5 Reasons To Visit Pittsburgh For Spring Break
March, it comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. And, somewhere in the middle falls the annual collegiate rite of passage – spring break. For many students, spring break is a time to catch up on some much needed rest, without the aid of counting sheep. For others, it's a time to roar. For out-of-town visitors and the Pittsburgh-area student choosing to stay close to school, this list is for you. Here are the best places to spend spring break in Pittsburgh.
Rivers Casino
777 Casino Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 231-7777
www.riverscasino.com/Pittsburgh
You don't have to travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to try your hand at any number of games of chances this spring break. All you need to do is find your way to Pittsburgh's North Shore. The state-of-the-art River's Casino offers everything you'd expect in a first-rate casino. It's a great place to add a little excitement to your mid-semester break. There's fine dining, entertainment and, of course, the best slots and tables games within city limits. Check out the River's Wheelhouse to watch all of your favorite sporting events.
Pittsburgh Penguins
CONSOL Energy Center
1001 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 642-1800
www.penguins.nhl.com
Date: March 11 and 16, 2014
Crosby, Malkin, Neal and Fleury are leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to another awe-inspiring season of NHL hockey. As the regular season nears its end, there's no better time watch the boys of winter do their best to run away with the Metropolitan division and a number one seed in the playoffs. The Pens play two home games over spring break week. The first is on Tuesday, March 11 against the villainous Washington Capitals. And the second, on Sunday, March 16, features a battle against cross-state rivals Philadelphia Flyers. Click on the Penguins website above for ticketing information.
An Iliad
O'Reilly Theater
621 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 316-1600
www.trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/an-iliad
Date: March 6 - April 6, 2014
"Iliad," homer's take on the Trojan War, is a timeless story. So timeless, in fact, that it's been given another modern update set in the 21st century. The O'Reilly Theatre will be showcasing "An Iliad" beginning on March 6 and running through April 6. It's sure to be an unforgettable show and filled with all of the elements that have sustained it for more than 2,000 years.
Arcade Fire
CONSOL Energy Center
1001 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 642-1800
www.consolenergycenter.com/arcade-fire
Date: March 12, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
The indie rock band Arcade Fire will be bringing its international REFLEKTOR tour to the CONSOL Energy Center on Wednesday, March 12. The Quebec-based group bursted onto the scene with its debut album "The Suburbs," in 2010. The album went on to win the Album of the Year Grammy in 2011. Forgoing the sophomore jinx, the Reflector LP, has cemented Arcade Fire's role as a mainstay in the current indie rock music scene. Fans are sure to flock to the CONSOL Energy Center from all corners of the globe to see what the Canadian band has in store for the Pittsburgh show.
Pittsburgh Steelers Cruise
Tampa, Fl
(412) 381-5553
www.steelerscruise.com
Date: March 10-15, 2014
While the cruise is obviously not scheduled to take place in Pittsburgh, it does still carry a strong connection to the town and the rabid football fans that inhabit it. It's scheduled to begin on March 10, just as most of the nation's colleges are beginning spring break, so it finds a spot on this list. Departing from Tampa, Fla., the Steelers Cruise will set sail for the private island of Coco Cay. Hosted by Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley, the list of past Steelers attending the six-day cruise includes Hines Ward, Franco Harris, Mel Blount, Andy Russell, Greg Lloyd, Willie Parker, Aaron Smith, Chris Hoke, Robin Cole, J.T. Thomas, Gary Dunn and Antwaan Randle El. For more information, click on the Steeler Cruise website link above.
Related: Best Places To See Fowers This Spring In Pittsburgh
Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.