PNC Park

Capacity: 38,747

Home Teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)

PNC Park Events

PNC Park, which opened in 2001, is the fifth stadium that the Pittsburgh Pirates have played in since they began league play in 1887, meaning that the team now has had the same number of home stadiums as it has World Series victories. Being a Pirates through the first 100 years of their existence must have been a roller-coaster ride, with the team vacillating from league doormats to champions and back again. Incredibly, all five of the Pirates’ World Series wins* went to Game Seven, including the famous 1960 final in which they beat the New York Yankees when Bill Mazeroski went yard in the 9th inning to win the game 10-9, the only time the World Series has ended in Game Seven with a walk-off home run. Sadly for Pirates fans since their last triumph in 1979, the past four decades have been marked by far more lows than highs, with the team only making the playoffs six times since (and winning just a single Wild Card series, in 2013). Nonetheless, the Pirates are a much-beloved institution in their sports-mad city and so PNC Park has seen strong attendances since opening its doors despite the team’s often lackluster on-field results. As a baseball facility, PNC Park has been praised by fans and baseball writers as one of the best ballparks in the United States due to its great location, attractive layout, great views of Pittsburgh and the river, and excellent sightlines from seats all around the park. Fans nostalgic for the golden past of the Pirates will find tributes to greats such as Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente scattered around the park (the fence in one section is also 21 feet as a tribute to Clemente’s uniform number). Several players have hit home runs straight into the river that flows behind PNC Park, the Allegheny River, which is quite the feat of strength. As well as all regular season and playoff Pirates home games, PNC Park has also hosted college baseball games and large concerts (concerts are still held there from time to time). Hungry visitors to PNC Park can sample tasty local cuisine in the main concourse’s Taste of Pittsburgh section, which includes everything from Primanti Brothers sandwiches to Mrs. T’s pierogies to Manny’s BBQ out past center field. Craft beer can be found in abundance. Those looking for team or event merchandise, much of it featuring the iconic logo and colors** of the Pirates, can head to any of the many shops and kiosks around the venue.

*As well as winning the World Series five times, the Pirates have also ended up on the short end of the title twice. Their first loss was in 1903, the first-ever World Series, in which the Boston Americans defeated the Pirates 5-3 in a best-of-nine series.

**The colors of the Pirates (black, white, yellow) are the same as those of the city’s other sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL and Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL. 

PNC Park Seating Chart

Despite being one of the smallest stadiums by capacity in MLB, PNC Park is still a relatively large venue that offers many different seating options to its visitors. Those looking to spend their day at the ballpark in luxury can opt for premium seating such as luxury boxes and club seating. All premium seating areas provide five-star service and amenities as well as superb views of the action on the field. For those in the market for something more affordable, PNC Park is well known for keeping ticket prices low despite the popularity of the Pirates. General admission seating varies from mid-range seats closer to the infield to cheaper seats in the upper tiers or out towards the outfield fences. The ballpark has received praise for how close it puts fans to the action and how clear the sightlines are from anywhere in the park. Aside from bleacher seats in the outfield, every seat in the place also has a view of the Pittsburgh skyline and the river. For the best deals on tickets, head to TicketX to find the tickets you want to events and games at PNC Park. Our helpful seating chart is the best way to compare seating options and locate the cheapest tickets. 

Getting to PNC Park (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access PNC Park via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. 

Getting to PNC Park via public transportation

Using public transportation to get to a Pirates game at PNC Park is encouraged by the team as a way to decrease traffic and our impact on the environment. Visitors can opt for either the “T” light rail service or various bus routes that run close to the stadium. MLB’s official Pirates website has extensive details on your public transportation options for getting to PNC Park. You could also call a taxi or ride-share to travel to and from the stadium. 

Getting to PNC Park by car

Traveling to PNC Park in your own vehicle is perfectly doable but requires a bit of planning in terms of your route, especially considering some of the construction going on right now around the venue. Head to MLB’s official Pirates website for detailed driving directions as well as construction warnings that explain your best approach depending on your route to the stadium. Drivers should be aware that traffic jams near the stadium often occur before or after big games or events. Be sure to budget plenty of time to avoid disappointment.

Does PNC Park have on-site parking?

Parking right at PNC Park can be a frustrating experience as there is somewhat limited space in the adjacent lots. The Pirates therefore encourage drivers to park across the river in the cheap parking garages and then walk over the bridge to the game, if possible, or take the free “T” train service to the venue. MLB’s official Pirates website has extensive parking details along with links to pages where you can book prepaid parking in advance using SpotHero (highly recommended). You can also buy a parking pass via the MLB Ballpark app. 

How much does PNC Park parking cost?

Parking at the Pittsburgh Parking Authority Garages across the river from PNC Park is generally very cheap, costing just $5-8 (though rates are subject to change), and the free “T” train service can get you from there to the stadium (or you can enjoy the pleasant walk over the bridge). MLB’s official Pirates website clearly outlines your PNC Park parking options. Booking in advance using SpotHero can give you peace of mind and save you money.