The Ultimate Pittsburgh Sports Fan: 2-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Pittsburgh, the "City of Champions"!
This two-day itinerary is your ultimate guide to experiencing the city's rich athletic history and iconic sports venues. From stadium tours to famous food spots, you'll see why Pittsburgh is a top destination for sports fans.
Day 1: Stadiums, Exhibits & Iconic Eats
Morning: Acrisure Stadium & Steelers Hall of Honor Museum Tour 🏈
Kick off your trip with a behind-the-scenes tour of Acrisure Stadium, the home of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers and the NCAA's Pitt Panthers. The tour allows you to walk through the locker rooms, press box, and luxury suites, and even step onto the field to see the game from a player's perspective. You'll also learn about the science of turf management and stadium engineering.
The tour includes a visit to the Steelers Hall of Honor Museum, where you can explore historic memorabilia, the team's Super Bowl trophies, and interactive exhibits highlighting Pittsburgh's football legacy. You can also delve into the careers of legendary Hall of Fame players and coaches.
Insider’s Tip: Stadium tours are popular, especially on weekends or during the sports season. It’s best to book your tour tickets online in advance to secure your spot and avoid long waits.
Lunch on the North Shore 🍻
Grab a bite at a popular spot for sports fans on the North Shore. Choose between Mike’s Beer Bar, which has a large selection of craft beers and a great game-day atmosphere, or the North Shore Tavern, known for its "Steak on a Stone" experience and unique Pittsburgh sports memorabilia.
Afternoon: PNC Park Tour ⚾
Next, explore PNC Park, home to the Pittsburgh Pirates and considered one of baseball's most beautiful ballparks. The tour takes you into the dugout, press box, and luxury suites. You'll also get a closer look at the stadium's unique architecture and riverfront design while learning about sports analytics and player performance tracking.
Evening: Catch a Live Game 🤩
Nothing beats the excitement of a live game! Check the schedules for the following teams if a game is scheduled during your visit:
- Pirates (MLB) at PNC Park (spring/summer)
- Steelers (NFL) or Pitt Panthers (NCAA football) at Acrisure Stadium (fall/winter)
- Penguins (NHL) at PPG Paints Arena (fall/winter)Insider's
Insider's Tip: Both Acrisure Stadium and PPG Paints Arena are easy to get to from downtown. If you're visiting in the fall or winter, you might be able to catch a Steelers game and a Penguins game on the same weekend.
Day 2: History, Legends & The Strip District
Morning: The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum 🏆
Start your day at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, located inside the Senator John Heinz History Center. This interactive museum celebrates Pittsburgh's championship history in football, baseball, and hockey. You'll see memorabilia from legends like Roberto Clemente, Mario Lemieux, and Franco Harris. The museum also features hands-on exhibits that explore the physics of sports and how equipment has evolved over time.
Lunch & North Shore Walk 🚶♀️
Enjoy lunch at Southern Tier Brewing, a sports fan hotspot, or Burgatory, which is famous for its gourmet burgers. Afterward, take a stroll along the North Shore to see statues of Pittsburgh sports legends like Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Honus Wagner and Bill Mazeroski outside of PNC Park, while Art Roony keeps watch over his beloved Steelers in from of Acrisure Stadium.
Afternoon: PPG Paints Arena Tour 🏒
Conclude your sports tour with a visit to PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This tour gives you a look inside the locker rooms, training facilities, and press areas. You'll also gain insights into ice rink maintenance, the technology behind hockey equipment, and hear stories about the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories. Since tours aren't regularly scheduled, you'll need to book this experience in advance.
Bonus: Explore The Strip District 🛍️
Before or after your tours, make some time to explore The Strip District. This bustling neighborhood is perfect for picking up Pittsburgh-themed souvenirs and fan gear. You can also try local delicacies at famous food markets like Wholey's for seafood or La Prima Espresso. Don't forget to stop by Primanti Bros. for their iconic sandwich, which is famous for having fries and coleslaw right on the bread.
Insider's Tip: The Strip District is a great place to find unique, locally made gifts and food items. Go in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds.