PNC Park Facts for Kids

PNC Park

PNC Park is a cool baseball stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It's the home field for the Major League Baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates. This awesome park opened its doors in 2001. It took the place of the Pirates' old stadium, which was called Three Rivers Stadium.

Discovering PNC Park: Home of the Pirates
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Discovering PNC Park: Home of the Pirates

PNC Park is known for its amazing views of downtown Pittsburgh and the Allegheny River. It's often called one of the most beautiful baseball parks in the United States. The park was designed to feel like older, classic baseball stadiums, but with all the modern comforts.

When Did PNC Park Open?

PNC Park officially opened on March 31, 2001. The very first game played there was an exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. The first regular season game was on April 9, 2001, against the Cincinnati Reds.

Who Designed PNC Park?

The stadium was designed by a company called Populous, which is famous for designing many sports venues. They worked hard to make sure the park fit well with the city's look and feel. The design includes a lot of limestone and steel, which are common materials in Pittsburgh's buildings.

What Makes PNC Park Special?

One of the coolest things about PNC Park is its unique location. Fans can enjoy views of the city skyline, the Roberto Clemente Bridge, and boats on the river while watching a game. The park also has a special feel because it's smaller than many modern stadiums, making every seat feel close to the action.

The Roberto Clemente Bridge

The bridge right next to PNC Park is named after Roberto Clemente. He was a legendary player for the Pittsburgh Pirates and a true hero. The bridge is often closed to cars on game days, so fans can walk across it to get to the park. It's a fun way to start your baseball experience!

Statues and History

Around the park, you can find statues of famous Pirates players. One of the most well-known is the statue of Honus Wagner. He was one of the first baseball superstars and played for the Pirates a long time ago. These statues help tell the story of the team's rich history.

Food and Fun at the Park

PNC Park offers a lot of different food options for fans. You can find classic ballpark snacks like hot dogs and popcorn. But you can also try local Pittsburgh favorites, like a traditional Primanti Brothers sandwich. These sandwiches are famous for having french fries and coleslaw right inside them!

Images for kids

An aerial view of the venue
The 6th Street Bridge was renamed the Roberto Clemente Bridge in honor of the former Pirate.
The limestone exterior of the park at the home plate entrance, with a statue of Honus Wagner
The exterior of PNC Park in May 2020
An evening game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates – August 7, 2001
A traditional Primanti Brothers sandwich