but when the action returns to the Queen City, fans will find plenty to enjoy beyond Great American Ball Park. This city on the river offers everything from family friendly attractions to the rich history of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Check out the Cincinnati Museum Center (the inspiration for the Hall of Justice seen in this year's Superman), delight in the adventure at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, or take a stroll before the game at The Banks.

Learn more about these stops and find the best places to stay, eat, and visit between playoff games at the Cincinnati section of the Vibrant Cities Road Trip on Ohio.org.

Check out more to inspire your trip to the Birthplace of Professional Baseball:

• 48 Hours in Cincinnati - Embrace the heart and hustle of Cincinnati when you only have two days to spend.
• Extended Stay: Places To See in Southwest Ohio - See the sights throughout southwest Ohio, where culture reigns supreme.
• Family Fun in Southwest Ohio - Explore family friendly activities that will make memories the whole will remember for years to come.

Both Cleveland and Cincinnati have recently been named top Sports Cities and Baseball Cities, but there are baseball destinations across the heart of it all. Check out the Baseball in Ohio page at Ohio.org for more out of the park trip ideas.

Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.  

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
Sept. 30, 2025

For more information, contact: Mason Waldvogel [email protected]