Pirates will issue refunds to season-ticket holders
Now that MLB has unveiled its 60-game schedule in a season that will start without fans allowed in ballparks because of the coronavirus crisis, the Pittsburgh Pirates have told season-ticket holders who requested refunds that their 2020 ticket packages will be fully reimbursed within the next seven to 10 business days.
“At this time it remains unclear if PNC Park will be able to host our loyal and dedicated fans during the 2020 season,” the Pirates wrote in a letter to fans. “We remain in constant contact with the health experts, government officials and league representatives as we consider numerous ideas that will allow us to host fans in a safe manner this season. Please know that the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, fans and community at large remains paramount in these discussions.”
We have announced our 2020 refund policy. All fans who purchased tickets through the Pirates for this season can expect communication today or tomorrow.
Complete 2020 Updates: https://t.co/aAtL38yDuD pic.twitter.com/R88z2NBVfO
— Pirates (@Pirates) July 8, 2020
In April, the Pirates offered season-ticket holders two options: to retain the value and receive credit for games missed because of the covid-19 pandemic or to receive full refunds. The season-ticket holders who retained their ticket value received the bonus of a 15% credit used toward any games in 2020 or ’21, as well as a complimentary seat upgrade for a future game of their choice in 2020 or ’21, which applies to all seats in the plan. For individual ticket buyers, the credit can be used for any games in 2020 or ’21, with a 10% bonus toward tickets for future games this season or next.
At the time, Pirates president Travis Williams remained optimistic fans would be allowed to attend games at PNC Park in a letter to season-ticket holders: “We feel strongly that we will play games this season. We very much look forward to the return of Pirates Baseball, and eventually welcome you back to PNC Park.”
MLB, however, plans to start the season with no fans in attendance. The Pirates play Opening Day on July 24 at the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series, then return for their home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 27 at PNC Park.
Kevin Gorman is a TribLive reporter covering the Pirates. A Baldwin native and Penn State graduate, he joined the Trib in 1999 and has covered high school sports, Pitt football and basketball and was a sports columnist for 10 years. He can be reached at kgorman@triblive.com.
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