PNC Park: Difference between revisions
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| stadium_name = PNC Park |
| stadium_name = PNC Park |
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| nickname = "The Best Stadium in Baseball" |
| nickname = "The Best Stadium in Baseball" |
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| image = [[Image:PNCPark77.jpg|250px]] |
| image = [[Image:PNCParkLogo150.PNG]]<br>[[Image:PNCPark77.jpg|250px]] |
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| location = 115 Federal St.<br> |
| location = 115 Federal St.<br>[[Image:Flag of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.png|25px]] [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] 15212 |
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| coordinates = |
| coordinates = |
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| broke_ground = [[April 7]], [[1999]] |
| broke_ground = [[April 7]], [[1999]] |
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| surface = [[Grass]] |
| surface = [[Grass]] |
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| construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]216 million |
| construction_cost = [[United States dollar|$]]216 million |
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| architect = [[HOK Sport |
| architect = [[HOK Sport Venue Event|HOK Sport]]<br> L.D. Astorino & Associates ([[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]]) |
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| project_manager = |
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'''PNC Park''' is a [[baseball park|ballpark]] located in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] that is home to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], the city's [[Major League Baseball]] team. It opened in [[2001]], shortly after the [[building implosion|controlled implosion]] of [[Three Rivers Stadium]]. The ballpark is named after locally |
'''PNC Park''' is a [[baseball park|ballpark]] located in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]] that is the fifth home to the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]], the city's [[Major League Baseball]] team.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ESPN"/> It opened in [[2001]], shortly after the [[building implosion|controlled implosion]] of [[Three Rivers Stadium]]. The ballpark is named after locally based [[PNC Financial Services]], which purchased the [[naming rights]], in August 1998.<ref name="BoB">{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park| work = The Fields of Major League Baseball| publisher = Ballparks of Baseball| date = | url = http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/nl/PNCPark.htm| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-06}}</ref> Since completion, it has been hailed multiple times, most notably by [[ESPN.com]], as the best ballpark in the country.<ref name="ESPNbest">{{cite web| last = Caple| first = Jim| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Pittsburgh's gem rates the best| work = | publisher = ESPN.com| date = | url = http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/pncpark.html| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-03}}</ref><ref name="facelift"/> |
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== Planning and construction == |
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==Construction== |
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Plans to build a new stadium for the Pittsburgh Pirates date back to [[1990]], when then-mayor [[Sophie Masloff]] proposed to build a 44,000-seat stadium on the North Side.<ref name="BoB"/> Plans were discussed, but due to the Pirates' possible move from the city, were never seriously considered until [[Kevin McClatchy]] purchased the team, in [[1994]].<ref name="BoB"/> In 1995, then-mayor [[Tom Murphy (mayor)|Tom Murphy]] created the "Forbes Field II Task Force", made up of 29 political and business leaders, in order to study the issues relating to building a new ballpark.<ref name="ballparks"/> Their final report, made on [[June 25]] [[1996]] concluded that the "North Side site" would be the best location for the new ballpark.<ref name="ballparks"/> |
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[[Image:Pnc09.jpg|thumb|left|200px|View of [[Downtown Pittsburgh]] from PNC Park.]]The stadium was built with public money after a long political debate. Mayor [[Tom Murphy (mayor)|Tom Murphy]] originally proposed a sales tax increase to fund building of PNC Park and [[Heinz Field]], but this proposal was rejected in a referendum. Mayor Murphy changed the funding plan, called it "Plan B", and put it into effect. |
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=== Plan B === |
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PNC Park was the smallest of the new MLB stadiums to be built in recent years. It was the first permanent facility to be built for an MLB team that hosted fewer than 40,000 since [[Milwaukee County Stadium]], which was later expanded. It was also the first to be built with two decks rather than three (most of the seats, 26,000, are located within the lower deck) since County Stadium. Consequently, the highest seat in the park is only 88 feet from the playing field, giving the stadium a very intimate feel.<ref name="MFbest">{{cite web| last = Langosch| first = Jennifer| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC in Men's Fitness top 10 stadiums| work = | publisher = PittsburghPirates.com| date = 2008-04-03| url = http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080402&content_id=2485650&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-03}}</ref> PNC Park also has the second smallest capacity of any stadium in [[Major League Baseball]], having only 59 more seats than [[Tropicana Field]]. The stadium includes 2,800 club seats, 69 luxury suites, and 4 party suites. |
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The stadium was built with public money after a long political debate. Originally, a sales tax increase was proposed to fund building of PNC Park, [[Heinz Field]], and an expansion of the [[David L. Lawrence Convention Center]], but after this proposal was rejected in a referendum, a second plan was created, dubbed ''Plan B''.<ref>{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Plan B| work = | publisher = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette| date = | url = http://www.post-gazette.com/planb/| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> Plan B did not come without opposition, some even referred to it as ''Scam B''.<ref name="TD">{{cite news | last = Dvorchak| first = Robert| coauthors = | title = A TD for Plan B| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1998-06-21| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19980621bplanb5.asp| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> Many felt that the Pittsburgh Pirates pledge to pay $40 million for the new stadium was too little, while others criticized amount of public money used in Plan B.<ref>{{cite news | last = Cook| first = Ron| coauthors = | title = Plan B flawed; option is worse | work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1998-06-22| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/sports_headlines/19980622bcook3.asp| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> Plan B, worth a total of $809 million, was approved on [[July 9]] [[1998]]; of this $228 million was allotted for PNC Park.<ref>{{cite news | last = Barnes| first = Tom| coauthors = Dvorchak, Robert| title = Plan B approved: Play ball! | work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1998-07-10| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19980710bplanb3.asp| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Barnes| first = Tom| coauthors = | title = Arena won't be part of Plan B| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1998-02-11| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19980811bplanb5.asp| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> Shortly after Plan B was approved the Pirates made a deal with Pittsburgh officials to stay in the city until at least [[2031]].<ref name="TD"/> PNC Financial Services purchased the naming rights on [[August 6]] [[1998]], [[PNC Financial Services#PNC Bank|PNC Bank]] will pay the Pirates $1.5 approximately million each year through [[2020]].<ref name="ballparks"/> The total cost of PNC Park was $216 million.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ESPN"/> |
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=== Design and groundbreaking === |
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An effort in design was made to make PNC Park a salute to other "classic style" ballparks, such as [[Fenway Park]] and [[Forbes Field]], its archways and steel truss work were key features of this.<ref name="official">{{cite web| title = PNC Park| work = | publisher = PittsburghPirates.com| date = | url = http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/index.jsp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-03}}</ref> The "toothbrush" style light standards are patterned after those at Forbes Field.<ref name="BoB"/> PNC Park was the first two-deck ballpark to be built in the [[United States]] since [[Milwaukee County Stadium]], in [[1953]].<ref name="official"/><ref name="ESPN">{{cite web| last = | first = | title = PNC Park at North Shore| work = | publisher = [[ESPN.com]]| date = | url = http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/stadium?team=pit| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> Ground was broken for PNC Park on [[April 7]] [[1999]], after a ceremony to rename the Sixth Street Bridge, with the new title of the "[[Roberto Clemente Bridge]]".<ref>{{cite news| last = Barnes | first = Tom | title = City, Pirates break ground for PNC Park with big civic party | work = | publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1999-04-08| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19990408stadium2.asp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-11}}</ref> |
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PNC's low, open-air infield stands offer a wide view of the downtown Pittsburgh skyline across the [[Allegheny River]]. The interior walls and backstop behind home plate are made of limestone, a departure from the red-brick walls present in most of today's newer ballparks. All of the concourses are open-air except for the Pittsburgh Baseball Club section, meaning fans can still watch the game when standing in line at concessions stands. A 2003 [[ESPN]] study gave the park a 95 rating (out of 100), calling it "the best stadium in baseball," <ref name="ESPNbest"/> |
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a moniker the stadium has openly adopted since. In 2008, Men's Fitness Magazine named PNC Park one of the top ten stadiums to visit.<ref name="MFbest"/> |
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PNC Park used [[Kasota limestone]],<ref name="ballparks"/> shipped from a [[Minnesota]] river valley, to give a contrast to most modern stadiums; which are oft built with brick.<ref name="digest"/> PNC Park was built quicker than most stadiums; the Pirates played their first game less than two years after groundbreaking.<ref name="digest">{{cite web| last = Robbins| first = Jim |title = PNC Park / Pittsburgh Pirates| work = Ballpark Visits| publisher = BallparkDigest| date = | url = http://www.ballparkwatch.com/visits/pnc_park.htm| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-06}}</ref> This was accomplished by using special computers, which relayed building plans 24 hours per day.<ref name="digest"/> All 23-labor unions were involved in the building process, including steel workers and scuba divers, no worker was seriously injured.<ref name="digest"/> |
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The ballpark is notable for being built on the Allegheny River, which runs directly behind the ballpark. A well-struck ball hit beyond the right field wall may find its way into the water. Because of the ballpark's geography, many fans choose to travel to the park by riverboat. Behind the ballpark, between the river and the bleachers is a waterfront promenade called the River Walk, complete with concessions stands found throughout the rest of the ballpark. It is open on off-days to the general public. River Walk also serves as an entrance/exit from/to the [[Roberto Clemente Bridge]], located on the left field side of the ballpark. The bridge, named for Pirates' [[Baseball Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] right fielder [[Roberto Clemente]], is closed to vehicular traffic on game days, allowing easy access to the park by pedestrians. |
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The river is approximately 440 feet from home plate. Only one player has hit a home run into the river on the fly in regular season play: [[Daryle Ward]] of the [[Houston Astros]] in 2002, off Pirates pitcher [[Kip Wells]]. [[Lance Berkman]], [[Ryan Howard]] and [[David Ortiz]], however, each hit home runs into the river on the fly during the 2006 [[Home Run Derby]]. |
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Kansas-based [[HOK Sport Venue Event|HOK Sport]] designed the stadium.<ref>{{cite news | last = Dulac| first = Gerry| coauthors = | title = Football stadium architect selected | work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 1998-09-28| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/regionstate/19980928rooney5.asp| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> The design and construction management team consisted of Dick Corporation and Barton Malow.<ref name="official"/> L.D. Astorino & Associates, of Pittsburgh, was the Architect of Record.<ref name="official"/> |
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[[Image:Pnc-exterior.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An exterior view of PNC Park's "River Walk" promenade, from a riverboat on Allegheny River.]] |
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The ballpark features an extensive selection of local specialities and favorites, including [[pierogies]], [[Primanti's|Primanti Brothers]] sandwiches (serving meat, cole slaw, and french fries within the sandwich), [[Quaker Steak and Lube]], Benkovitz Fish, Smorgasburgh, Pop's Plaza (named for [[Willie Stargell]]), a barbecue run by former catcher [[Manny Sanguillen]] (who signs autographs while fans wait in line), as well as "Outback in the Outfield," an [[Outback Steakhouse]] at the top of the left-field bleachers. |
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=== Additions === |
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Premium seating includes The [[Lexus]] Club at PNC Park, in the six sections directly behind home plate. The Lexus Club offers a pre-game buffet in the adjoined restaurant as well as in-seat wait service with full food and beverage menu. There is also the Pittsburgh Baseball Club level which features Club 3000, named in honor of Pittsburgh's members of the [[3000 hit club]], Honus Wagner, Paul Waner, and Roberto Clemente. Additionally, the Gunner's Lounge, named in honor of legendary broadcaster [[Bob Prince]] and Keystone corner, features such amenities as high-definition televisions and pool tables. The PBC encompasses the entire mezzanine section of the park, and features an air-conditioned, fully-enclosed concourse and wider, cushioned seats. |
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Prior to the [[2008 Pittsburgh Pirates season|2008 season]], the Pirates made multiple improvements to PNC Park.<ref name="features">{{cite news | last = Belko| first = Mark| coauthors = | title = Pirates show off park features| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 2008-04-04| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08095/870465-63.stm| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> The biggest change was removing the [[Outback Steakhouse]] located underneath the scoreboard, and adding a new restaurant known as ''The Hall of Fame Club''.<ref name="facelift">{{cite news | last = Langosch | first = Jennifer| coauthors = | title = Offseason face-lift complete at PNC| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = PittsburghPirates.com| date = 2008-04-03| url = http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080403&content_id=2488536&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit| accessdate = 2008-04-05}}</ref> Unlike the former, The Hall of Fame Club is open to all ticket-holders on game day, it also includes an outdoor patio with a bar and seating, featuring views of the field.<ref name="facelift"/> Plans are also in place to feature bands in The Hall of Fame Club after the completion of some games, the first band to perform was [[Iron City Houserockers|Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers]].<ref name="features"/><ref name="facelift"/> In addition, all club and suite sections were outfitted with Sony HD televisions.<ref name="facelift"/> |
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The right field wall is 21 [[Foot (unit of length)|feet]] high, an homage to Roberto Clemente, who wore #21 as a Pirate. The wall features one of the most extensive out-of-town scoreboards of any Major League ballpark. It shows not only the score for every game, but the inning, count, number of outs, and baserunners as well. The scoreboard is automatically updated via wire services. Special indoor, front row seats are built directly into the wall; these seats are primarily reserved for [[handicapped accessible]] guests. |
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[[Image:Pedro goes to Pittsburgh.jpg|155px|thumb|right|First pitch between the Pirates vs. Mets, July 20, 2005]] |
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=== Eateries === |
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The ballpark features an extensive selection of local specialties and favorites; including [[Mrs. T's Pierogies]], [[Primanti Brothers]], [[Quaker Steak and Lube]], Benkovitz Fish, "Pop's Plaza" (named for former-Pirate [[Willie Stargell]]), and "Manny's BBQ" run by former catcher [[Manny Sanguillén]] (who often signs autographs for fans waiting in line).<ref name="about">{{cite web| last = Powell| first = Kimberly | authorlink = | coauthors = Powell, Albrecht| title = Baseball Fan's Guide to PNC Park| work = | publisher = About.com| date = | url = http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/pirates/a/pnc_park.htm| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> PNC Park also lets fans bring their own food into the stadium, a rarity among stadiums around the league.<ref name="about"/> |
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=== Seating and ticket prices === |
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When the Pirates hit a home run, fireworks are launched from center field. Also, the [[Pepsi]] bottle in right field spews out mist. |
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During it's opening season PNC Park's 38,496 seats was the second smallest seating capacity of any major league stadium, the smallest being Fenway Park.<ref name="BoB"/><ref name="official"/> The majority of the seats, 26,000, are on the first level,<ref name="rave">{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park Gets Rave Reviews| work = | publisher = ThePittsburghChannel.com| date = 2001-02-21| url = http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/sports/480687/detail.html| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-07}}</ref> the highest seat in the stadium is only 88 feet above the playing surface.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ESPN"/> In some sections seating is very close to the playing field; at 52 feet some seats are closer to home plate than the pitcher, also down the left and right field lines seats are just five feet from the foul line.<ref name="about"/> Upon opening in 2001, PNC Park's tickets ranged from $9 to $35 for general admission,<ref name="rave"/><ref>{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park Info| work = | publisher = [[Pittsburgh Tribune-Review]]| date = | url = http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/pirates/info/tickets.html| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-11}}</ref> as of the 2008 season the price range had not changed.<ref name="08tickets">{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park Seating Chart - 2008| work = | publisher = PittsburghPirates.com| date = | url = http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ticketing/seating_pricing.jsp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-07}}</ref> The stadium also includes 69 luxury suites and 5,558 suite and club seats,<ref name="about"/> currently ranging from $47 to $210.<ref name="08tickets"/> Prior to the 2008 season, the Pirates created an all-you-can-eat section, in the right field corner, for Sunday through Thursday games.<ref>{{cite web| last = Batz Jr.| first = Bob| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = At PNC Park, 'All-You-Can-Eat' seats| work = | publisher = [[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]| date = 2008-04-03| url = http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08094/869987-34.stm| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-07}}</ref><ref name="facelift"/> |
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=== Playing surface and ground rules === |
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Fans can have messages engraved in bricks in the sidewalk surrounding statues of [[Roberto Clemente]], [[Willie Stargell]] and [[Honus Wagner]] outside the ballpark for $75 or $150, depending on the size of the brick. |
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The playing surface is natural grass.<ref name="official"/><ref>{{cite news| last = | first = | coauthors = | title = Sod Installed At PNC Park| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = ThePittsburghChannel.com| date = 2000-10-30| url = http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/station/130164/detail.html| accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> The outfield fence ranges from a height of six feet in left field, ten feet in center field, and twenty-one feet in right field, a tribute to former Pirate right-fielder Roberto Clemente who wore number ''21''.<ref name="about"/><ref name="ESPN"/><ref name="Menfit"/> The distance of the outfield fence ranges from 320-feet in right field to 410-feet in left center, straightaway center field is 399-feet.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ballparks"/> The [[Allegheny River]] is 443-feet 4-inches from home plate.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ESPN"/> On [[July 6]] [[2002]] [[Daryle Ward]], then of the [[Houston Astros]], became the first player to hit a home run into the river on the fly, when he hit a grand-slam off Pirates pitcher [[Kip Wells]].<ref>{{cite web| last = Stats Inc.| first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Daryle Ward Scouting Report| work = | publisher = FOX Sports | date = | url = http://foxsports.foxnews.com/mlb/playerScouting?categoryId=85570| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> During regular play nobody has hit a ball into the river on the fly since. During the 2006 Home Run Derby, [[Lance Berkman]], [[Ryan Howard]], and [[David Ortiz]], hit a fly balls into the river. The right-field wall features one of the most extensive out-of-town scoreboards of any Major League ballpark; showing the score, inning, pitch count, number of outs, and base runners, for every game.{{fact}} |
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Games usually feature a "[[Pierogie Race]]" between the 5th and 6th innings of most games. Fans dress up in giant, oversized pierogie costumes and run the length of the field, an idea borrowed by the [[Milwaukee Brewers]] and their famous "[[Sausage Race]]s." |
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== History == |
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The scoreboard in left field has a live closed captioning board for the hearing impaired right below it. |
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=== Reception and praise === |
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==Other notes== |
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Upon it's opening in 2001, PNC Park was praised by fans and media alike. [[Jim Caple]], of [[ESPN.com]]'s [[Page2]], ranked PNC Park as the best stadium in Major League Baseball, with a score of 95 out of 100.<ref name="ESPNbest"/> He compared the park to [[Fallingwater]], calling the stadium "perfect," and citing the high ticket prices as the only negative aspect of visiting the park.<ref name="ESPNbest"/> Pirates' vice-president, Steve Greenberg stated, "We said when construction began that we would build the best ballpark in baseball, and we believe we've done that."<ref name="rave"/> Major League Baseball executive, Paul Beeston said the park was he best he's seen so far in baseball.<ref name="rave"/> In 2008, [[Men's Fitness]] named the park one of "10 big league parks worth seeing this summer."<ref name="Menfit">{{cite news| last = Pratt| first = Devin| coauthors = | title = Top Stadiums: Pittsburgh's PNC Park| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = [[Men's Fitness]]| date = | url = http://www.mensfitness.com/sports_and_recreation/61?page=2| accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last = Langosch| first = Jenifer|title = PNC in Men's Fitness top 10 stadiums| work = | pages = | language = English| publisher = PittsburghPirates.com| date = 2008-04-02| url = http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080402&content_id=2485650&vkey=news_pit&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit| accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> |
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PNC Park is just up the Allegheny River from the sites of two of the Pirates' previous ballparks, Three Rivers Stadium and [[Exposition Park (Pittsburgh)|Exposition Park]]. The latter also afforded its spectators a broad view of downtown Pittsburgh, as it was in the early [[1900s]]. PNC Park also borrows a few elements from the team's days at [[Forbes Field]], including blue seats and steel, an asymmetrical outfield, and "old-fashioned" light towers. PNC Park is just walking distance from the [[Pittsburgh Steelers|Steelers']] Heinz Field, located further west from "the Point" where the Allegheny and [[Monongahela River]]s join to form the [[Ohio River|Ohio]]. |
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On Tuesday, [[July 11]], 2006, PNC Park hosted the 77th Annual [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game]], as well as the All-Star Game festivities, including the [[Home Run Derby]]. |
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Tickets to [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] games are among the cheapest in Major League Baseball. Pirates management announced during the 2007-2008 offseason that they would not raise prices for the sixth consecutive year, the longest current streak in the majors. A dugout box seat will cost $35 and an infield box seat $27, while the bleachers range from $14 to $9, and the upper deck ranges from $16 to $9.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07334/838000-63.stm|title=Pirates' ticket prices staying same again|author=Dejan Kovacevic|date=2007-11-30}}</ref> |
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==Park 'firsts'== |
=== Park 'firsts' === |
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The following statistics were taken from the Pittsburgh Pirates official website.<ref>{{cite web| title = PNC Park| work = | publisher = |
The following statistics were taken from the Pittsburgh Pirates official website.<ref name="official"/><ref name="ballparks">{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park| work = | publisher = Baseballparks.com| date = | url = http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/national/pitbpk.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-11}}</ref> |
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PNC Park opened on [[April 9]] [[2001]], when the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] lost to the [[Cincinnati Reds]], by a score of 8-2. |
PNC Park opened on [[April 9]] [[2001]], when the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] lost to the [[Cincinnati Reds]], by a score of 8-2. |
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*'''Game''': April 9, 2001 (Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates) |
*'''Game''': April 9, 2001 (Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates) |
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*'''Pitch''': [[Todd Ritchie]] to [[Barry Larkin]] |
*'''Pitch''': [[Todd Ritchie]] to [[Barry Larkin]] (ball) |
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*'''Hit''': [[Sean Casey]] (2-run Home run) |
*'''Hit''': [[Sean Casey]] (2-run Home run) |
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*'''Pirates' Batter''': [[Adrian Brown]] (strikeout) |
*'''Pirates' Batter''': [[Adrian Brown]] (strikeout) |
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*'''Pirates' Home run''': [[John Vander Wal]] ([[April 11]], 2001) |
*'''Pirates' Home run''': [[John Vander Wal]] ([[April 11]], 2001) |
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[[Image:2006 MLB All-Star Game.png|thumb|right|175px|Logo of the [[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2006 All-Star game]], featuring the [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|Pittsburgh]] city skyline, as seen from PNC Park]] |
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==PNC Park in popular culture== |
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| ⚫ | *[[Satire|Satirical]] [[newspaper]] ''[[The Onion]]'' |
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=== 2006 MLB All-Star Game === |
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{{main|2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game}} |
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PNC Park hosted the 77<sup>th</sup> Major League All-Star Game, on [[July 11]] [[2006]].<ref>{{cite press release| title = Pittsburgh Pirates host 2006 All-Star Week, including 77th MLB All-Star Game| publisher = Major League Baseball |
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| date = 2006-04-28| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20060428&content_id=1422702&vkey=pr_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb| accessdate = 2008-04-09}}</ref> The American League defeated the National League by a score of 3-2, 38,904 people attended.<ref name="ASrecap">{{cite web| last = Eagle| first = Ed| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Young rallies AL to victory| work = | publisher = MLB.com| date = 2006-07-12| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060711&content_id=1552532&vkey=allstargamer2006&fext=.jsp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-08}}</ref> The first All-Star game in PNC Park, it was the fifth all-star game hosted in Pittsburgh, and the first since [[1994 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1994]].<ref>{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = All-Star Game History| work = | publisher = BaseballAlmanac| date = | url = http://www.baseball-almanac.com/asgmenu.shtml| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-08}}</ref> During the game former Pirate [[Roberto Clemente]] recieved the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award; his wife, Vera, accepted on his behalf.<ref>{{cite web| last = Bloom| first = Barry M.| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Baseball honors Clemente| work = | publisher = MLB.com| date = 2006-07-12| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060711&content_id=1553135&vkey=allstar2006&fext=.jsp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-08}}</ref> The stadium also hosted the [[2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game#Home Run Derby|Century 21 Home Run Derby]] the previous evening, [[Ryan Howard]] won the title hitting 23 home runs.<ref name="HRDerby">{{cite web| last = Bloom| first = Barry M.| authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Howard powers way to Derby crown| work = | publisher = MLB.com| date = 2006-07-10| url = http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060710&content_id=1551363&vkey=allstar2006&fext=.jsp| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-08}}</ref> |
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=== Popular culture === |
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| ⚫ | *[[Satire|Satirical]] [[newspaper]] ''[[The Onion]]'' featured an article about PNC Park, where the ballpark "threatens to leave Pittsburgh unless (a) better team was built." Poking fun at PNC Park's state-of-the-art status and the Pirates' recent string of losing seasons.<ref>{{cite web| last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = PNC Park Threatens To Leave Pittsburgh Unless Better Team Is Built| work = | publisher = [[The Onion]]| date = 2006-07-20| url = http://www.theonion.com/content/node/50814| format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-04-10}}</ref> |
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* [http://www.mensfitness.com/sports_and_recreation/61 Top 10 Ballparks] by Devin Pratt |
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*[http://www.ballparkdigest.com/visits/pnc_park.htm Ballpark Digest Visit] |
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*[http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/pit/history/ballparks.jsp Pirate ballparks history website] |
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*[http://www.specon.com/pncpark/ PNC Park LIVE WEBCAM!] |
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*[http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/nl/PNCPark.htm Ballparks of Baseball PNC Park website] |
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*[http://www.post-gazette.com/planb/ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette coverage of "Plan B"] |
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[[Category:Major League Baseball venues]] |
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Revision as of 19:04, 11 April 2008
"The Best Stadium in Baseball" | |
| File:PNCParkLogo150.PNG File:PNCPark77.jpg | |
 | |
| Location | 115 Federal St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212 |
|---|---|
| Owner | City of Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority |
| Capacity | 38,496 (2001) |
| Field size | Left Field — 325 ft / 99 m (6 ft / 2 m high fence) Left-Center — 386 ft / 118 m Deep Left-Center Field — 410 ft / 125 m Center Field — 399 ft / 122 m (10 ft / 3 m high fence) Right-Center — 375 ft / 114 m Right Field — 320 ft / 97.5 m (21 ft / 6.5 m high wall) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | April 7, 1999 |
| Opened | March 31, 2001 |
| Construction cost | $216 million |
| Architect | HOK Sport L.D. Astorino & Associates (Pittsburgh) |
| Tenants | |
| Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) (2001-present) | |
PNC Park is a ballpark located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is the fifth home to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball team.[1][2] It opened in 2001, shortly after the controlled implosion of Three Rivers Stadium. The ballpark is named after locally based PNC Financial Services, which purchased the naming rights, in August 1998.[3] Since completion, it has been hailed multiple times, most notably by ESPN.com, as the best ballpark in the country.[4][5]
Planning and construction
Plans to build a new stadium for the Pittsburgh Pirates date back to 1990, when then-mayor Sophie Masloff proposed to build a 44,000-seat stadium on the North Side.[3] Plans were discussed, but due to the Pirates' possible move from the city, were never seriously considered until Kevin McClatchy purchased the team, in 1994.[3] In 1995, then-mayor Tom Murphy created the "Forbes Field II Task Force", made up of 29 political and business leaders, in order to study the issues relating to building a new ballpark.[6] Their final report, made on June 25 1996 concluded that the "North Side site" would be the best location for the new ballpark.[6]
Plan B
The stadium was built with public money after a long political debate. Originally, a sales tax increase was proposed to fund building of PNC Park, Heinz Field, and an expansion of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, but after this proposal was rejected in a referendum, a second plan was created, dubbed Plan B.[7] Plan B did not come without opposition, some even referred to it as Scam B.[8] Many felt that the Pittsburgh Pirates pledge to pay $40 million for the new stadium was too little, while others criticized amount of public money used in Plan B.[9] Plan B, worth a total of $809 million, was approved on July 9 1998; of this $228 million was allotted for PNC Park.[10][11] Shortly after Plan B was approved the Pirates made a deal with Pittsburgh officials to stay in the city until at least 2031.[8] PNC Financial Services purchased the naming rights on August 6 1998, PNC Bank will pay the Pirates $1.5 approximately million each year through 2020.[6] The total cost of PNC Park was $216 million.[1][2]
Design and groundbreaking
An effort in design was made to make PNC Park a salute to other "classic style" ballparks, such as Fenway Park and Forbes Field, its archways and steel truss work were key features of this.[1] The "toothbrush" style light standards are patterned after those at Forbes Field.[3] PNC Park was the first two-deck ballpark to be built in the United States since Milwaukee County Stadium, in 1953.[1][2] Ground was broken for PNC Park on April 7 1999, after a ceremony to rename the Sixth Street Bridge, with the new title of the "Roberto Clemente Bridge".[12]
PNC Park used Kasota limestone,[6] shipped from a Minnesota river valley, to give a contrast to most modern stadiums; which are oft built with brick.[13] PNC Park was built quicker than most stadiums; the Pirates played their first game less than two years after groundbreaking.[13] This was accomplished by using special computers, which relayed building plans 24 hours per day.[13] All 23-labor unions were involved in the building process, including steel workers and scuba divers, no worker was seriously injured.[13]
Kansas-based HOK Sport designed the stadium.[14] The design and construction management team consisted of Dick Corporation and Barton Malow.[1] L.D. Astorino & Associates, of Pittsburgh, was the Architect of Record.[1]
Additions
Prior to the 2008 season, the Pirates made multiple improvements to PNC Park.[15] The biggest change was removing the Outback Steakhouse located underneath the scoreboard, and adding a new restaurant known as The Hall of Fame Club.[5] Unlike the former, The Hall of Fame Club is open to all ticket-holders on game day, it also includes an outdoor patio with a bar and seating, featuring views of the field.[5] Plans are also in place to feature bands in The Hall of Fame Club after the completion of some games, the first band to perform was Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers.[15][5] In addition, all club and suite sections were outfitted with Sony HD televisions.[5]
Features
Eateries
The ballpark features an extensive selection of local specialties and favorites; including Mrs. T's Pierogies, Primanti Brothers, Quaker Steak and Lube, Benkovitz Fish, "Pop's Plaza" (named for former-Pirate Willie Stargell), and "Manny's BBQ" run by former catcher Manny Sanguillén (who often signs autographs for fans waiting in line).[16] PNC Park also lets fans bring their own food into the stadium, a rarity among stadiums around the league.[16]
Seating and ticket prices
During it's opening season PNC Park's 38,496 seats was the second smallest seating capacity of any major league stadium, the smallest being Fenway Park.[3][1] The majority of the seats, 26,000, are on the first level,[17] the highest seat in the stadium is only 88 feet above the playing surface.[1][2] In some sections seating is very close to the playing field; at 52 feet some seats are closer to home plate than the pitcher, also down the left and right field lines seats are just five feet from the foul line.[16] Upon opening in 2001, PNC Park's tickets ranged from $9 to $35 for general admission,[17][18] as of the 2008 season the price range had not changed.[19] The stadium also includes 69 luxury suites and 5,558 suite and club seats,[16] currently ranging from $47 to $210.[19] Prior to the 2008 season, the Pirates created an all-you-can-eat section, in the right field corner, for Sunday through Thursday games.[20][5]
Playing surface and ground rules
The playing surface is natural grass.[1][21] The outfield fence ranges from a height of six feet in left field, ten feet in center field, and twenty-one feet in right field, a tribute to former Pirate right-fielder Roberto Clemente who wore number 21.[16][2][22] The distance of the outfield fence ranges from 320-feet in right field to 410-feet in left center, straightaway center field is 399-feet.[1][6] The Allegheny River is 443-feet 4-inches from home plate.[1][2] On July 6 2002 Daryle Ward, then of the Houston Astros, became the first player to hit a home run into the river on the fly, when he hit a grand-slam off Pirates pitcher Kip Wells.[23] During regular play nobody has hit a ball into the river on the fly since. During the 2006 Home Run Derby, Lance Berkman, Ryan Howard, and David Ortiz, hit a fly balls into the river. The right-field wall features one of the most extensive out-of-town scoreboards of any Major League ballpark; showing the score, inning, pitch count, number of outs, and base runners, for every game.[citation needed]
History
Reception and praise
Upon it's opening in 2001, PNC Park was praised by fans and media alike. Jim Caple, of ESPN.com's Page2, ranked PNC Park as the best stadium in Major League Baseball, with a score of 95 out of 100.[4] He compared the park to Fallingwater, calling the stadium "perfect," and citing the high ticket prices as the only negative aspect of visiting the park.[4] Pirates' vice-president, Steve Greenberg stated, "We said when construction began that we would build the best ballpark in baseball, and we believe we've done that."[17] Major League Baseball executive, Paul Beeston said the park was he best he's seen so far in baseball.[17] In 2008, Men's Fitness named the park one of "10 big league parks worth seeing this summer."[22][24]
Park 'firsts'
The following statistics were taken from the Pittsburgh Pirates official website.[1][6]
PNC Park opened on April 9 2001, when the Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Cincinnati Reds, by a score of 8-2.
- Game: April 9, 2001 (Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates)
- Pitch: Todd Ritchie to Barry Larkin (ball)
- Hit: Sean Casey (2-run Home run)
- Pirates' Batter: Adrian Brown (strikeout)
- Pirates' Hit: Jason Kendall (single)
- Pirates' Home run: John Vander Wal (April 11, 2001)
2006 MLB All-Star Game
PNC Park hosted the 77th Major League All-Star Game, on July 11 2006.[25] The American League defeated the National League by a score of 3-2, 38,904 people attended.[26] The first All-Star game in PNC Park, it was the fifth all-star game hosted in Pittsburgh, and the first since 1994.[27] During the game former Pirate Roberto Clemente recieved the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award; his wife, Vera, accepted on his behalf.[28] The stadium also hosted the Century 21 Home Run Derby the previous evening, Ryan Howard won the title hitting 23 home runs.[29]
Popular culture
- Satirical newspaper The Onion featured an article about PNC Park, where the ballpark "threatens to leave Pittsburgh unless (a) better team was built." Poking fun at PNC Park's state-of-the-art status and the Pirates' recent string of losing seasons.[30]
- Scenes for the independent film Chasing 3000 were filmed at PNC Park.[citation needed]
40°26′49.15″N 80°0′21.58″W / 40.4469861°N 80.0059944°W
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to PNC Park.
- PNC Park at Pirates Offical website
- Pittsburgh Pirates Official website
- A complete breakdown of Plan B funding
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "PNC Park". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
- ^ a b c d e f "PNC Park at North Shore". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
- ^ a b c d e "PNC Park". The Fields of Major League Baseball. Ballparks of Baseball. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c Caple, Jim. "Pittsburgh's gem rates the best". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2008-04-03.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c d e f Langosch, Jennifer (2008-04-03). "Offseason face-lift complete at PNC". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c d e f "PNC Park". Baseballparks.com. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Plan B". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Dvorchak, Robert (1998-06-21). "A TD for Plan B". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Cook, Ron (1998-06-22). "Plan B flawed; option is worse". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Barnes, Tom (1998-07-10). "Plan B approved: Play ball!". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Barnes, Tom (1998-02-11). "Arena won't be part of Plan B". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Barnes, Tom (1999-04-08). "City, Pirates break ground for PNC Park with big civic party". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
- ^ a b c d Robbins, Jim. "PNC Park / Pittsburgh Pirates". Ballpark Visits. BallparkDigest. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- ^ Dulac, Gerry (1998-09-28). "Football stadium architect selected". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Belko, Mark (2008-04-04). "Pirates show off park features". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b c d e Powell, Kimberly. "Baseball Fan's Guide to PNC Park". About.com. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d "PNC Park Gets Rave Reviews". ThePittsburghChannel.com. 2001-02-21. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "PNC Park Info". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b "PNC Park Seating Chart - 2008". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Batz Jr., Bob (2008-04-03). "At PNC Park, 'All-You-Can-Eat' seats". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "Sod Installed At PNC Park". ThePittsburghChannel.com. 2000-10-30. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b Pratt, Devin. "Top Stadiums: Pittsburgh's PNC Park". Men's Fitness. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Stats Inc. "Daryle Ward Scouting Report". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Langosch, Jenifer (2008-04-02). "PNC in Men's Fitness top 10 stadiums". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates host 2006 All-Star Week, including 77th MLB All-Star Game" (Press release). Major League Baseball. 2006-04-28. Retrieved 2008-04-09.
- ^ Eagle, Ed (2006-07-12). "Young rallies AL to victory". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "All-Star Game History". BaseballAlmanac. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bloom, Barry M. (2006-07-12). "Baseball honors Clemente". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Bloom, Barry M. (2006-07-10). "Howard powers way to Derby crown". MLB.com. Retrieved 2008-04-08.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ "PNC Park Threatens To Leave Pittsburgh Unless Better Team Is Built". The Onion. 2006-07-20. Retrieved 2008-04-10.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)