By John Byczkowski
Cincinnati Enquirer

If your Opening Day plan was to get to the ballpark a half-hour before the first pitch, grab a hot dog and head to your seat, forget it. Long lines were everywhere for the two exhibition games at Great American Ball Park this weekend.

The best advice: Plan to be at the gate to the ballpark at least an hour before game time, which is 4:10 p.m. And keep in mind security will be tight, because former President George Bush is throwing out the first pitch.

• The long lines begin in traffic, particularly the Third Street exit off I-71, then continue at the riverfront parking lots. Consider parking in Covington and walking across the Suspension Bridge, or parking in Newport and walking across the Taylor-Southgate Bridge. Better yet, use Metro's Park-and-Ride shuttles.

• Picking up tickets at will call? Get there early. Lines this weekend were still 30 people deep well into the first inning.

• Long lines continued at the gates to the ballpark. Fans had trouble with the electronic ticket scanners, slowing entry to the ballpark. Avoid the main entrance at Second and Main Streets. There are two other gates on Second Street toward Broadway, and there are gates on the plaza level from US Bank Arena.

• Lines at the concession stands before game time were long, so pack a snack and a drink. Keep in mind carry-in restrictions. Bags, backpacks and coolers must be soft-sided, and can be no larger than 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches. Bottled water and other non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, but only in clear bottles, and the cap seals must be unbroken.

• The concession lines blocked concourses and slowed the crowd during the game, especially on the first-base side, so give yourself a little extra time to get to your seat.