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Add a trip to Highmark Stadium to your 2023 Bucket List
We all know the Steelers', Pirates' and Penguins' pedigrees in Pittsburgh. But what if I told you one of the best nights out in the city happens in a stadium on the south side of the city, complete with scenic views, exciting games and a friendly, high-energy atmosphere?
Enter the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the city's professional soccer team. Before you exit the blog and try to tell me soccer is boring, hear me out. The Hounds (as they're affectionately known) play playoff caliber soccer on the pitch, but the entire game experience from tailgating to after-the-game activities are geared to keep adults and kids happy.
Follow along with my Insider's Guide to the Hounds for my tips on what's new for the 2023 season, the best places to sit, the food to grab and some info you'll only be able to find in this blog. I've been following the Riverhounds for years, and can confidently say that your ticket to the game is one of the best values in sports anywhere in the country.
What's New for 2023
Something that keeps me coming back to the Hounds every year is that there's always something new and exciting happening for games so that no two evenings are alike. Here's just a few of the NEW promotions happening in 2023:
Laser Shows after the game - March 24 and July 1. This interactive show will let fans help pick the songs and colors for a spectacular presentation following select games.
Pittsburgh Celebrity Appearances - April 15, May 20, July 8, Aug. 12. Keep an eye on social for more details as these are announced.
Halftime Shows are coming to Highmark Stadium! See XPogo June 3 and the Zooperstars July 29.
The return of even more pre-match $1 beer nights - June 3, July 1 and July 29.
Courtesy: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Photo Credit: Chris Cowger
Affordable Family Fun
Between the concessions, tickets and merch, going to a sporting event lately can quickly become expensive. Thankfully, there's no $18 cotton candy at Highmark Stadium. The Riverhounds make every effort to keep the cost of tickets and concessions low, making this sport accessible for fans to see live. Single game tickets start at $20 and parking is cheap and plentiful at lots and garages on that side of the city.
Let's talk atmosphere. Hounds games are programmed with kids in mind, and the fan experience is equally accommodating. You'll be sitting next to other families, local soccer teams and fellow fans, so kids are always welcome here! While there's a lot of cheering, the vibe is positive and even the other team's fans are here to have a good time.
There's plenty for kids to do at the stadium, too, even if they aren't as into the game. Circle the three Family Fiesta nights now - these block party style celebrations bring face painters, balloon animals, super heroes, princesses and other excitement to the game. After the final whistle, stick around for the post-game autograph sessions when kids can meet their favorite players or just run around on the field.
Courtesy: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Photo Credit: Chris Cowger
What to Eat and Drink
If you've read my other sports blogs, you know my top concern for any sporting event is what I'm going to eat. Luckily, the Riverhounds understand what their fans want and provide a ton of tasty options that won't break the bank.
New for 2023 is a rotating nacho station, offering up a new type of loaded nacho each month. I'll report back on this after I do some important research on its level of deliciousness at the home opener. Before the game, you'll also find rotating food trucks in their Tailgate Zone offering fresh flavors of the Burgh.
Courtesy: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Photo Credit: Chris Cowger
I love exclusive beer, and the Riverhounds Amber Lager (brewed by Straub) is my go-to drink during games. Don't take my word for it, this beer is so good you can grab it in six-packs and on draft at locations throughout the city.
Not a beer drinker? The Riverhounds are also doing an exclusive collab with Pittsburgh-based Quantum Spirits for their twist on a rum cola served as ready-to-drink-cocktail, available at the stadium.
I know people like to say this old cliché, but there's truly not a bad seat in the house at Highmark Stadium. The best viewing experience is sitting as close to the middle of the field and as high up as possible, giving you the best view of not only the game but also the city as trains buzz past and let out a friendly puff of steam midgame.
If your love of the beautiful game can't be contained, you'll find your outlet in the Supporters Section. This high-energy end of the stadium is where the Steel Army resides, drumming, leading chants throughout the game and setting off smoke during the frenzy of a goal celebration. My kids now demand that we sit there for every game and yell and laugh along.
Want to bring a group? I've had a blast with bachelor parties and work events in their club suites and the party deck, but the top option here is the I.C. Light Corner Kick Suite. This shipping container-turned-luxury suite gives up to 40 guests seats right on the field just feet from the action, and the viewing deck on top of the Box is the most unique view in pro sports.
Tickets
The Hounds make it easy to get tickets online, at the box office or at 412-865-GOAL for single games, season tickets and other options. My only recommendation here is that if you plan on going to several games this year, grab their flexbook. You get 11 tickets for the price of 10 and can use them however you want per game, whether you end up going solo or bringing the whole fam.
Courtesy: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Photo Credit: Chris Cowger
Join the Steel Army
"We all cheer for the yellow soccer team / The yellow soccer team / The yellow soccer team" - Steel Army chant
Ready to become a true superfan of the Hounds? Consider joining the Steel Army, the independent supporters group for the team! This group not only brings the energy to the home games and tail gates, but helps organize trips and watch parties for the rest of the schedule. What I love about the Steel Army is how welcoming they are for new members. Feel free to walk right into their tailgate and say hello, and within five minutes you'll have a burger in hand and have met five new friends.
Courtesy: Pittsburgh Riverhounds Photo Credit: Chris Cowger
Things to Do Nearby
The fun doesn't stop when the game is over. It's easy to make a trip to see the Riverhounds and Highmark Stadium into an all-day trip. The stadium is located right at the edge of Station Square, a 1.2 mile stretch of great dining and inventive ways to explore the city.
Take an ebike tour of the city with Adam Solar Rides or see the Square via horse drawn carriage at Mike's Carriage Service. Station Square is also home to the Mon Incline and the Gateway Clipper, two of the most iconic ways to take in the city via funicular and riverboat.
Got some insider info to share? Want to meet me for a pint at the game? Shoot me an email or come say hello in the Supporters Section as Pittsburgh becomes #Houndtahn every home game.
