PNC Park

This is the most photogenic ballpark in baseball.

The home of the Pirates highlights everything good about the city of Pittsburgh, offering breathtaking views of the downtown skyscrapers that dot the landscape on the opposite side of the Allegheny River, on which PNC Park is built upon the shores of. For $4 each way you can take a ferry to the ballpark, or you can park at the nearby city garage (for just $3) and walk across the Roberto Clemente bridge, the focal eye candy from inside the ballpark.

With the city's buildings, rivers, and bridges starring as the perfect backdrop, PNC doesn't disappoint upon entrance. The unique rotunda in left field is a great place to catch a few innings, while the world famous Primanti Brothers have concessions on each level. Their famous steak sandwich, with fries and coleslaw piled between two slices of Italian bread, is only 80 cents more than its cost at the actual restaurant.

The outfield seating is relatively unique, with a steep bank in the right field seats, which stand above the out-of-town scoreboard featuring up-to-the-minute scores and game situations (outs and baserunners) for all MLB games. The walkway behind the outfield seats runs parallel to the Allegheny River (just 443 feet, 4 inches from home plate), which joins forces with the Monongahela to form the Ohio River, the three rivers providing the inspiration for PNC Park's predecessor, Three Rivers Stadium (1970-2000).

The key to taking in all of the ballpark's splendor is seating yourself in the upper deck, which offer views of Mt. Washington, numerous bridges and skyscrapers, including the glass castle PPG structure, and the occasional boat passing by.

PNC Park was a big part of the revitalization of the city. Since the turn of the century, Pittsburgh has opened a new airport, convention center, and football stadium. Heinz Field, home of the Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh, is located next door. But these upgrades have come at a cost, as Pittsburgh is heavily in debt and citizens have called for the impeachment of the mayor as a result.

Monetary issues and politics aside, the only downer for the new ballpark is the team which inhabits it. The Pirates lost 100 games in their inaugural year and haven't had a winning season since 1992. But go to Pittsburgh and you'll come away impressed, with both the ballpark and the city which it shows off. When the park first opened mayor Tom Murphy exclaimed, "The only city I can think of with a similar view is Paris." I don't think any baseball fan would impeach him based on that statement.

- Written by Graham Knight in 2003