Are you heading to PNC Park to watch a Pittsburgh Pirates game or enjoy an outdoor summer concert?

PNC Park's location on the Allegheny River waterfront overlooks the downtown Pittsburgh skyline - so get ready for the most spectacular view offered by any ballpark.

Going to a game at PNC Park?

If you're booking a spur-of-the-moment trip to Pittsburgh or visiting for the first time, we have you covered.  Here's where to get tickets, best places to stay nearby, and a few other fun things to do.

Game Tickets

Top Hotels near PNC Park

More Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh


We cover everything you need to know to make your visit to PNC Park fun and stress free. 

You'll find schedule and ticket informatiPaddlewheel riverboat on the Allegheny River in front of PNC Park - Photo credit: iStockphotos/Holcyon about games, concerts, and other events, tips on how to get there, bag policies and tailgating, best places to stay and eat nearby, and lots more!

Top photo:  Pittsburgh Pirates - Photo credit: Dan Gaken

Stadium Events Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you.  Learn more

What to Expect at PNC Park

Paddlewheel riverboat on the Allegheny River in front of PNC Park - Photo credit: iStockphotos/Holcy

PNC Park opened in 2001 as the fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a member of the Major League Baseball (MLB).  The ballfield embodies a retro-classic stadium style with two decks and natural grass playing fields.  Steel trusses also give a nod to Steel City's industrial past.

PNC Park seats just over 38,000 people, making it one of the smallest pro baseball stadiums and giving you a great view of the game no matter where you're sitting. 

In recent years (except for the pandemic years of 2020-2021), most Pirates games typically draw crowds of around 18,000-31,000 fans, while the outdoor summer concerts frequently attract sell out the stadium.

PNC Park's central location means you'll get all the conveniences of being right in the middle of a vibrant city, including easy access on Pittsburgh's "T" (subway), plus plenty of places to eat tasty local cuisine and sample beverages from the thriving craft brewery scene.

PNC Park Schedule & Tickets

Find tickets for Pittsburgh Pirates home games at PNC Park during spring, summer, and fall, plus summer outdoor concerts and special winter events.

Here's a discount you can use for PNC Park games and concerts:

Ticket Discount Code: Enter DISCOVERY 10 to save 10% on TicketNetwork & TicketLiquidator tickets

Pittsburgh Pirates Home Games:  Schedule & Tickets

For games, you can pick any seat and be assured of excellent views of the action on the field because of the stadium's design offers unobstructed sightlines.

    See all PNC Park games, concerts, other events

    PNC Park Concerts:  Schedule & Tickets

    Find tickets for concerts at PNC Park (late spring through early fall).

    For concerts, like most stadium shows, the stage is usually set up in the outfield.  That means that unless you're in the pit (where floor tickets always fetch a premium price), you're likely to be quite a distance away and will be relying on the giant screens to see the details.  You may want to avoid seats in the end sections closest to the stage in case of obstructions and less-than-stellar viewing angles.


      Know Before You Go

      • PNC Park is a cashless facility.  Bring a credit or debit card for food, parking, etc.
      • PNC Park is an open-top stadium.  In case of rain, bring a pocket-sized clear disposable plastic poncho, which you can usually get at nearby convenience stores or order online from Amazon

      Hotels near PNC Park: 10 Closest Hotels

      Suite at Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown
      Suite at Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown

      Walk to PNC Park from these North Side Pittsburgh hotels in less than 5 minutes:

      Or stay across from the Allegheny Riverfront Park and stroll across the scenic Clemente Bridge to PNC Park - maybe a 10 minute walk:

      Choose a Downtown Pittsburgh hotel and enjoy lively dining and nightlife scene while being just a 5-minute walk across the Clemente Bridge (or free T ride) to PNC Park:

      Find more Pittsburgh hotels

      Map Showing Pittsburgh Hotels & Best Rates

      Use this map to enter your dates and see best rates (including discounted rates) on available hotels and apartments:

      Booking.com

      PNC Park Seating Map

      PNC Park Seating Map
      PNC Park seating map courtesy of TicketLiquidator

      For the best views of the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline and the river, choose seats on the third base side of the field - although you can expect fairly spectacular views wherever you sit in PNC Park.  

      You'll enter PNC Park through the Outfield entrances if you walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge from Downtown Pittsburgh, or at the Home Plate entrance if you're already on the North Shore.

      To reach the ballpark's main concourse and upper levels, walk up the stairs or ramps, or take the escalator.

      PNC Park Bag Policies

      PNC Park enforces a strict "No Bag" policy for games and concerts, with only the following exceptions:

      • Small clutch bags that measure no more than 8" x 5" x 1"; clear bags are highly recommended (ziplock bags work well), and no more than one per person is permitted
      • Bags used exclusively for medical equipment/ADA reasons
      • Diaper bags used exclusively for the care of infants and young toddlers who accompany you; to facilitate speedy entry, use a clear bag such as these from Amazon if possible

      Bags may be searched upon entry.

      Bag Storage at PNC Park

      If you need to store a bag, you can use the lockers available on Isabella Street across from the Stargell Gate.  They are available one hour before the stadium gates open.

      Tailgating at PNC Park

      Tailgating is allowed in select stadium parking lots near the ballfield, starting when the lots open 4 hours before game time. 

      Typical tailgating rules apply:

      • You must confine your tailgating to your paid space - so no taking over adjacent spaces, and no restricting full access to the driving lanes between rows
      • You can bring and consume alcohol, but alcohol sales are allowed
      • You cannot bring or use personal or private toilets or port-a-potties
      • Cooking grills are allowed in open parking lots (not garages), but no other fires are allowed
      • Tents are not permitted

      How to Get to PNC Park

      PNC Park Location

      115 Federal Street, on Pittsburgh's North Shore across the Allegheny River from Downtown Pittsburgh

      Best PNC Park Entrances (& Some to Avoid)

      To enter the ballfield, you'll have your pick of many different entrances where you'll show your tickets and go through a security check point.  If you see long lines at the main gates at the front, head to the side entrances where lines are usually shorter. 

      The Best Way to Get to PNC Park

      The easiest and best way to get to PNC Park is to walk, which you can easily do if you're staying near the ballpark in the North Shore or Downtown neighborhoods. 

      On game days, the picturesque Roberto Clemente bridge provides pedestrian-only access to the ballpark from Downtown Pittsburgh, so you can enjoy beautiful river and skyline views as you join the crowds of Yinzers and out-of-town fans walking across it.

      Please note:  The Clemente Bridge will be closed for renovations until the 2024 MLB season.  Until it reopens, walk over the Andy Warhol Bridge (7th Street) to get to PNC Park.

      Take a few minutes to stroll along the beautiful riverside concourse next to the ballpark where you can relax and soak up the sights.  Once you're inside and sitting in your seat, the Pittsburgh skyline views create a special ambiance you won't find anywhere else.

      Public Transportation to PNC Park

      The next best way to reach the ballfield, especially if you want to avoid getting stuck in traffic gridlock around PNC Park is to take the "T" - Pittsburgh's light rail/subway system - to the North Side T Station located across Robinson Street from the ballpark's Home Plate entrance.  If you board at the "Golden Triangle" stations in Downtown Pittsburgh, you can even ride for free. 

      You can also park near the North Shore's Allegheny T Station, the First Avenue Garage next to the First Avenue T Station, or the Mellon Square Garage near the Wood Street T Station and ride for free from those stations to the North Side Station.

      Otherwise, drive to one of the South Hills T Stations (1,900+ parking spaces) and take the T downtown to the Wood Street or Gateway Center Station and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge to PNC Park.  Or park in a garage near any other T station, and hop on board to the ballpark. 

      What about Ride Shares?  Can You Take Uber or Lyft to PNC Park?

      Yes, absolutely!  In fact, taking an Uber or Lyft to PNC Park may be cheaper than paying for parking, depending on where you're coming from. 

      Want to shave off a few dollars?  Ask to be dropped off near one of the Golden Triangle T stations or Downtown, and then take the T for free or walk across the Clemente Bridge to the ballfield.

      Parking near PNC Park

      To avoid spending more time than necessary in snarled traffic if you choose to drive, follow this simple parking rule:  Park on the North Shore if you're driving in from the north, and park Downtown if you're driving in from the east, south, or west. 

      Best (ie, close and affordable) North Shore parking near PNC Park includes the Pirates' official parking lots near the ballpark, especially Lots 7A, 7B, 7C, or 7D, Allegheny Center Garage (100 South Commons), and the North Shore Garage (12 E. Robinson Street near the Andy Warhol Museum). 

      North Shore parking costs slightly more than Downtown, but if you're coming from the north, it's your best option avoiding traffic gridlock, especially after a game or concert.

      Use this map to locate North Shore parking lots and garages near PNC Park on Pittsburgh's North Shore:

      PNC Park Seating Map
      North Shore Pittsburgh parking guide map courtesy of Alco Parking

      Downtown Pittsburgh offers 20,000+ parking spaces.  Game day and concert rates tend to be cheaper than on the North Shore, especially at the city's many municipal parking garages and garages located here. 

      This map shows their locations:

      Downtown Pittsburgh Parking Garages
      Map showing Downtown Pittsburgh parking garages courtesy of Pittsburgh Parking Authority

      Pittsburgh Insider's Tip:  If you're heading to an evening game or concert, street-side parking is free after 6pm.

      Keep in mind that parking is tougher for concerts than for games because they draw significantly larger crowds - so allow yourself plenty of time.

      You'll usually find the best rates (and be able to reserve a spot) by using a parking app such as SpotHero.

      Best & Cheapest Ways to Get from Pittsburgh International Airport to PNC Park

      Are you flying to Pittsburgh for a Pirates game or concert at PNC Park?

      Pittsburgh International Airport is located about 20 miles from PNC Park/Downtown Pittsburgh. 

      The best (meaning the fastest and most convenient) way to get from the airport to PNC Park or your Pittsburgh hotel is to rent a car and drive, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing service.

      The cheapest although not necessarily the fastest or most convenient way to get from the airport to Downtown Pittsburgh is on the West Busway (28X Airport Flyer), which runs about every 30 minutes and costs just a few dollars one way.  From Downtown, you can easily walk to the ballfield.

      Where to Eat & Drink at PNC Park

      You'll find plenty of food and drink concessions inside PNC Park, including outposts of a couple of local bars and restaurants offering their own specialties and local fare as a change from the standard stadium hot dogs, nachos, and fries. 

      To minimize your time away from the game or concert, most food areas offer kiosks where you place your order.  You'll see your order number displayed on a screen when your food is ready to be picked up.

      Bring a credit or debit card, as cashless payments are the trend here.

      Outside the ballpark, sample Pittsburgh's thriving brewpub scene famous for its craft beers and tasty food including local specialties.  With PNC Park and Heinz Field less than half a mile apart, plenty of sports bars and casual spots to eat and drink fill the North Shore, and you'll have even more choices across the Clemente Bridge in Downtown Pittsburgh. 

      Here are a few you won't want to miss, as well as a hotel bar to check out:

      North Shore Bars & Restaurants near PNC Park & Heinz Field

      • Beerhead Bar & Eatery (110 Federal Street across from the ballpark) - Love beer?  You'll find hundreds of choices here, including craft beers from around the country.  If you want to eat there too, bring your own food or order from the delivery menus they keep on hand.

      More Ways to Enjoy Pittsburgh's Food Culture

      Downtown Pittsburgh Food & Drink

      • Meat & Potatoes (649 Penn Ave) - Choose the rib eye steak for two and customize your sauces, sides, and potatoes, go for a burger with a side of poutine, or indulge in any of the other meat-centric specialties. Mussels and frites hit the spot too!
      • Proper Brick Oven & Tap Room (139 7th Street) - Craft beers on tap, pizza, salads, and Italian specialties emphasizing local seasonal produce with almost everything made from scratch, including the delicious fresh mozzarella, pastas, and desserts.

      Pittsburgh Hotel Bars & Restaurants

      • Biergarten at Kimpton Hotel Monaco (Downtown) - Relax on the Biergarten's appealing 9th floor rooftop patio bar and enjoy a winning combination of European beverages, German specialties to munch on, pub games, and sweeping city views.

      More Pittsburgh Attractions & Things to Do

      Visiting Pittsburgh to attend a PNC Park event?  Don't miss these top attractions and fun things to do:

      • Top Pittsburgh Attractions - Acrisure Field and the Pittsburgh Steelers, PPG Paints Arena and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Andy Warhol Museum (117 Sandusky, 2-minute walk from PNC Park), Market Square (intersection of Market Street and Forbes Ave - restaurants, street vendors, pop-up markets, and cool architecture), Rivers Casino (777 Casino Drive, 1 block from Heinz Field)
      • Kids' Favorites in Pittsburgh - Children's Museum of Pittsburgh (10 Children's Way, close to PNC Park), Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium (1 Wild Place), Carnegie Science Center (1 Allegheny Drive, across from Heinz Field)

      More Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh

      PNC Park Gift Ideas

      Need a PNC Park-related gift for friends or family?

      Check out these cool PNC Park gift ideas from Amazon:  PNC Park wall art and posters, books, and more! 


      More Articles about Pittsburgh Stadiums, Sports & Concerts