PNC Park pre-game

[BuckyBrewer61]

Hey folks, I'm heading out to PNC park this weekend for the Sat./Sun. games and am wondering what their policy is on tailgating. I checked on their website and didn't find anything, though it seems as though there isn't really stadium parking. Is this right? If anyone who has been there could help me out it'd be great. What is there to do in the hours leading up to the game? I know the stadium is near downtown, is that the place to be? Also any post-game suggestions wouldn't hurt either, thanks!

[bullox]

There are parking structures, but no real good tailgate area that I remember.

[JoeHova]

When I was at PNC last summer, you couldn't even park on the street downtown during the games, the meters were closed during games. I don't know how the Pirates got Pittsburgh to shut down their downtown during games, but it was a hassle. I don't think tailgating would be easy because the parking is all structures (don't think they'd let you fire up a grill in one, could be wrong though) or tightly packed under a freeway (like at Summerfest in Milwaukee). Not the most appetizing spot and I'm not sure somebody wouldn't run you over.

[buckeyesteve]

I live in Pittsburgh on Mt. Washington(overlooks downtown) and work in downtown. If you stay at the Westin(most teams stay here) you may see the players. The renaissance downtown is right across the bridge from the park.

 

Nobody tailgates unless it is a steeler or panther game. You can check out firewater or hi-tops(just changed name to something else) right across the street from the stadium or even finnegans wake one block down. Bettis' grill is also a good spot. Hyde Park is a great steak place if you want that sort of thing.

 

You can go to the strip if you want to go to clubs, but most people hang out in the "southside". about 40 bars in a 15 block area - most on carson street (start at jack's and work your way down)

 

a lot depends on your age (over 30 avoid the strip) (over 40 avoid southside)

 

I'll be there on Sunday most likely.

[burniebrewer]

Wow. New stadium and no tailgating.

 

I guess we really are different from everyone else. Blows my mind that there is no spot for tailgating...

[dhoffman19]

There are a lot of places that don't have tailgating - esp. with so many parks being in downtown areas these days. Anyway, when I went to PNC I went to Hi-Tops before the game. Decent place with hot waitresses. As someone above said, it may have changed its name though.

[FVBrewerFan]

I just happened to be in Pitt this week, and took in the Bucs/Cubs game Tues night. True, there's no taligating but everything else about PNC is outstanding. Probably the best park I've ever visited. If yoiu ever go there, you'll understand why there's no taligating. It is a great location, just no room for big surface parking lots.

[dhoffman19]

True, the stadium is outstanding and you should really enjoy it. Also, at the ballpark, have a Primanti Bros. sandwich. Italian is best. It has french fries on it. Sounds weird, but it's excellent.

[FVBrewerFan]

Definitely. When is Sheboygan, you must have a brat. In Memphis, it's barbecue. Pittsburgh...Primanti Bros is a must!