Opened: March 31, 2001
First Regular Season Game:
April 9, 2001 (8-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds)
Construction Began: April 9, 1999
Capacity: 38,747
Original Construction Cost: $216,000,000
Stadium Design: Retro Classic
Information from Wikipedia
It is possible to drive to PNC Park and park nearby, but cheaper parking is available in downtown Pittsburgh (+1) and the walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge is worth it (+1). There are busses available that stop at the park (+1), and there is even a water ferry you can take (+1). It isn't the easiest park to get to in the majors, but it is far from the worst.
PNC is one of the few parks in baseball that doesn't have "marquee game" pricing (+1), though they do charge a little more on weekends. To make it even better the prices are incredibly reasonable (+1). But wait, there's more! PNC Park achieved what many thought impossible, the perfect melding of the classic ballpark with modern amenities (+1). The seats are all incredibly close to the action (+1) and no matter where you sit you will feel like a part of the game (+1). That is what live baseball is suppose to be.
PNC is another park, like Coors Field, that seems like it just grew out of the landscape (+1). There are incredible statues of Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell (+1) and the Roberto Clemente Bridge provides one of the coolest walks to a stadium in baseball (+1). The view of the park from across the Allegheny River is breathtaking (+1), and when you cross the bridge to the park the view of downtown Pittsburgh is just as good (+1).
The park feels small and intimate like classic parks such as Fenway and Wrigley (+1), but it still has all the modern amenities fans have come to expect (+1). Although you can't walk around the entire perimeter and still see the game (-1) there is history abound (+1). You can even walk along the river while the game is going on (+1). The inside also gives you the great view of the river and downtown Pittsburgh (+1).
The scoreboard is big (+1) and shows you everything you could ask for (+1), even if it isn't as clear as some of the newer scoreboards in baseball. The out-of-town scoreboard in the outfield is good as well, and shows the score, inning, outs, and baserunners for every game (+2). There really isn't any touch of classic baseball with the scoreboard, though, which is the only knock against it (-1).
There is a kids play area near right field with a mini baseball field (+1) and a playground (+1). There is also a Family Fun Zone just outside the park that has activities for kids up until game time (+1). Finally, on select Sundays kids can run the bases at PNC (+1).
You can't fault the fans for not really caring. Even though they have what could be the best new park in baseball it is very easy to get a seat and they don't really seem to get into the game that much (-1). At the game I went to there weren't even that many Pirate fans around me. There were a handful of White Sox fans along with a small group of Mets fans. Maybe if the Pirates could finish above .500 one of these years the fans would really start coming out for games.
The ushers might be the nicest in baseball (+1). They even wipe off your seat before you sit down (+2). They also don't seem to mind trading up (+1) as I was able to sit in the expensive seats behind home plate for a while (+1). Nothing to complain about here.
They sing "Take Me Out" (+1) but no one really seems into it (-1) and there isn't much that makes it unique (-1). This is one area they could improve upon, but at least they have the pierogi race during the sixth inning (+1).
There is a lot to do around PNC Park. There are plenty of restaurants (+1), bars (+1), and places to go that are a part of the stadium itself (+1). In addition, downtown Pittsburgh isn't that far away (+1). It should be easy to find something to do after a game (+1).