Category Archives: Cincinnati Reds

Make-A-Wish kids visit Newport Aquarium, meet Paula the penguin, prior to attending 2015 MLB All-Star Game

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Newport Aquarium animal ambassador Ric Urban and Paula the penguin met four Make-A-Wish All-Star kids and their families before the Wish kids attend the MLB All-Star Game.

NEWPORT, Ky. — Four children supported by the Make-A-Wish® Foundation visited Newport Aquarium on Tuesday morning (July 14) as part of their wish to attend the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Before they attend the All-Star Game later in the evening, the Make-A-Wish® kids received an exclusive penguin encounter at the Kroger Penguin Palooza exhibit, where they met Paula the African penguin.

After getting their photos taken with Paula and learning about the biology and conservation of penguins, the Wish kids went on a personal tour of Newport Aquarium led by Ric Urban, animal ambassador for the Aquarium.

Wish Kids

The Make-A-Wish kids were:

  • Carson, 15, of Almo, Kentucky, who is battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia
  • Christopher, 14, from New Jersey, who is fighting kidney disease
  • Riley, 13, from California, who is battling kidney disease
  • Nathan, 15, from Nebraska, who has Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Following the end of their tour, the Wish kids were presented with Newport Aquarium backpacks filled with aquarium memorabilia and souvenirs. Additionally, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging provided the Wish kids complimentary photos taken throughout the tour.

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MLB coordinated the Wish kids’ visit to Newport Aquarium through the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana chapter of the Make-A-Wish® Foundation.

In addition to visiting Newport Aquarium during their stay in Cincinnati, the Wish kids participated in MLB activities that included the T-Mobile All-Star FanFest; the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game and the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game (Sunday) and the Gillette Home Run Derby presented by Head & Shoulders (Monday).

Tuesday evening, the four Make-A-Wish® kids will have their wishes granted by attending the 86th MLB All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Facebook: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium
Twitter: @NewportAquarium
Instagram: @newport_aquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Newport Aquarium announces All-Star roster

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NEWPORT, Ky. — Thousands of baseball fans are expected to flock to Cincinnati this July for the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

This year’s Midsummer Classic will be played on July 14, 2015, at Great American Ball Park – which is the home of the Cincinnati Reds and located just a Babe Ruth home run away from Newport Aquarium across the Ohio River.BUYNOW2_ButtonAs excitement mounts for watching baseball’s best play on one field, for one game, to determine whether the American League or National League pennant winner receives home-field advantage in the World Series, a lot of discussion has sparked among Newport Aquarium staff over who is most deserving of making the All-Star teams.

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Welcome to the MLB All-Star Game in Cincinnati from Newport Aquarium!

This conversation inevitably led to the question, “If Newport Aquarium had an All-Star team, who would crack the starting lineup?”

After intense debate, we finally came up with a consensus. Ladies and gentlemen, your Newport Aquarium All-Stars:

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Pos. Name Species Scouting Report
1B Mighty Mike American Alligator The biggest and baddest alligator outside the state of Florida displays the raw power desired from a corner infielder.
2B Kevin Bacon King Penguin Chick This rookie is a natural diver, which is great for fielding groundballs up the middle.
SS Cal Sand Tiger Shark When you’re named after Cal Ripken Jr., it’s practically assumed that you play shortstop.
3B Paula African Penguin Aside from being a great base runner (as evidenced by the video above), this South Africa native feels right at home at the hot corner.
C Denver Loggerhead Sea Turtle His shell provides natural padding for blocking wild pitches from behind home plate.
P Pork Chop Asian-Small Clawed Otter This “southpaw” was one of the few animals at Newport Aquarium with the arm to pitch.
LF Sweet Pea Shark Ray Sweet Pea has a knack for finding the “Sweet Spot” of the bat.
CF Hercules Arapaima Fish His ability to jump out of the water to catch prey translates well to center field, where he can rob potential home run balls.
RF Greg Sandbar Shark Named after power-hitting outfielder Greg Vaughn, who played for the Reds in 1999, Newport Aquarium’s first year.

The team would be managed by Thunder, a more than 100-year-old alligator snapping turtle and Newport Aquarium’s oldest resident, who has the experience to lead this group to victory.

What are your thoughts on Newport Aquarium’s All-Star roster? Did we hit a home run or swing and miss? Give us your thoughts with a comment below!BUYNOW2_ButtonPacket Pickup for The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K, presented by Nike: Newport Aquarium will be staffing the packet-pickup operations for The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K, presented by Nike. Registered racers can pick up their packets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 9-10 near the old IMAX building adjacent to Newport Aquarium and near the valet circle next to Brio Tuscan Grille at Newport on the Levee. The Color Run MLB All-Star 5K, presented by Nike begins July 11 at 9 a.m. AllStarGame.com/Run

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Summer Family Hours: Newport Aquarium is making a splash this summer with the return of its Summer Family Hours promotion, when up to two children (ages 2-12) receive FREE admission between 4-7 p.m. with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket. This family-favorite offer is available for purchase online only, at newportaquarium.com, for visits now through Aug. 31, Sundays through Fridays.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium
Instagram: @newport_aquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Cincinnati Reds, Newport Aquarium team up for 2015

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Top Tri-State attractions to offer exclusive penguin encounter, special promotions

Cincinnati Reds fans can see Paula the penguin at Great American Ball Park on April 12.

NEWPORT, Ky. — In time for Opening Day, Newport Aquarium and the Cincinnati Reds are teaming up to provide Reds Country with exclusive promotions, along with one very special animal encounter, throughout the 2015 baseball season.

This distinctive partnership will allow baseball fans and animal lovers of all ages to experience the thrills of two of Greater Cincinnati’s jewel attractions.

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Paula the penguin will deliver the game ball at Great American Ball Park during pregame ceremonies on April 12.

Paula the Penguin Game Ball Delivery: Newport Aquarium’s Paula the penguin will deliver the game ball to the Great American Ball Park pitcher’s mound during pregame festivities prior to the Reds’ afternoon matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 12, the first Sunday home game of the 2015 season. Following first pitch at 1:10 p.m., the famous African penguin will greet fans at the Kroger Fan Zone before participating in a Reds Heads Kids Club Q&A session at the Wiffle® ball field during the third inning.

Combo Ticket Nights: For select 2015 home games, a family of four can enjoy a trip to Newport Aquarium and a Cincinnati Reds game for as low as $100*. This combo includes a voucher for one general admission ticket to Newport Aquarium per each Reds game ticket. The combo is available for Reds home games on April 27, May 11, June 21, July 1, July 20, Aug. 4, Sept. 4 and Sept. 6. The Cincinnati Reds-Newport Aquarium combo ticket can be purchased online at reds.com/newportaquarium.

Annual Passholder Appreciation Nights: Newport Aquarium Annual Passholders can purchase Cincinnati Reds tickets at exclusive pricing during Annual Passholder Appreciation Games, which are May 11, June 21, July 20 and Sept. 4. Passholders can purchase these discounted tickets at reds.com/napassholders.

Newport Aquarium/Ride the Ducks Newport at Opening Day Parade: Newport Aquarium and Ride the Ducks Newport will be entry No. 106 of 200 in the 96th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on April 6. The parade is set to begin at noon near Findlay Market on Race Street in downtown Cincinnati. Newport Aquarium and Ride the Ducks Newport employees will be highly visible in a Cincinnati Reds-decorated Duck, an amphibious vehicle modeled after the famous World War II DUKW machine. Ride the Ducks Newport is scheduled to begin 2015 tours on April 10, weather permitting. Visit newportducks.com for the complete operating schedule.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

(*Prices subject to change without notice)

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com