The Key for the week of December 1
So you say there’s a chance…
Thanks to a Steelers loss and a Bengals Thanksgiving Day win over Baltimore, Cincinnati once again is on the “in the hunt” graphic on the NFL post-game shows. (Ben was with a group Sunday night that actually squealed with glee when said graphic came up on the screen). Now, how big is that chance? Depending on who you read, it could be anywhere from 2% to 1%, But hey, at least we’re not the Chiefs—or the Giants.
No Reds Caravan, but Yes to Redsfest
Redsfest returns to the Convention Center in January, scheduled to be the first major event at the newly-remodeled facility. The event that usually is held in early December is now in mid-January because of the construction schedule, but that late date means the Reds Caravan, usually at the end of January, won’t happen in 2026. The club's fan festival is a favorite, providing up-close access to players, coaches and alumni. It’s scheduled for Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17. Find out more and buy tickets here. Maybe we will be introduced to Kyle Schwarber? Ben can dream, can’t he?
It's not Gillen and Huggs, but it’s still a Shootout
Ah, the Crosstown Shootout, where coaches and players sometimes lose their minds, all in the name of city bragging rights. Interesting fact, UC has not won a Shootout game at Xavier’s Cintas Center since December of 2001. UC coach Wes Miller was 18 at the time, Xavier’s Richard Pitino was 19 (thanks to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Scott Springer for that fun fact. Given that players turn over faster than flapjacks at a farmers’ breakfast, some of the historical knowledge of the series is fading. But fans don’t forget, and expect a packed, screaming house Friday night at Cintas Center.
Ben’s Best Bet
Ben wants to pause and give a shoutout and Godspeed to Jesse Jackson, the long-time Channel 5 engineer who moved over to the Reds booth and the Bengals sideline and had a long career in sports. We lost Jesse just before Thanksgiving and will say goodbye to him next week. Jesse was our engineer on many a basketball broadcast and worked the games with knowledge, patience and professionalism. Good bye, Jesse, put in a good word for our teams in Heaven.