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PNC Park
MLB Ballpark

PNC Park

Pittsburgh Pirates · Pittsburgh

Home Team:Pittsburgh Pirates
Opened:2001
Capacity:38,700
City:Pittsburgh

PNC Park is the riverfront home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a compact two-deck ballpark on the city's North Shore beside the Allegheny River. It is widely praised as one of the most scenic ballparks in North America, framed by the downtown skyline and the yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Address: 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

History

Planning for a Pirates ballpark began in the early 1990s, gaining momentum after Kevin McClatchy's group bought the team in 1996. A task force selected the North Shore site partly because it could weave the city skyline into the design. Ground was broken in 1999, and architects Populous delivered a retro-classic park inspired by Forbes Field, Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. Constructed in roughly 24 months at a cost near $216 million, it opened in 2001 as a deliberately intimate venue, kept to two decks so no seat sits far from the action. The park honors Pirates greats with statues of Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski, and the right-field wall stands 21 feet tall in tribute to Clemente's number.

The Ballpark Experience

PNC Park's signature is its setting: from much of the seating bowl, fans look past the field to the Allegheny River, the Roberto Clemente Bridge and the downtown skyline glowing at dusk. The two-tier design keeps sightlines close and clear from nearly every seat. Powerful left-handed hitters occasionally launch "splash hit" home runs into the river on the fly. The riverfront walkway behind the outfield lets fans stroll with a view of the water, and on game days the bridge becomes a pedestrian route packed with arriving fans.

Food & Drink

The "Tastes of Pittsburgh" concourse leans into local favorites, headlined by Primanti Brothers sandwiches stacked with meat, cheese, hand-cut fries and coleslaw on Italian bread. Fans also find Mrs. T's Pierogies and local pizza. Notably, the Pirates allow guests to bring outside food into the park.

Visiting Tips

For the best skyline-and-bridge view, target infield sections on the third-base side. One of the most memorable arrivals is walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from downtown, which closes to vehicles on game days. Parking on the North Shore typically runs $25-$75; lots across the river are usually cheaper. Arrive early for golden-hour views.

Famous Moments

  • 2006 — PNC Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game.
  • 2013 — The Pirates beat the Reds 6-2 in the NL Wild Card Game, their first home playoff win since 1992, before a record crowd.
  • 2012 — Cincinnati's Homer Bailey threw the first no-hitter at PNC Park.

Where Fans Stay, Eat & Drink near PNC Park

Hotels, bars and restaurants near PNC Park — every pick web-researched and source-cited.

Where to Stay

Bars & Pubs

Restaurants

Pittsburgh Pirates Rivalries

Frequently Asked Questions: PNC Park

PNC Park opened in 2001. PNC Park is the riverfront home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a compact two-deck ballpark on the city's North Shore beside the Allegheny River. It is widely praised as one of the most scenic ballparks in North America, framed by the downtown skyline and the yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge.

Pittsburgh Pirates play their home games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

The "Tastes of Pittsburgh" concourse leans into local favorites, headlined by Primanti Brothers sandwiches stacked with meat, cheese, hand-cut fries and coleslaw on Italian bread. Fans also find Mrs. T's Pierogies and local pizza. Notably, the Pirates allow guests to bring outside food into the park.

For the best skyline-and-bridge view, target infield sections on the third-base side. One of the most memorable arrivals is walking across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from downtown, which closes to vehicles on game days. Parking on the North Shore typically runs $25-$75; lots across the river are usually cheaper. Arrive early for golden-hour views.

Sources

Planning a trip? See the full Pittsburgh travel guide for where to stay, eat and drink around PNC Park.

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