Pirates To Host Big Screen Viewing Party Thursday On Federal Street
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's been so successful for the Penguins that the Pirates have now officially decided to get a playoff big screen of their own.
The Pirates say they will be hosting a special Postseason Watch Party outside of PNC Park Thursday during Game 1 of the National League Division Series in St. Louis.
Fans will be able to watch the Bucs take on the Cardinals from a 15' by 20' projection screen on Federal Street with the Clemente Bridge and the City of Pittsburgh as the backdrop.
"It's a great idea," Bucs' fan Dan DiGirolano said. "It's worked for the Penguins, and it gives fans something to do."
Quinn King, of Coraopolis, said, "I grew up with the Pirates, and the city is on fire right now, and the jumbo screen is a great idea. Way to go Pittsburgh!"
The PNC Park Clubhouse Store and local restaurants and bars surrounding PNC Park will be open for business, and food and beverage vendors will be set up along Federal Street.
Tony Anton, who runs a North Side bar, called it awesome news that the screen is going up for the game.
The PNC Riverwalk will also be open, and fans are asked to bring their own chairs.
Pirates' President Frank Coonelly told KDKA-TV News, "We're going to throw a block party, and we hope a lot of fans come out."
In a press release, he continued: "The electricity of the first Postseason game at PNC Park showed how passionate Pittsburgh is about the Pirates and we want to give fans the opportunity to join together again to cheer on the team."
Team officials say fans can bring their own food and drinks, but grills and glass bottles are not permitted for safety reasons.
There's also a traffic note that goes along with the Pirates' big screen party. Federal Street and the Clemente Bridge will be closed to traffic at 10 a.m. Thursday.
Limited parking will be available after 4 p.m. in Red Lot Six, which is across from the PNC Park Press Entrance on General Robinson Street.
The game begins at 5:07 p.m.
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Fan Campaigning To Get Big Screen Set Up If Pirates Make Playoffs (9/4/13)
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