Explore PNC Park: A Photogenic Tour of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Stadium

Even if you aren’t a big baseball fan, viewing the awe-inspiring view of downtown Pittsburgh, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and Pittsburgh’s three rivers beyond the center field wall provides an excellent reason to visit PNC Park. Home of the MLB Pittsburgh Pirates, this stadium is renowned for its picturesque setting and was named the best ballpark in Major League Baseball by ESPN due to its “perfect blend of location, history, design, comfort, and baseball.”

PNC Park Front Entrance

PNC Park features five entrances, including the notable home plate entrance located at the corner of General Robinson Street and Mazeroski Way. The striking Home Plate Rotunda is a continuous ramp leading from street level to each seating tier, embellished with actual newspaper headlines celebrating significant moments in Pirates history.

The ceremonial groundbreaking for PNC Park occurred on April 7, 1999, with the opening day on April 9, 2001, witnessing a full crowd of 36,954. This magnificent venue bears the name PNC Park after PNC Bank, which invested over $30 million for the naming rights.

Sunset at PNC Park

Even if you’re not an avid baseball enthusiast, the breathtaking views of downtown Pittsburgh and its three rivers serve as a compelling motivation to catch a game at PNC Park. There are no bad seats here; especially during sunset, where vistas from centerfield highlight the Allegheny River, Roberto Clemente Bridge, and downtown Pittsburgh.

PNC Park Riverwalk

The outer promenade at PNC Park, known as the River Walk, showcases views of downtown Pittsburgh, the Allegheny River, and the field. A spacious terrace and walkway between center field and the river provide fans with a chance to stretch and appreciate the scenic Pittsburgh views without missing the game. This promenade also includes concession stands. The PNC Park Riverwalk opens 1.5 to 2 hours before home games to ticket holders, and it is accessible to the general public on non-game days.

Roberto Clemente Statue at PNC Park

One of three impressive statues outside of PNC Park, the Roberto Clemente statue stands proudly between the Center Field entrance and the Roberto Clemente Bridge. These life-sized statues honor some of the most legendary players in Pirates history. The Honus Wagner statue, which was initially located at Forbes Field and later moved to Three Rivers Stadium, currently stands at PNC Park’s home plate main gate. Additionally, the Roberto Clemente statue was relocated from Three Rivers Stadium to its current spot outside the center field entrance. The third statue, honoring Willie Stargell, was unveiled just two days before PNC Park opened, coincidentally the same day Willie Stargell passed away, leaving him without the opportunity to see his statue in person.

PNC Park Grounds Crew

The head groundskeeper of the Pirates, Steve Peeler, and his dedicated crew work tirelessly to maintain the pristine 2.5-acre playing field at PNC Park. Keeping the grass and dirt field in optimal condition demands significant effort, including mowing intricate patterns for each game, fertilizing, watering, and sometimes even resodding. If the grass isn’t cooperating, green spray paint might be used to keep the field looking immaculate.

Roberto Clemente Bridge in Pittsburgh

The Roberto Clemente Bridge closes to vehicle traffic on game days, creating a safe pedestrian walkway that connects downtown Pittsburgh with PNC Park.

View Down Left Field at PNC Park

The outfield wall in left field is just six feet high at PNC Park, granting fans an intimate experience with the game from the left field bleachers.

Views from Behind Home Plate at PNC Park

From its location on the North Side, PNC Park offers dramatic, sweeping views of downtown Pittsburgh and the Allegheny River from nearly every seat.

View Down Right Field to the Allegheny River at PNC Park

At PNC Park, the distance down the right field line is 320 feet, and it is 443 feet and 4 inches from home plate to the Allegheny River.

View Down the Allegheny River from Inside PNC Park

Down the Allegheny River from PNC Park, three golden bridges, known as the “Three Sisters,” gleam brightly under the sun.

Scoreboard at PNC Park

PNC Park’s modern scoreboard, prominently displayed above the left field bleachers, measures an impressive 144 feet wide and 60 feet tall.

View of PNC Park from the Roberto Clemente Bridge

The view looking into PNC Park from the Roberto Clemente Bridge spans the Allegheny River, serving as a breathtaking entryway to the stadium from downtown Pittsburgh.