Step Inside: PNC Park – Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates

It’s always “anchors away” at PNC Park, home of MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates. On the North Side shores of the Allegheny River, PNC Park plunders a rich gameday experience with views of Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle and the ever-present, steel reserve of Pirates fans. Be prepared for the Buccos by finding everything you need to know about PNC Park below.

PNC Park History

Opened in 2001, PNC Park was built to carry the legacy of Pittsburgh. Located along the Allegheny River in the North Shore neighborhood on Pittsburgh’s North Side, the ballpark stands only a short distance from the former site of the Pirates’ original home at Exposition Park and its most recent predecessor, Three Rivers Stadium. Additionally, its retro-classic style was modeled after Forbes Field, Pittsburgh’s home field from 1909 to 1970. Even ahead of its debut, PNC Park’s 1999 groundbreaking coincided with the renamiing ceremony for the Sixth Street Bridge to the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which honors the Pirates’ late, two-time World Series-winning outfielder. On game days, the bridge is closed to allow pedestrian traffic from the downtown Golden Triangle, with a statue of Clemente waiting on the ballpark end.

PNC Park also reflects the spirit of Steel City in its design, with a distinct, limestone and steel exterior facade and nearly nonstop views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline and Allegheny River. Fans can walk along the riverside concourse or take in more Pirates history at the Pirates Hall of Fame by left field. Meanwhile, the stadium’s exterior features the Clemente statue, as well as statues for Pirates legends Honus Wagner, Willie Stargell and Bill Mazeroski.

Over the years, PNC Park received renovations in 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2017. Projects in 2022 and 2023 added more seating and lounge space, a larger main scoreboard, an expanded Pirates-themed playground, new concessions and an exterior display honoring the Pirates’ retired numbers and Hall of Fame inductees. Ahead of the 2025 MLB season, the area next to the stadium on Mazeroski Way and West General Robinson will open as a new entertainment plaza complete with restaurants, a stage, multiple gathering areas and more.

As a baseball venue, PNC Park hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 2006. The event’s Home Run Derby led to a rare slugging fest when the Philadelphia Phillies’ Ryan Howard and the Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz both hit home runs into the Allegheny River. Outside of MLB, PNC Park has held games for the University of Pittsburgh Panthers baseball team and concerts for artists such as Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, P!NK, Billy Joel, Pearl Jam and Ed Sheeran.

Parking and Admission at PNC Park

PNC Park is located at 115 Federal Street in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To arrive by car, drivers can take I-279, I-376 or I-579 as well as Route 19 North, Route 28 South, Route 51 North or Route 65 South. Parking at PNC Park is reservable for garage and surface lots via the team’s website. Guests can also search for downtown parking via the ParkPGH website and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge or Andy Warhol (7th Street) Bridge to the ballpark. Generally, the price for PNC Park parking ranges from $18 to $29, though costs can vary by event, date and location. Accessible parking is available in all lots on a first-come, first-served basis.

For commuters, public transportation to PNC Park is accessible via bus, rail and rideshare. Over 50 Port Authority bus lines as well as the West Busway terminate in downtown Pittsburgh, while the free “T” light rail service stops at Wood Street and Gateway Center just across the Andy Warhol Bridge from the stadium. PNC Park’s two rideshare pickup and drop-off spots are located on Isabelle Street and Reedsdale Street by the Gold 1 garage. For routes and schedules, check out the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website.

Gates to PNC Park open 90 minutes before first-pitch with the exception of weekday games starting at 6:40 p.m., when gates open one hour ahead.

Before arrival, review the PNC Park bag policy, which allows one soft-sided bag per guest measuring 16” x 16” x 8” or smaller. For entry, PNC Park rules prohibit items such as weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, Bluetooth speakers, drones and any hazardous materials. Outside food is permitted along with water bottles that are clear, sealed, plastic and disposable. Notably, PNC Park is a cashless and smoke-free venue. Avoid any delays at the gate by reviewing the complete PNC Park policy on the venue’s website.

PNC Park Capacity & Seating Options

The PNC Park seating capacity can reach a maximum of 38,747 fans. As one of the few MLB venues built with a two-deck design, PNC Park keeps fans closer to the field while making space for downtown skyline views at nearly every seat. ADA seating is available on all levels; for additional assistance, contact the Pirates Ticket Office at (412) 323-5000 ahead of the game or visit the Main Guest Relations Office in the Home Plate Rotunda day-of. Standing room tickets can be purchased exclusively with a Pirates Ballpark Pass. Before securing your tickets, check out the PNC Park seating chart to discover your preferred section.

Feel like a VIP at PNC Park with premium seating at the club, suite and lounge levels. PNC Park’s club seats can be found in Pittsburgh Baseball Club, RE/MAX Select Realty Home Plate Club and Real Azul VIP Lounge, while the 69 luxury suites are split between the Pirates Dugout, Home Plate, 1st Base, Outfield, Skyline, World Series and Super Suites. PNC Park premium seating can be reserved directly via the team’s portal or by contacting the Pirates sales team at premiumsales@pirates.com or (412) 325-4444.

Food & Beverage Options at PNC Park

Concessions at PNC Park offer all the ballpark classics mixed with a bit of the ‘Burgh. To sample some must-try local spots, stop by the stands for Primanti Brothers, Smallman Street Deli, LowKey Taco or Caliente Pizza & Draft House. Pittsburgh’s specialty, the pierogi, stars on several menus from the barbecue-topped set at Manny’s BBQ, named for two-time Pirates champion Manny Sanguillén, to the chocolate-covered dessert, sweet pierogi at Cannonball Burger. For fans over 21, top off the night with local brews from Fat Head’s Brewery, Cinderlands Beer Co., Threadbare Cider and North Country Brewing Company.