PNC Park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates as well as a number of concerts from national and international bands, making it a venue that most Pittsburghers (and travelers alike) go to at some point in their lives. Whether you’re gearing up for the hottest concert of the summer or a weekday night baseball game, here’s your ultimate guide to navigating PNC Park from parking to dining to bag policy and even a few insider tips and tricks.

The Ultimate Guide to Navigating PNC Park

Getting to PNC Park 

If you’re driving in from the north, park in a garage or find street parking on the North Shore. There are often spots available in and around the Mexican War Streets neighborhood, and you can grab dinner at Federal Galley before walking to PNC Park.

If you’re coming from the west, south, or east, park downtown and walk over the Roberto Clemente Bridge to the park. On Pirates game days, the bridge is pedestrian-only.

PNC Park Bag Policy

Each guest may bring one soft-sided bag measuring 16 x 16 x 8 inches or smaller. Purses, fanny packs, soft-sided coolers, and backpacks are permitted as long as they meet the size limit. Unlike many NFL stadiums, bags do not need to be clear. 

Outside food is permitted, along with one clear, sealed disposable plastic bottle of water per guest.

Where to Eat and Drink Around the Park

Mike’s Beer Bar

A North Shore beer institution for good reason. Splurge on the cook-your-own Steak on a Stone, or graze on pretzels, wings, and the pickle-focaccia pizza.

The Bohemian

New this spring in the restored Garden Theater lobby. Try the Czech-style lagers, just $6, served in hand-washed steins. There’s no kitchen, so grab food from Mayfly Market across the hall. 

Burgatory 

A homegrown Pittsburgh favorite, located between PNC Park and Acrisure. Build-your-own burgers starting at $15 and thick, hand-spun shakes—including boozy variations—are standouts. If you’re adventurous, try “Wild Game Wednesdays”: a wild-game burger—like camel and kangaroo—that changes weekly.

Federal Galley

A food hall with a rotating array of chef-driven concept eateries and communal seating, plus an outdoor beer garden. Closed Mondays.

SugarBird

The season’s big debut, it opened in April 2026 at the new Plaza at North Shore, across from PNC Park. Casual and laid-back, with a menu of fried chicken, donuts, ice cream, frozen cocktails, and a full bar. 

The Smash Shack

Casual smash burgers, walkable on the North Shore.

Nicky’s Thai Kitchen

Thai spot downtown, just across the bridge.

The Eagle

Downtown, across the bridge. Southern comfort food.

Insider Tips and Tricks

PNC Park is cashless, so bring a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment.

All restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and family/companion-care restrooms are available at sections 109, 110, 115, 119, 132, 133, 147, 305, 315 and 331, plus the club levels.

PNC Park has partnered with KultureCity to help make the park more welcoming for guests with sensory processing needs. Complimentary sensory bags with fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted lap pads are available at Guest Relations. There’s also a dedicated sensory room in Suite 62, accessed via the left-field rotunda.

Assisted-listening devices are free of charge at Guest Relations with an ID or credit card deposit.

Trained service animals are welcome, but must stay leashed or harnessed at all times. A service-animal relief area is located outside the right-field gate.

Each of the four corner gates features a Pirates legend: Roberto Clemente at the bridge, Willie Stargell in left field, Honus Wagner behind home plate, and Bill Mazeroski in right field. They’re handy landmarks if you’re trying to meet up with friends.

Where to Park When Going to PNC Park

Expect event pricing at all nearby garages and lots. Rates are set by individual operators and can be significantly higher for sold-out concerts than for Pirates games.

• Blue 10 Garage: Closest to PNC, with security and public bathrooms. 
• Red 5 Garage: Directly above the T Station, with quick access to 279.
• Gold 1 Garage: About a 10 minute walk away, and accommodates vehicles, up to 8 feet, 2 inches tall.
• Red Lot 6: Across the street from PNC park.  Tailgating allowed. Feeds directly onto 279.
• Red Lot 5A: Closest to the home plate entrance. Easy access onto 279.

Or park downtown and ride the free T to North Side Station, just steps from PNC Park.

Alternate Transportation Options for No Parking Worries 

The Gateway Clipper runs between the Station Square dock and PNC Park, for about $15 round-trip.

More than 50 Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus routes serve downtown. From there, it’s a short walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge to the ballpark or a ride on the T.

Where to Grab a Nightcap After the Game or Concert

The Warren

Kitchen open until midnight, bar until 2 a.m. 

The Park House

Historic 1933 tavern with a full pub menu. Open until midnight Wednesday through Saturday. 

Space Bar

Sci-fi cocktail lounge open until 11 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Closed Mondays. Vegetarian small plates only.

Con Alma

Latin-inspired dishes and live jazz nightly. Kitchen closes at 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. on weekends. The lounge/bar stays open later for drinks.

Täkō

Buzzy street-food and taco spot. Kitchen stays open until midnight, with a rotating late-night menu after. 

Story by Kenny Gould
Photography by Joshua Peacock

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