PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It’s an thrilling day in Pittsburgh as Pirates followers have packed PNC Park for the crew’s home opener.
The Baltimore Orioles are on the town to face the red-hot Pirates, who come into the home opener with a 6-1 file. The first pitch was at 4:12 p.m.
Jared Jones is on the mound for the Pirates, making his second profession begin after his debut win in opposition to the Marlins final week.
Opening day festivities
Before the sport, Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes was introduced along with his 2023 Rawlings Gold Glove.
The Pirates additionally welcomed members of the United States 316th Sustainment Command Color Guard, and the National Anthem was carried out by musicians from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra brass part.
Two parachute jumpers landed inside PNC Park and former Pirates supervisor Jim Leyland threw out the primary pitch.
Pirates President Travis Williams informed KDKA-TV earlier this week that the crew expects a packed home at PNC Park.
“We’ll be bought out on Friday,” Williams stated.
“You know what time it’s….”
Pirates heart fielder Andrew McCutchen known as for a blackout for Friday’s recreation.
In a social media put up, McCutchen stated you’ll be able to be a part of the social gathering by dressing in black.
The influence of Pittsburgh’s flooding on attending to immediately’s recreation
For followers heading to the sport, the Gateway Clipper shuttle won’t be working and the Riverwalk alongside the North Shore is beneath a number of ft of water.
On Thursday, water alongside the North Shore had risen as excessive as close to the steps to Acrisure Stadium.
KDKA Drone Team
The Riverwalk is not anticipated to be away from water earlier than Monday.
Long-term light-rail venture getting underway Friday
Pittsburgh Regional Transit can be reminding gentle rail riders that Wood Street Station will shut for rail work instantly after the sport.
Riders will be capable to join from Gateway Station to the rarely-used Penn Station through a shuttle bus.
The venture is anticipated to final for practically two months.
What to learn about PNC Park’s bag coverage
Fans are allowed to convey one bag into PNC Park so long as it’s soft-sided and 16″ x 16″ x 8″ or smaller, in response to the Pirates’ web site. Bags any bigger than these dimensions will not be allowed contained in the ballpark, and all luggage are topic to a search.
Before coming into the ballpark, visitors shall be requested to undergo a safety screening. The Pirates encourage followers to reach early to get by safety, the place they will need to take away giant metallic objects like cell telephones and cameras earlier than going by.
What’s new at PNC Park this season?
When followers flock to the North Shore, they will discover plenty of new additions on the ballpark this season.
New meals objects at PNC Park embrace a bacon and waffle sundae and the Renegade Hot Dog, a footlong scorching canine with pot roast, mini pierogis, caramelized onions, and pickle slices.
The stadium’s membership degree has acquired a facelift with enhancements to all the pieces from the carpeting to the paintings.
KDKA Photojournalist Tim Lawson
In addition to these enhancements, there may be a wide range of well-known Pirates’ memorabilia being placed on show.
No sunshine, no downside! Fans nonetheless tailgate the opener
Despite an absence of sunshine and heat climate, followers nonetheless gathered on the North Shore forward of the Pirates’ home opener.
KDKA’s Chris DeRose caught up with a bunch of followers having a good time forward of first pitch!
