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My Top 10 Favorite Things to Do on Pirates Game Day
Check out the top 10 things to do during a Buccos Game Day!
It's baseball season in Pittsburgh! I can't wait to get back inside PNC Park, my "summer home!" You don't have to know all the rules or even the players to enjoy the game. Just sit in the ballpark and enjoy that spectacular view. With that, here's my favorite things to do on game day. Let's Go Bucs!
1) Buy Peanuts
Presto George in the Strip District has the best shelled peanuts. They're so fresh you'll be eating them as you walk. You can also buy them from the many vendors along Fort Duquesne Boulevard. My family will not go to a Pirates game without a bag of shelled peanuts!
2) Have Some Ballpark Food
Check out What to Eat at PNC Park for a rundown of all the delicious options inside the park. From burgers to hot dogs, pierogis and ice cream, you're sure to find something you love.
3) See the Redesigned Outfield Riverwalk
In case you haven’t heard, the biggest news of the offseason (besides Ke’Bryan Hayes’ new contract) is the new-look outfield Riverwalk. It features a new outfield open bar, concessions inspired by Pittsburgh food and Pirates-themed playgrounds for your kids to play on! The new open Riverwalk has plenty of open seating, including right along the outfield wall. There are six new food and drink vendors, complete with the left field open bar partnered with Fathead’s Brewery. It has quickly become the coolest spot in the park to watch a game.
4) Find Local Brews
Mike's Beer Bar is always hopping on game days and you can hang out until almost game time since the gate is right next door. There are also lots of bars and restaurants near the park to duck into as well. Try out McFadden's, Mullen's Bar & Grill and Quaker Steak & Lube.
5) Celebrate History Outside the Park
In addition to the outfield, PNC Park has also put in a lower walkway by the Clemente Bridge to showcase their history. Retired numbers will and player bios are placed around the path for all fans to enjoy.
6) Sing "Take Me out to the Ballgame"
This beloved baseball tune is sung during the "seventh inning stretch" when everybody stands up. People really get into it, swaying back and forth, arms around each other as they sing. Don’t be one of those people who uses the bathroom during the song. It doesn't matter if you can't hold a note, just sing loudly, follow the Eat'N Park Smiley Cookie and have fun!
7) Witness The Great Pierogi Race
It happens in the bottom of the 5th inning, so take your snack and bathroom breaks at another time. Root for your favorite stuffed pasta character as they run around the field toward the finish line. Who will win? It may be purse-carrying Jalapeno Hanna, although Sauerkraut Saul is no stranger to victory and Oliver Onion is slick on the track. Cheese Chester is not one to melt under pressure. So cheer them on, and enjoy this uniquely Pittsburgh tradition!
Few MLB teams do promotions as well as the Pirates. The Zambelli fireworks are a yinzer favorite, and six games this season will have them. If anyone out there is still collecting bobbleheads (admit it, you are), the Pirates have you covered. They will be having a Bobblehead giveaway this season for Bryan Reynolds, Bill Mazeroski and the Pirates Parrot! Need a new Pirates shirt? The Pirates will also have six Free Shirt Fridays this season! You can check out their complete promotional schedule here!
9) Take a Look at The Statues
For our baseball history buffs, PNC Park is surrounded by four statues of former players who are both Pirates and baseball legends. The Honus Wagner statue stands before the home plate entrance, which used to stand in front of Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium. Roberto Clemente’s statue rests in front of the center field gate, steps from the bridge named after him. Willie Stargell’s statue is located outside the left-field gate. Bill Mazeroski’s statue on the right field entrance shows him approaching home plate after his World Series winning walk-off homer in 1960.
10) Take Pics of the Views
PNC Park has made national sports news as one of, if not, the best ballpark in the U.S. That acknowledgement has come from Travel and Leisure, ESPN and many others. Take in the panoramic view of the river and bridges from one of the "Top Ballparks in the Country." And show off that fantastic outfield view to your friends online! Maybe consider #LovePGH as a caption to end up on our website…
