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PNC Park
Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, which opened in 2001, was designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum and is home to Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates. Construction began in April 1999 under the design and construction management team combined of Dick Corporation and Barton Malow. The Architect of Record was L.D. Astorino & Associates. The classic styling combined with modernization greeted fans as a $216 million facility. PNC Park features rhythmic archways, steel truss work and a 3.1 acre natural grass field surface with a seating capacity of over 38,000 spectators per game.
PNC Park is located along the shores of the Allegheny River and provides onlookers with scenic views of the quiet waters and the downtown skyline. It is the first ballpark, to be constructed in the United States, with a two-deck design since the unveiling of Milwaukee's County Stadium in 1953. The highest seat in the ballpark is located just 88 feet above the playing field, which further proves it's fan friendly design that allows fans to remain close to the action.
An exclusive concourse level featuring 69 luxury suites are among the amenities found at PNC Park, along with club seating at both the field and mezzanine levels with their own lounges, an outfield barbeque and an outdoor river terrace and river walk. For those with a big appetite, Outback in the Outfield is a well-known steakhouse restaurant situated above the playing field and the city. For shoppers, there are plenty of retail areas nearby, including Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, a sports art gallery, Vincent's Pizza, Atria's Restaurant, a coffee shop, bank and local team offices.
PNC Park is immediately recognizable as a ballpark with masonry archways along the entry façade and charming decorative touches that all baseball fans will take note of instantly. Since the Pirates inception in 1887, PNC Park was proud to become their fifth home. Originally located at Recreation Park, the club then moved to Exposition Park then to Forbes Field and lastly Three Rivers Stadium. The Pirates now make their home at PNC Park, located in Pennsylvania. Many speculate that the strongest inspiration for PNC Park's design is due to the long standing relationship between Pittsburgh and the Pirates. It's rare that the same city can continue a 115-year relationship with the same Major League ballclub, but Pittsburgh has done it.
With a city so rich in history, including their ballclub, fans enjoy returning to the tradition and the lure that is the great American game of baseball.
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