Good 4 you because you’re on our way to go see Olivia Rodrigo at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Whether you’re going on the first night, September 29, or the second night, September 30, seeing this pop princess in Pittsburgh for the first time is sure to leave you so obsessed. But, as you gear up for the big day, you probably have a million questions from where to park the day of the Olivia Rodrigo show to what time you should arrive, what the setlist will be, and what PPG Paints Arena’s bag policy is. To make sure the show lives up to your real big expectations, follow our guide below for everything you need to know before you see Olivia Rodrigo in Pittsburgh. And, for more detailed information on the venue, check our our guide to PPG Paints Arena.

Your Concert Guide to Olivia Rodrigo at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh

Door and Show Times

Both nights of Olivia Rodrigo in Pittsburgh start at 7 p.m. with opener Wolf Alice, meaning doors most likely open an hour beforehand at 6 p.m. Though, those with VIP tickets that include early entrance will receive an email with more information on their arrival and door time. Just be sure to check your ticket to figure out which entrance to go through, there will be signs day of the show directing you and staff standing outside to help.

Since most of the show is assigned seating, you can plan to arrive around when doors open and still have plenty of time to grab merchandise, snacks, and find your seat. If you do happen to have general admission floor access, earlier is better. Olivia fans take their role very seriously and those looking for barricade will need to line up early in the morning (if not the day beforehand) to get right on the rail. But, if we’re being honest, getting in line an hour or two before doors open will more than get you a great spot, still close to the front.

Bag Policy

At PPG Paints Arena, you can only bring in bags if they are under 4″ x 6″ x 1″ in size, best for wallets and wristlets. There is an exception for medical and diaper bags but expect these to go through x-ray scanning when you enter.

The venue also prohibits outside food or drink, professional cameras (with a detachable lens), full-face coverings, and recording devices.

Getting to PPG Paints Arena

Parking Info

Parking around PPG Paints Arena can seem tricky at first but you actually have plenty of options to choose from.

By far the most convenient option is either the PPG Paints Arena parking garage, stationed directly beside the venue, or the lot that’s right across from the arena on the other side of Centre Avenue. These are official arena lots though so they’ll come with a higher price tag. For a show like Olivia, don’t be surprised if you pay anywhere from $30-$60 to park here.

Outside of the arena’s parking are garages throughout Downtown Pittsburgh. You’ll walk a little further, about 5 to 15 minutes, but you’ll pay less for these garages and you may even get out a little quicker. Look for the Chatham Center Garage, U.S. Steel Building Garage, and BNY Mellon Center Garage. The further away from the arena you park, the less you’re more likely to pay. And, you can always can a quick, free ride on the T light rail from stations at Station Square, First Avenue, or Wood Street to the Steel Plaza Station and save yourself a few blocks of walking. For more detailed information on parking, check out our guide to PPG Paints Arena.

Public Transportation

Rideshare, the T, and PRT bus routes are all great ways to get to PPG Paints Arena without having to worry about parking. You can ride the T in all the way from South Hills Village or Castle Shannon to Downtown and do the same with bus lines 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 71A, 71C, 71D, 81, and 83. Or, simply book your Uber or Lyft ride to the rideshare drop-off on Wylie Avenue and Fullerton Street. These are also great ways to ensure no one drives under the influence if you plan on drinking at the show.

If You Are Going to Buy Resale Tickets…

We know how quick Olivia Rodrigo’s The Unraveled Tour sold out, trust us. We tried to get tickets too and unfortunately lost the Ticketmaster war… and the Silver Star ticket war… and now we’re holding our breath waiting to hear back from the official ticketing waitlist (a list you can join in case more tickets open up closer to the show).

But, if you’re intent on going to see this superstar (and who could blame you), be cautious when it comes to purchasing resale tickets. Never buy from a seller on social media, always go through the trusted and policy-backed ticketing sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, or Vivid Seats. Currently, the cheapest resale tickets go for at least $250 for nosebleeds with anything near the stage or on the floor ranging from $350 upwards. Prices are only going to climb as the show comes closer so play it safe and grab your tickets now before you’re paying $1,000 for a concert.

Who is the Opener?

Both nights of Olivia Rodrigo in Pittsburgh start off with opener Wolf Alice. This rock band hails from London, featuring lead vocalist and guitarist Ellie Rowsell. What started as an acoustic duo of her and guitarist Joff Oddie has turned into a four-piece band with bassist Theo Ellis and drummer Joel Amey. Their most recent album, The Clearing, is a bit folksy, carrying a lot of raw, emotional energy in their music. Think twangy guitars and layer of harmonies. But, the band’s other music varies in genre with their other album Blue Weekend hitting on more of a contemporary level, feeling like a movie soundtrack to a coming-of-age film. No matter what vibe they’re giving, this band perfectly matches Olivia’s versatility and passion. Their grooves should get the audience into a dancing mood while also warming them up to the emotional night ahead.

The Setlist

While The Unraveled Tour has not yet begun so no official setlist is available, we can look to Olivia’s Daisy Chain Fields performance to see what songs may pop up. Of course, you can plan to hear a majority of you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love since it is her newest album, and frankly, since it has so many layers to its song selection, it naturally interwinds with the rest of her work. Some of the songs she played live off the album previously include drop dead, my way, honeybee, maggots for brains, stupid song, expectations, the cure, and the bonus track, serena joy.

But don’t worry long-time Olivia lovers, she’ll still be playing many of the hit songs off her other two albums of SOUR and GUTS. Especially since this is Olivia’s first time in Pittsburgh, it’ll give everyone a chance to hear the songs you may have missed from her other tours like bad idea right?, drivers license, deja vu, and good 4 u.

Since her performance at Daisy Chain Fields is just a slice of what’s to come, who knows what other covers or crowd-favorites she may pull out for this show. If it’s anything like last tour, the show could be around 23 songs long, meaning there’s something for any era of Olivia fan.

Navigating the Venue

The first thing to know about PPG Paints Arena is that it is 100% cashless and mobile-entry only (a.k.a your phone is your ticket). While there are reverse ATMs inside, it’s best to leave the cash at home and make sure your card is loaded prior to the show.

One of the good parts about the arena structure is that every level has its own bathrooms, concessions, beer stands, and often, merchandise stands too. So once you get into the building, head to the second floor for the 100s sections, or the third floor for the 200s seconds. Then, you can choose from specialty local fare like The Milkshake Factory or grab classic pretzels and hot dogs at the regular concessions booths. Availability varies from stand-to-stand so be sure to take a loop around to find what you’d like.

You might even find certain organizations on the premises handing out freebies like HeadCount that works to register voters.

Where to Eat Before or After the Show

In case you want something other than arena food, there are plenty of places within walking distance of PPG Paints Arena where you can grab a bite and a cocktail before or after the show.

Dinner Before

• Moonlit Burgers Uptown: Just five minutes from the venue, this casual spot crafts smash burgers topped with griddled onions, served alongside crispy shoestring fries and thick milkshakes.
• Ritual House: A quick 10-minute walk into Downtown brings you to the Union Trust Building, where you’ll find an elevated take on comfort food, vibrant global dishes, and a creative cocktail menu.
• The Commoner: Housed inside the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and only an 11-minute stroll away, this cozy tavern highlights seasonal local ingredients, craft brews, and dishes prepared over an open wood-fired hearth.
• Chinatown Inn: Located 10 minutes away on foot, this iconic Downtown landmark offers classic, family-style Chinese cuisine perfect for sharing before your show.

Food or Drink After

• The Warren Bar & Burrow: This dependable Downtown staple stays open late, pairing craft cocktails and an extensive selection of spirits with midnight-friendly food service.
• Space Bar: Tucked into Market Square, this sci-fi-themed lounge serves up cosmic cocktail flights and light bites in a uniquely immersive setting.
• Täkō: A lively Downtown favorite delivering elevated street-style tacos, a massive tequila selection, and a high-energy vibe through the late hours.

What to See in Pittsburgh While You’re Here

Since you’re already in the city, explore Downtown or head to the North Side, South Side, or Lawrenceville to browse some of the specialty shops.

• The Silly Goose: Newer to the Pittsburgh area, this gift shop is about all the things that make you laugh and smile. Lining the walls are fun t-shirts with puns, cute hats with embroidered animals, one-of-a-kind gifts for friends, and you guessed it, plenty of goose-themed merchandise.
• The Government Center: This combo record shop, coffee shop, and bar is a music lover’s dream come true. Check out their endless shelves of records with everything from new releases to limited edition vinyl. Then, grab yourself a coffee from the cafe, or even a cocktail from the bar before you explore the rest of the city. It’s a great place to pick up Olivia’s album prior to the show.
• Love, Pittsburgh: Whether it’s Pittsburgh-made or Pittsburgh-themed, Love, Pittsburgh stocks it in their store. Grab yourself a “Yinzer” t-shirt or a locally made pair of earrings that matches the vibe of Olivia’s babydoll dress attire.
• Vinegar Syndrome: Cult films and forgotten films find their place at Vinegar Syndrome, a store on the South Side that specializes in film preservation and release. Stop in and pick up a random movie you’ve likely never heard of to have your mind blown.
• Passionate Pages: Appropriate for a lover girl at heart, Pittsburgh’s romantic genre bookstore in Lawrenceville is a must for any Olivia fan. Browse shelves full of enemies-to-lovers, queer fiction, and even spicy reads that’ll have you bringing a stack of new books home. Or, maybe a candle that smells just like a morally-grey love interest.

About the Author

Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky. 

Photo From Olivia Rodrigo

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine‘s print edition.