With no fans allowed at PNC Park, Pirates to launch virtual fan initiatives for home opener
When the Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park, it will be without fans in the stands because of the coronavirus pandemic. So the club is launching a virtual fan experience, starting with Monday’s home opener.
The Pirates are encouraging fans to follow online at Pirates.com for in-between innings staples such as the Great Pittsburgh Pierogy Race, Baseball Quiz and T-Shirt Toss.
The Pirates also sent each of their season-ticket holders two “Ballpark Experience in a Box” gift packs that includes a PNC Park 20th season fleece pullover, a Josh Bell bobblehead that celebrates his two home runs into the Allegheny River and a Pirates drawstring bag.
“This season is like no other and no matter how hard we try, PNC Park will not be the same without our fans in attendance cheering our team on,” Pirates president Travis Williams said in a statement. “The ballpark experience is such an important part of baseball and while, for now, we cannot allow fans into PNC Park, we will do everything possible to bring this experience to them at home. We encourage our fans to follow along and join in the fun during this unique season.”
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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