What’s more Mystical Magical than Benson Boone kicking off his Wanted Man Tour in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena on July 7? That’s right, the backflipping, jumpsuit-wearing pop-star is hitting one of Pittsburgh’s biggest stages as the first stop on his 2026 American tour. As you get ready to dance like Mr Electric Blue in your flashiest outfit, prepare for the concert with a guide to seeing Benson Boone at PPG Paints Arena. Whether it’s parking, bag policies, show times, or insider tips, find it all below and get your ticket ready on your phone.
Your Guide to Benson Boone’s Concert at PNC Park: Parking, Bag Policy, and More
Purchasing Tickets
Benson Boone’s show in Pittsburgh on July 7 is not sold out yet but you’ll want to hurry because few tickets are left on Ticketmaster. Currently, section 200 seats are available to the back side of the stage for $127 while sections 114, 115, 121, and 122 to the right and left of the stage goes for $204 to $234.75. There are even a few general admission floor tickets left but you’ll be paying at least $165.35, though it may be the best view that’s left unless you don’t mind being to the side of the stage.
Door and Show Times
So far, doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m., a little later than usual for a show. But, there has been no opening act announced yet so we can assume that means Benson kicks things off right at 8 p.m. The only bad part about no opener is that getting there early becomes more important. Since doors open at 7 p.m., we recommend getting to the venue around that time. But, if you’d rather be safe than sorry, arrive before doors and get in line to enter the venue. Note: PPG Paints Arena at times opens doors late so don’t stress if it hits 7 p.m. and the line isn’t moving yet.
Bag Policy
The only way you can bring a bag into PPG Paints Arena is if it’s a wristlet or wallet no larger than 4″ x 6″ x 1.5″, a medical bag, or a diaper bag. You’ll also want to be sure you head through the right security screening if you do have a bag. Just listen for the staff to direct you and look for signs for those with bags.
Parking Info
Genuinely, at PPG Paints Arena, it’s best to either arrive early, park further away in Downtown and walk over, or take a ride-share. If you don’t mind paying $30 and up for parking, PPG has lots to the right of the stadium, nestled between Center Avenue, Crawford Street, and Washington Place. Just note these lots are all cashless. But, you can also park further into Downtown in parking garages like the Chatham Center Garage, U.S. Steel Building Garage, BNY Mellon Center Garage, Manor Complex Garage, and Duquesne University Garage that can be cheaper at times, especially as you get further towards Market Square and Boulevard of the Allies. But, a ride-share (or the bus) drops you off right outside the doors and ensures you aren’t stuck in a parking lot for hours after the show.
Who Are the Openers?
Currently, there is no opener for Benson and he will start the show off when the lights go down at 8 p.m., which makes sense for the late door and show time. But, promoters could add local openers closer to the show so stay in the know on PPG’s social accounts.
The Setlist
Pittsburgh is actually the first stop on the Wanted Man Tour so there is no previous setlist to go off of. But, since Benson did not come to Pittsburgh on his last tour, we can assume he will play some of the same line-up. Expect to hear Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else, Mystical Magical, Mr Electric Blue, Wanted Man, and of course, Beautiful Things. Plus, since Benson has a new song out, we’ll probably hear The Time Of My Life too. Though we’re not crystal clear on the setlist, his tour poster promises backflips and magic so you know you’re in for a treat.
Navigating the Venue and Surrounding Area
PPG Paints Arena can be a bit of a beast to navigate if you have not been there before. There are a total of three gates that will get you into the arena but the best one for you depends on where your seat is. If you have general admission floor tickets, you’ll want to head to the signs that say “Floor Access.” Otherwise, you’ll want to enter whatever gate is closest to your section. If you’re in the 100s level from sections 105 to 109 the F.N.B Gate on Center Avenue may be your best option. But, if you’re going up to the 200s level then the Highmark Gate next to the Epiphany Catholic Church and on Center Avenue will take you right to the escalators. But, on most show days, the EQT Gate is also accessible on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Place.
Then, once you’re inside the venue, it’s all about following the signs above you to find your section. In case you do get lost, a staff member will be happy to give you directions to your seat. And, in case you’re looking to get merch (and who wouldn’t?), PPG often has multiple merchandise stands set up in corridors around the 100s level and 200s level. Plus, depending on the artist, you may be able to grab merch early from an official trailer outside of the venue.
Where to Eat and Drink
And lastly, for all your hunger and thirst needs, you have options both inside the arena and outside. If you’re looking just to eat and drink at the show, stick to the general concession vendors. The prices are cheaper and the products are normally just as good as the name brands you’ll see, including specific stands for specific liquor brands or even Pittsburgh-centric treats. Though outside of the arena, the world is your oyster with the entirety of Downtown full of restaurants and bars. Some of our recommendations just a short walk from the arena are Moonlit Burgers Uptown, Ritual House, Chinatown Inn, and The Commoner.
Dine Outside of the Venue
Moonlit Burgers in Uptown is just a 3 to 5 minute walk away from the venue and it’s a smash-burger paradise. Thin, expertly grilled patties meet griddled onions, American cheese, kosher dill pickles, and a signature Moon Sauce. Plus their shoe-string fries will throw you back to your childhood. They even have a kids menu for those bringing the whole family along.
Ritual House inside the Union Trust building fills the menu creative fusions with inspiration from worldwide cuisine. They also boast an expansive bar menu as well as a number of delicious bites to accompany your drinks. With a Happy Hour weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., it’s the perfect place to grab a quick drink and bite to eat before walking just 10 minutes to PPG Paints Arena.
Chinatown Inn is your stop for classic Chinese food in a cozy, traditional setting. One of the only parts left of Pittsburgh’s Chinatown, order up General TSO’s Chicken, Fried Rice, Lo Main, Pepper Steak, Crab Rangoon, as well as Crispy Chinatown Egg Rolls. You could even get a few different dishes and then split the large portions amongst you and your fellow concert-goers. It’s just a 10 minute walk away.
Just 11 minutes from the venue, The Commoner makes seasonal flavors shine alongside a robust selection of local beers and spirits. Their lunch and dinner menus take you through upgraded favorites like The Commoner Burger featuring wagyu beef, secret sauce, caramelized onion, sweet pickles, American cheese or a Casareccia that uses bronze-cut pasta, aged parmesan cream, walnuts, and arugula. Just don’t forget to order a cocktail like their Kimchini with Grey Goose vodka, ramp kimchi, chili oil, and salt.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Photo From Benson Boone
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