Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2001, PNC Park is a baseball fan's dream stadium. Downtown adjacent location, small capacity intimacy, gorgeous views of the Pittsburgh skyline, great food, and tons of neighborhood amenities nearby make this destination worth the visit whether the Buccos -- as the locals call them -- are playing in the World Series or stuck in last place.
PNC Park parking
Lots and garages abound in the area surrounding PNC, since the Steeler's Heinz Field is just a few blocks away. The stadium lots can be a bit pricey, so try to park in one of the many garages downtown. During games, many only charge between $5-$10. Parking Panda is a great online resource to find the best garages. From downtown, it is a very short walk across the Sixth Street Bridge, also called the Roberto Clemente Bridge after the Hall of Fame Pirate.
Hotels near PNC Park
There are scores of hotels around PNC Park, so you won't be without choices. Residence Inn Pittsburgh North Shore and SpringHill Suites Pittsburgh North Shore are literary right across the street. If you want to splurge and stay in one of Pittsburgh's more beautiful buildings, try Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel. If you get a river-view room on a high floor, you might even catch some long-distance views of the playing field at PNC.
Seating at the PNC Park
The best value is also the best seat at PNC. Sections 321-325 of the upper deck are the least expensive and offer the best views of the Pittsburgh skyline. And since PNC is a small, well designed park, you still feel like you are on top of all the action. If you have restless kids, grab some seats in the right field bleachers, close to the Kids Zone.
Food at PNC Park
PNC Park food is Pittsburgh food. In other words, no frills, immensely satisfying, but not very healthy. Indulge you ballpark cravings at BRGR for burgers, Quaker Steak & Lube for wings, and Primanti Bros. for an iconic Pittsburgh sandwich filled with french fries and vinegar slaw.
Beer at PNC Park
PNC has some of the cheapest beer in Major League Baseball, around $7-$11 for a 20 ounce beer. All the best of the burgeoning local craft beer scene, like Church Brew Works and Penn Brewery, can be found at Beers of the Burgh stand. Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club, another local brewery, offers cheap pints (under $4) after the final out of the game.
Parking Alternatives at PNC Park
The North Side T stop of the subway is a block from the the park. Take this downtown for free, or continue on to the South Hills destinations for a small fee. If coming from north of the city, many bus routes stop in the North Shore, near the park.
What to bring to PNC Park
The Steel City in the summer can be sunny, stormy, or filled with overcast depending on the day, so check the forecast. But the weather is generally pleasant with not many extremes. Bringing you mitt is a great idea, since the stadium is small and there is a decent chance of fulfilling that life-long dream of catching a foul-ball, or maybe even a home-run!
Insider tip for PNC Park
City officials have worked tirelessly to make the North Shore neighborhood surrounding the park a great place to be. Don't just drive in, watch a game, and leave. Come early or stay late, enjoy the Allegheny Landing Park just outside the stadium, have a beer at one of the nearby bars, or spend time in one of the four museums within walking distance of the park.
Author's bio: Ryan Deto, originally from California, has been exploring the streets of Pittsburgh for more than four years. He has been published in "LA Weekly" and has traveled to more than a dozen countries and more than 40 states throughout America.