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Lots New At PNC Park As Crews Prepare For Home Opener

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The grounds crew was out at PNC Park today, working to get the field and the stands ready for Monday's home opener.

"This field will be ready. It's on target," said Dennis Dapra, the general manager of facilities for PNC Park.

But for Dapra, it's not just baseball, it's the total experience.

"Part of the entertainment factor is food and beverage, so we really focus with our partners - Levy and Aramark - to enhance our products every year," he said.

And that means lots of new food offerings this season - both healthy and, well, just great to eat - including what Chef Adam Holt calls the best burger in town, and it's too big for most mouths.

"Give a little smash to it before you get in. Get those juices flowing," said Holt. [It] might be a little messy, so I suggest a few napkins."

For hearty eaters, the Pirates moved the popular all-you-can-eat-for-42-bucks seats to the club level with better sightlines.

"Give them their own exclusive spot where they can sit down and eat," said Lou DePaoli, chief marketing officer. "It was a little harder to service them mixed in with all the other fans."

And now, in left field is the new Rivertowne Brewing Hall of Fame Club, featuring new craft beers and specialty foods.

"There are six different craft beers with Rivertowne across the hopping scale," said Christian Fyke, the founder of Rivertowne Brewing.

Not into beer, how about some new souvenirs, including vintage shirts, caps and hoodies. And here's an item for every mancave - a giant $500 bobblehead.

The home opener on Monday is a sold-out game. Although there are a few scattered single seats, none together, but there's plenty of seats available for the Wednesday and Thursday games.

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