PNC Park had long been on our ballpark bucket list, and we were thrilled to finally check it off alongside our friends Sindhuja and Myles – who, fittingly, also met at a Cardinals game, fell in love, and tied the knot.😍 From the moment we arrived, PNC more than lived up to the hype. Set along the North Shore of Pittsburgh with a backdrop of the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Allegheny River, and downtown skyline, it easily claims the title of the most scenic ballpark we’ve visited. But it’s not just about the view – PNC blends modern amenities with classic charm like no other park. The nods to Forbes Field, the cozy two-deck layout, and city-wide black and yellow color scheme give it a timeless feel, while thoughtful additions like the Riverwalk concourse, interactive lounges, and family-friendly STEM Zone make the experience both comfortable and fun. Concessions impressed, with options like Manny’s BBQ, Crabfries, craft brews, and even a Cuban Pretzel Dog that still haunts our dreams (in the best way). Even with a lackluster on-field performance, the crowd culture, creative theme nights, and views from every angle made this visit unforgettable.

We assessed the ballpark Design, Location, Concessions, Amenities, and Culture and finished with a Summary and Scoring.

Design

PNC Park boasts one of the most spectacular ballpark views in baseball, with the Roberto Clemente Bridge, Allegheny River, and downtown Pittsburgh skyline visible from nearly every seat. The skyline features several iconic landmarks, including the glass castle–like Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) Place, the towering UPMC building, the sloped roofline of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and the elegant Renaissance Hotel. It’s hands down the best city skyline we’ve seen from any ballpar – absolutely stunning in any light or weather.

PNC Park’s classic design pays homage to the historic Forbes Field, and the nods to its predecessor are unmistakable – from the two-tiered seating and signature blue seats to the toothbrush-style light towers, natural grass, and nostalgic left field bleachers. The seamless blend of modern amenities with vintage charm made for an unforgettable experience. We even visited the original Forbes Field outfield wall and saw a replica at the Carnegie Science Center, adding a fun dose of baseball history to our trip.

The stadium’s exterior is clad in beige limestone, echoing the architecture of surrounding buildings while providing a striking contrast to the Pirates’ blue, black, and yellow color scheme. The team adopted these signature colors in 1948, shifting from red, white, and blue to align with the city-wide palette shared by the Steelers and Penguins. It’s a uniquely Pittsburgh tradition, and it’s especially cool to see the continuity of yellow bridges and stadiums throughout the city. From PNC Park, you can spot all three of the Three Sisters suspension bridges – the Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson bridges – and even see the painted faces of their namesakes on a parking garage just beyond right field.

When it opened, PNC Park was the second-smallest ballpark in Major League Baseball – and while it’s now the sixth smallest by seating capacity, it still offers an incredibly intimate game-day experience. The upper decks feel unusually close to the field, thanks to their less steep incline compared to typical ballpark designs, making every seat feel connected to the action.

Massive statues of Pirates Hall of Famers – Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, and Bill Mazeroski – are placed at key points around the exterior of PNC Park, each in a dynamic, photo-worthy pose. These larger-than-life tributes are not only impressive in scale but also thoughtfully positioned to invite fan interaction. The Roberto Clemente statue, featuring his signature knobless bat, stands proudly in front of the Roberto Clemente Bridge, creating a powerful and fitting tribute to a Pittsburgh legend.

The Riverwalk along right and center field features the Pirates’ NL Pennants along with the bronzed hands of Ralph Kiner and a weird bronze head of former Pirates president Carl Barger.

The Pirates’ five World Series wins are displayed below the press box. The views from the press box are the absolute best (check out the 360 view).

Current players’ banners grace the exterior of the stadium.

The Wall of Firsts shown on the tour highlights many Pirates firsts including:

• 1960 – First and only World Series with a Game 7 walk-off homer
• 1971 – First nighttime World Series game
• 1971 – First all-minority lineup
• Last guys to hit home run and strike out in Three Rivers Stadium

Pittsburgh boasts the most batting titles in MLB with Honus Wagner having the most.

The Pirates’ batting cages have turf from Three Rivers Stadium, which you can step on during the tour. They have pitching machines that can mimic any pitch but the knuckleball.

Interestingly, the dirt is made from crushed lava rock from Utah. Unlike other parks, the home team sits in the third base dugout to get the optimal view of the city. I liked how the visiting team logo is placed on top of their dugout.

The PIRATES letters are neatly cut out of the shrubbery in the batter’s eye in front of the Roberto Clemente bridge, but is slightly off-center making it a little distracting. The green wall is a pretty large obstruction and would look better with ivy over it like the next door building.

The stadium’s smaller capacity and two-deck design create a more cozy, intimate atmosphere, but can also make navigation a bit trickier. The concourses are slightly narrower, and reaching your seats often requires climbing more steps. Fortunately, there are two scenic rotunda ramps, along with escalators, stairs, and elevators to help fans access the upper levels. During our visit, many upper-level concession stands were closed, which led to long lines at the few that were open. One standout feature is the Riverwalk concourse along center and right field, which offers stunning city views and easy access to the bleachers. For seats along first base, third base, and home plate, you’ll need to head up one level to reach the main concourse.

The main scoreboard is on the smaller side by MLB standards but offers clear visuals and easy-to-read scores, color-coded by team for quick reference. However, the ads flanking it are a bit oversized and somewhat distracting. A nice touch is the large out-of-town scoreboard in right field, perfect for keeping up with other games around the league. The outfield wall design adds visual interest, with varying heights throughout and a 21-foot wall in right field – a tribute to Roberto Clemente. One downside: the retired numbers of other Pirates greats are present but not prominently displayed, making them easy to miss.

Location

PNC Park is nestled on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, offering spectacular views of the Roberto Clemente Bridge and the downtown skyline. On game days, the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic, allowing fans to walk across, soak in the scenery, and enjoy easy access to Downtown and the Cultural District. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Point State Park – the only urban state park in Pennsylvania – perfect for a scenic pre- or post-game walk. Nearby attractions within walking distance include the Children’s Museum, Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field (home of the Steelers), and the Carnegie Science Center. For a panoramic view of the city, take a ride on the historic Duquesne Incline to the top of Mt. Washington. If you’re up for a short drive, don’t miss the bustling Strip District markets or the vibrant South Side nightlife.

We were lucky enough to walk to PNC Park from our Heinz Lofts accommodations via the scenic Three Rivers Heritage Trail, which offered beautiful views and a peaceful stroll along the river. While there appeared to be ample parking nearby, we’d recommend pre-paying to secure a convenient spot. The surrounding area felt very safe and remarkably clean, especially along the riverwalks, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Concessions

One of the most popular food spots at PNC Park is Manny’s BBQ, named after – and often run by – Pirates legend Manny Sanguillén himself. We tried the pulled pork pierogi hoagie and the pulled pork loaded nachos, and both were absolutely fantastic. The pork was moist, flavorful, and piled high. For an extra kick, I grabbed jalapeños and onions from a nearby nacho stand to top things off – highly recommend that move!

Scott opted for a pepperoni pizza slice, pepperoni roll, and garlic knots from Slice on Broadway, a local restaurant. We noticed that pepperoni rolls were a local delicacy and he couldn’t resist.

There is a Primanti Bros, one of the quintessential restaurants in Pittsburgh. We had this for lunch from the original location so opted out of having this hefty sandwich again.

Pop’s Plaza, named in honor of Willie “Pops” Stargell, is a lively concession hub offering a variety of tasty options. We grabbed the famous Chickie’s & Pete’s Crabfries, but I was also tempted by other standout eats like Papa Duke’s gyros, jerk chicken nachos, cinnamon chipotle tots, and the over-the-top Riverwalk Grill Cuban Pretzel Dog – a footlong beef dog loaded with ham, house-smoked pork, pickles, and mustard. Next time, those are definitely on my list!

There are plenty of ice cream stands throughout the park, and the popular Shipwreck Sundae near Section 107 is rumored to be a must-try.

For those looking to sip while they watch the game, the Jim Beam Left Field Lounge offers a full-service bar with cocktails and wine, while the Crowe’s Nest Lounge serves up Arnold Palmer Spiked Lemonade – perfect for a refreshing twist. Over in Section 317, the Terrace Bar features a solid selection of craft brews like I.C. Light and Yuengling, along with wine options. (Check out the Amenities section for photos!)

Upper-level tickets ran about $30 for a Saturday game, which felt like a solid deal given the views and atmosphere. Food and drink prices were surprisingly reasonable – a bit lower than what we’ve seen at most MLB parks, making it easier to indulge without breaking the bank.

Amenities

The Pittsburgh Baseball Club (PBC) requires special tickets for entry and is made up of three areas (Club 3000, Gunner’s Lounge, and Keystone Corner). PBC features an extended concession menu, lounge areas, and pool tables. We opted out of this as the additional amenities didn’t look worth the extra cost.

For those looking to upgrade their experience, premium suites like the Hyundai Club and Rivendale Suite Level offer enhanced amenities and extended concession options. The standout is the set of World Series Suites – one for each of the Pirates’ seven championship appearances – which are the only all-inclusive seating options that include a buffet and drinks with your ticket.

There are also several free lounge and hangout areas throughout the park. The Jim Beam Left Field Lounge & Porch, Skull Bar, and Crowe’s Nest Lounge offer lounge-style seating, dining tables, full bars, and sweeping views of the city, making them great spots to relax, grab a drink, or just soak in the game day vibes.

The Chevron STEM Zone, located near the Right Field Gate, is an awesome family-friendly area that blends education and entertainment. Highlights include a miniature replica of PNC Park, a multi-purpose play structure, and a variety of interactive STEM exhibits. Kids can try out a VR home run derby, test their skills in the pitching metrics cage, or step into the broadcast booth to call classic Pirates moments – a fun and unique way to engage young fans beyond the game.

While the overall stadium experience was impressive, a few things fell short. The bathrooms were small and noticeably unclean, which felt out of place given how well-maintained the rest of the park is. The upper-level seats were also quite narrow and lacked cup holders, which made things a bit cramped.

On the plus side, there’s a large two-story team store packed with merch, along with several smaller shops scattered throughout the park. A small authentics booth is also available in the concourse for game-used memorabilia. While PNC Park doesn’t have an on-site Pirates museum or hall of fame, you can visit the excellent Roberto Clemente Museum for a deeper dive into the team’s legendary history.

Culture

One of the most entertaining in-game traditions is the Great Pierogy Race, held during the 5th inning. It’s a hilarious and crowd-favorite event where oversized pierogies dash across the field, each with its own quirky name and hat color: Potato Pete (blue), Jalapeño Hannah (green), Cheese Chester (yellow), Sauerkraut Saul (red), Oliver Onion (purple), Bacon Burt (orange), and Pizza Penny (checkered red and white). At our game, Jalapeño Hannah took the win – spicy and speedy!

Game day entertainment at PNC Park had its highs and lows. Superhero Night added a fun twist, with hero-themed music, graphics, and even player Q&As like “Which teammate would play a villain?” As part of the giveaway, we scored a cool yellow Pirates-themed Spider-Man bobblehead. Between innings, the music choices were unique, but the sound system was a bit quiet, and organ/music cues were used sparingly. There weren’t many flashy lights or crowd-pumping moments, making the atmosphere feel a bit subdued.

A cancer awareness charity handed out cowbells to kids, which, while well-intentioned, turned out to be pretty distracting throughout the game.

Despite the Pirates’ struggles on the field – no World Series wins since 1979, no Central Division titles, and likely another last-place finish this season – the stadium was surprisingly full. The crowd wasn’t overly energetic (likely due to a blowout loss), but we noticed some passionate and opinionated fans around us in the upper levels, who were vocal about both teams. There was also a strong Cardinals fan presence, especially near the first base line by the visiting dugout.

There wasn’t a strong integration of franchise history during the game itself – perhaps due to a lack of recent highlights – but it’s well represented through the stadium’s design and statues.

The Pirate Parrot mascot made a few fun appearances between innings, launching T-shirts with a cannon alongside the Bucco Brigade, the interactive crew managing fan games and giveaways.

Although there wasn’t much for the Pirates to celebrate during this game, they had won the night before, so the Jolly Roger flag was proudly flying high over the stadium – one of Pittsburgh’s cherished baseball traditions.

Summary & Scoring

Date Visited: Saturday, September 7, 2019 Tour & Game
Game Played: Cardinals 10, Pirates 1 – The Cards totally dominated! Waino had an amazing night with two hits & a run scored and only 1 run given up over 7 innings. Ozuna (not Osuna, who was in RF for the Pirates) hit a 3-run homer. Many others contributed RBIs including Bader, Wong, Fowler, DeJong, and Edman. Box Score
Design: (4.9 / 5) – A masterclass in throwback architecture, seamlessly blending classic ballpark charm with modern features – and hands down the best view in all of MLB.
Location: (5 / 5) – Perfectly perched on the North Shore, offering stunning riverfront views and easy walkability to and from downtown, museums, and major attractions.
Concessions: (4.3 / 5) – A strong lineup of creative and local eats (shoutout to Manny’s BBQ and pierogies), though slow service and limited upper-level options leave room for improvement.
Amenities: (3.8 / 5) – Highlights like the STEM Zone and Riverwalk concourse add depth, but lounges and suites feel more like hotel conference spaces than elevated fan experiences.
Culture: (3.3 / 5) – Despite themed nights and a loyal fan base, the quiet crowd, sparse music, and low in-game energy reflect the team’s on-field struggles more than the city’s spirit.
Overall: (4.2 / 5) – A modern classic nestled in one of the most picturesque settings in baseball, offering a memorable experience even when the home team doesn’t deliver.

Batting Practice

We got to see the Cards take batting practice and Tyler Webb threw me a ball! We finally got to see the Cards play and dominate in their new pretty blue uniforms!