Pittsburgh Pirates ready for sellout crowd at PNC Park for home opener
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's an exciting day in Pittsburgh as Pirates fans have packed PNC Park for the team's home opener.
The Baltimore Orioles are in town to face the red-hot Pirates, who come into the home opener with a 6-1 record. The first pitch was at 4:12 p.m.
Jared Jones is on the mound for the Pirates, making his second career start after his debut win against the Marlins last week.
Opening day festivities
Before the game, Pirates third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes was presented with his 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove.
The Pirates also welcomed members of the United States 316th Sustainment Command Color Guard, and the National Anthem was performed by musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra brass section.
Two parachute jumpers landed inside PNC Park and former Pirates manager Jim Leyland threw out the first pitch.
Pirates President Travis Williams told KDKA-TV earlier this week that the team expects a packed house at PNC Park.
"We'll be sold out on Friday," Williams said.
"You know what time it is...."
Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen called for a blackout for Friday's game.
‼️‼️ATTENTION PITTSBURGH ⚠️⚠️⚠️ pic.twitter.com/Jl9yLDcqQU
— Andrew McCutchen (@TheCUTCH22) April 5, 2024
In a social media post, McCutchen said you can join the party by dressing in black.
The impact of Pittsburgh's flooding on getting to today's game
For fans heading to the game, the Gateway Clipper shuttle will not be running and the Riverwalk along the North Shore is under several feet of water.
Posted by Gateway Clipper Fleet on Thursday, April 4, 2024
On Thursday, water along the North Shore had risen as high as near the steps to Acrisure Stadium.
The Riverwalk isn't expected to be clear of water before Monday.
Long-term light-rail project getting underway Friday
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is also reminding light rail riders that Wood Street Station will close for rail work immediately after the game.
Riders will be able to connect from Gateway Station to the rarely-used Penn Station via a shuttle bus.
The project is expected to last for nearly two months.
What to know about PNC Park's bag policy
Fans are allowed to bring one bag into PNC Park as long as it is soft-sided and 16" x 16" x 8" or smaller, according to the Pirates' website. Bags any larger than those dimensions won't be allowed inside the ballpark, and all bags are subject to a search.
Before entering the ballpark, guests will be asked to go through a security screening. The Pirates encourage fans to arrive early to get through security, where they'll have to remove large metal objects like cell phones and cameras before going through.
What's new at PNC Park this season?
When fans flock to the North Shore, they'll find lots of new additions at the ballpark this season.
New food items at PNC Park include a bacon and waffle sundae and the Renegade Hot Dog, a footlong hot dog with pot roast, mini pierogis, caramelized onions, and pickle slices.
The stadium's club level has received a facelift with improvements to everything from the carpeting to the artwork.
In addition to those improvements, there is a variety of famous Pirates' memorabilia being put on display.
No sunshine, no problem! Fans still tailgate the opener
Despite a lack of sunshine and warm weather, fans still gathered on the North Shore ahead of the Pirates' home opener.
KDKA's Chris DeRose caught up with a group of fans having a great time ahead of first pitch!