Memorable Moments at PNC Park Cincinnati Reds' Sean Casey, a native of Pittsburgh gets the first hit, a homerun. PNC Park 115 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212

 

   After spending 30 years in Three Rivers Stadium, a dull cookie cutter stadium, the Pittsburgh Pirates hope that PNC Park will bring them some new fortunes. During the mid 1990’s with the economic situation in baseball, the Pirates demanded a ballpark be built or they would move to a new city. The Pirates began drawing up plans for a new ballpark that would be similar to their previous home before Three Rivers Stadium, Forbes Field. Voters approved a bond for a $228 million ballpark to be built for the Pirates in 1997. Construction began in April of 1999. The ballpark was named PNC Park after PNC bought the naming rights to the ballpark.

PNC Park opened on April 9, 2001 against the Cincinnati Reds. PNC Park became baseball’s second to smallest ballpark with a capacity of 38,127. The ballpark has only two decks of seats that extend from the right field foul pole to homeplate and around to the left field foul pole. Luxury suites and the press box are located at the top of the upper deck, which allows for the seats to be much closer to the field. There are also seats in left and right field. An out of town scoreboard is part of the 21 foot high right field fence, because Roberto Clemente wore No. 21. A 42 ft. by 24 ft. scoreboard video board is located behind the bleachers in left field. Walking along the outside perimeter of the PNC Park fans see a brick front, steel structure, terra cotta tiled pilasters, dramatic masonry arches along the home plate entryway, and a flat green steel roof. Statues of Honus Wagner and Roberto Clemente are also outside the stadium. The bullpens are located in centerfield.

From the main grandstand at PNC Park, Pirate fans get magnificent views of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline and the Roberto Clemente bridge. The light standards are toothbrush style because of their shape and are patterned after the ones that were at Forbes Field. PNC Park has many amenities that Three Rivers Stadium did not. Some of the amenities include Outback Steakhouse, which is behind the left field seats,  with a party deck that overlooks both the playing field and the city, a Pirates Hall of Fame, and an outdoor river terrace and river walk. A life-size replica of a pirate ship, which will contain virtual reality pitching and batting cages, rope courses and other games, will give parents and their children another form of recreation besides attending Pirates games. The Roberto Clemente bridge which is next to the ballpark is closed on game days to allow fans to walk from downtown Pittsburgh across the river to the ballpark. PNC Park is sure to become one of the best ballparks in baseball.

        
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Name: PNC Park 
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Tenant: Pittsburgh Pirates
Capacity: 38,217
Surface:  Grass 
Construction Began: April 17, 1999
Opened: April 9, 2001
Cost: $228 Million
Dimensions: 332-L, 390-LC, 400-C, 377-381-RC, 325-R
Architect: 332-L, 390-LC, 400-C, 377-381-RC, 325-R
Architect: HOK
Seating Chart

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