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PNC Park Review by Felix Hui
As a baseball enthusiast, I love a nice trip to the ballpark to enjoy America’s Pastime. I have been to my
fair share of ballparks and none of them come close to the cozy home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. PNC Park is undoubtedly the best park in the majors to visit for either a casual fan or a die-hard. Granted, you will see a team that is perennially one of baseball’s worst, but you will not be disappointed by beautiful views of the skyline or the great baseball atmosphere. First things first, getting to the game. |
Parking at PNC Park
PNC Park is located near downtown so getting around the city of Pittsburgh to find a parking spot will
not be easy. If you want to pay for the premium parking by the ballpark, you’re not going to have any
issues. However, if you want to save a buck like me, there is another option that you can try.
Option 1: Park downtown at one of two garages ( First Avenue Garage and Mellon Square Garage #8
and #4 on the map) and take the “T”, which is a free train ride that drops you off 5 minutes from the
ballpark. Parking will cost you $5.00, as long as you come after 4:00 PM. If you’re coming for a night
game, you will be fine. For a day game, you’ll have to pay more ( $ 9 -$13 depending on the lot )as you
have to fight with the financial district employees.
For those of you who enjoy a nice summer walk, you can even skip the T and cross the Clemente Bridge
on your own to the ballpark ( about 25 minutes ).
not be easy. If you want to pay for the premium parking by the ballpark, you’re not going to have any
issues. However, if you want to save a buck like me, there is another option that you can try.
Option 1: Park downtown at one of two garages ( First Avenue Garage and Mellon Square Garage #8
and #4 on the map) and take the “T”, which is a free train ride that drops you off 5 minutes from the
ballpark. Parking will cost you $5.00, as long as you come after 4:00 PM. If you’re coming for a night
game, you will be fine. For a day game, you’ll have to pay more ( $ 9 -$13 depending on the lot )as you
have to fight with the financial district employees.
For those of you who enjoy a nice summer walk, you can even skip the T and cross the Clemente Bridge
on your own to the ballpark ( about 25 minutes ).
Arriving at PNC Park
If you have time, come early to PNC Park. As bad as the team is, they have a good history that they draw upon. Walking across the Clemente Bridge is one of the cooler things you can do, and you can take a few pictures of the bronze statues situated right outside the park.
At the ticket booth, try to get a ticket behind home plate. Since, I’m a penny-pincher, I settle for the upper deck ( about $16 per ticket, kids are about $12). From behind home plate you get a perfect view of the field and the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh. You get all the lights from the building plus the bridges. Believe it or not you also get the best view of the pierogi races from here. Once inside the ballpark, look for a bunch of freebies. They have stands set up to make the experience fun for kids and adults. I once came away with Pirates towel and draw-string backpack just for spinning a wheel and giving basic detail about myself ( Age, how many times I have been to PNC before, etc.)
At the ticket booth, try to get a ticket behind home plate. Since, I’m a penny-pincher, I settle for the upper deck ( about $16 per ticket, kids are about $12). From behind home plate you get a perfect view of the field and the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh. You get all the lights from the building plus the bridges. Believe it or not you also get the best view of the pierogi races from here. Once inside the ballpark, look for a bunch of freebies. They have stands set up to make the experience fun for kids and adults. I once came away with Pirates towel and draw-string backpack just for spinning a wheel and giving basic detail about myself ( Age, how many times I have been to PNC before, etc.)
Food at PNC Park
In simple terms, whatever you want. PNC Park is one of the few stadiums around the majors that allow
you to bring in your own food and drinks. However, they do ask that you put it in a plastic bottle or
container. If you want to splurge a bit and enjoy some of the local grub, there is also plenty for you
to try. Within the ballpark, you will find Primanti Brothers, a Pittsburgh staple, who offers unique
sandwiches with cole slaw and french fries in them. Another recommendation is Quaker Steak & Lube,
a local staple with some of the best wings you can find. Both options are on the main level and not too
difficult to find.
Well, that should be enough information to make a day of it at PNC Park. Feel free to share your
thoughts after you visit.
you to bring in your own food and drinks. However, they do ask that you put it in a plastic bottle or
container. If you want to splurge a bit and enjoy some of the local grub, there is also plenty for you
to try. Within the ballpark, you will find Primanti Brothers, a Pittsburgh staple, who offers unique
sandwiches with cole slaw and french fries in them. Another recommendation is Quaker Steak & Lube,
a local staple with some of the best wings you can find. Both options are on the main level and not too
difficult to find.
Well, that should be enough information to make a day of it at PNC Park. Feel free to share your
thoughts after you visit.