The Pittsburgh Pirates open their PNC Park season Friday, hosting the New York Yankees in a home opener for the first time in franchise history.
The first pitch is set for 4:12 p.m. — a nod to the city’s 412 area code — at PNC Park on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.
Gates open at 2 p.m.
Each guest is permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark provided that it is soft-sided and 16” x 16” x 8” or smaller.
All bags are subject to search.
The Pirates started the season losing three of four to the Miami Marlins and the first two games to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Pirates won 4-2 over the Rays on Wednesday.
The Yankees are 3-2.
Tickets were still available as of Wednesday. The cost is $65 for standing room only, $101 for the upper level and $302 for the lower level. All fans will receive a Pirates 2025 magnetic schedule.
Milestone year
PNC Park turns 25 this season. The day’s events inside the park begin with Pirates play-by-play broadcaster Greg Brown emceeing the pregame ceremony. A flag will be unfurled in the outfield with the help of season-ticket holders who have been with the team for at least 25 years.
After players are introduced, there will be a moment of silence for the Pirates alumni and friends of the organization who were lost over the offseason.
The colors will be presented by the Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit. Ricky Manning, commander at the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, will perform “God Bless America.” The national anthem will be performed by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Dukes, who played a key role in evacuating more than 124,000 Afghan refugees and American citizens during Operation Allies Refuge in 2021.
Four Black Hawk helicopters will perform a special flyover, which is supported by members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade.
First pitch
Former Oakmont teacher Marc Fogel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Fogel was arrested in Moscow on Aug. 14, 2021, for bringing medical marijuana into Russia before his final year at the Anglo-American School. He was convicted of drug smuggling and possession and received a 14-year sentence. His family and supporters lobbied for his wrongful detention status, which was granted last year. In February, the Trump administration helped secure his release.
Block parties
There will be two block parties before the game. The Pirates are having one on Federal Street outside PNC Park beginning at 1 p.m. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is hosting a Grand Slam on 6th block party with food and drinks, live music and games from noon to 4 p.m. on 6th Street, Downtown.
Some of the restaurants involved include Alihan’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, Olive or Twist, Redbeard’s Sports Bar and Grill, Renaissance Hotel, Sally Ann’s and Sultan Döner Kebab.
Note that Sixth Street will close at 8:30 a.m. on Friday and reopen at approximately 5:30 p.m. Garage traffic and hotel valet will still be allowed to enter and exit onto Fort Duquesne Boulevard.
The weather forecast
According to TribLive partner WTAE-TV meteorologist Jill Szwed, “Bucco fans should have an optimistic forecast outlook for the home opener.”
Szwed said waking up will be gloomy, with passing showers lingering through the first half of the day, but the latest trends show the rain drying up around noon.
“So tailgates closer to the game shouldn’t be too bad,” Szwed said. “Clouds will linger through the afternoon. We have mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the lower 60s for first pitch. A light breeze will come out of the north blowing from left to right field throughout the game.”
Parking/transportation
When trying to find a parking spot, plan accordingly. It’s a weekday, so you might have to deal with workday traffic.
All of Alco Parking’s lots around the park are cashless. Attendants will be directing cars to parking spots. Lots open four hours before game time at noon.
PNC Park also is cashless and has reverse ATMs that turn cash into cards. Fans can park at Station Square on the South Side and take the light-rail transit train to the North Shore. Another option is the Gateway Clipper, also on the South Side near Station Square. Christian Wirginis, vice president of operations for the Gateway Clipper, said barring any major flooding, like last year at this time, the boats will be available to take fans to and from PNC Park.
Featured Local Businesses
It is best to visit the Parking Authority website for a list of Downtown lots and garages and their rates.