The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that is has made improvements in left field, the 300 level and an administration building meeting center as the 2015 season approaches.
“It is important for the Pirates, and we believe the City of Pittsburgh, that PNC Park continues to be widely considered as the best ballpark in America,” Pirates President Frank Coonelly said in a press release. “We view PNC Park as one of Major League Baseball’s iconic ballparks, and we understand that iconic ballparks must continuously be updated and improved to ensure that they continue to meet the needs and desires of all of our fans.”
The intent of the projects was to provide enhancements for Pirates fans that sit in the general seating area.
The Pirates made left field a point of emphasis for 2015 implementing terraces, “the porch” and a rotunda bar.
The terraces will be used as a standing room area that will connect the upper left field bleachers and the Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club while measuring over 250 feet. The club itself now has newly installed sliding doors which fans using the terrace will have direct access too.
Additionally, there will be a rotunda bar in at the base of the left field rotunda. The intent behind it is to bring a similar experience to the Budweiser Bow Tie Bar which is located in section 101. The area will feature a 40-foot bar and fans have the option to enjoy the game from the bar or 60 linear feet of new drink rails while watching the game on a nine-television display.
“The porch”, is a new outdoor patio that will overlook center field. It can seat around 25 people and featured both bar-stool as well as sofa-style seating. The area will be for groups to purchase on an individual game basis.
The Pirates also wanted to get the fans seating in the 300-level involved with a full-service bar. The bar is 28-feet long and will be located in section 316 which is atop the Trib Total Media Home Plate Rotunda. To get this area, a concession and merchandise stand were torn down. There will be bar-height tables with bar-stool seating, seven flat screen televisions to watch the game and sun roofs and ceiling fans to ensure the fans have a comfortable experience.
Lastly, the Pirates added a new 1,600-square foot meeting and event space which will be on the second floor of the Pirates administration building. This space is intended for parties of 80 to 100 people and replaces space that was used for a tour theatre.
All of the enhancements were completely funded by the Pirates and are being completed by Populous and Mascaro as the architect of record and design firm, respectively.
“Pittsburgh is a city with a strong sense of community,” said Coonelly. “With that in mind, what we have created with these enhancements are areas for all fans to gather as a community while enjoying Pirates baseball together. We look forward to finalizing the construction of these projects in the upcoming weeks and introducing them to our fans at the Home Opener on April 13.”
