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New Food, Technology At PNC Park This Season

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A day at a Pirates' ballgame may look a whole lot different soon.

Technology is now playing a big role in increasing fans' experiences.

"We believe, and most importantly the guys in that clubhouse believe, that 2016 can be a very special year for the Pittsburgh Pirates," explained President Frank Coonelly.

Before you arrive at PNC Park, you can use a 3D virtual reality seat locator. It shows the view from every seat in the house.

"Our season ticket members can use it for their seats, but this is a tool that is available to all fans. This is on the website, so when you are trying to make a decision between two locations, if you are coming to a game or you are trying to buy your seats, now you have a much better perspective of what your seats are going to look like," said Drew Cloud, Pirates Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.

There are a seven fireworks nights in 2016. Free shirt Fridays are back, and so are the bobbleheads. All year, the Pirates honor the World Series champions from 1971 and 1979. It kicks off Sunday when the Cardinals come to town for the first game of the 2016 season.

"Two teams that over the last three years have had the two best record in all of Major League Baseball over that period, starting a 2016 season that will be just as competitive as we have seen in each of the last three years," Coonelly said.

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There are tons of new restaurants and food choices. Buying your favorite Pirates gear just got easier.

"It breaks that barrier down so now I can talk to you and say 'let me show you this, or let me grab this for you' or just if an associate is busy, I can go shop on my own and then ask a question," Vice President of In-Venue Commerce, Fanatics Bredan McQuillan.

For an inexpensive way to see a ton of games, buy the Spring Pass. For $99, you get a ticket to every game in April and May after opening day.

The Spring Pass is a little more variety. You get to meet new people, you get to experience different parts of the ball park, and you get to do it for a great value too.

Anyone who loves baseball will tell you the food is a huge part of the experience.

Aramark is stepping up the concession game, first by introducing the Cracker Jack And Mac hot dog.  The creation consists of cracker jacks, macaroni and cheese, caramel sauce and jalapeños.

"As people eat it, they are going to understand why we did it. The cross of the flavors.  You got the sweet, the savory, the salty, alltogether and when you mix them all together that's what makes it a gastro infused item.  I mean it's fantastic," said GM Steve Musciano with Aramark.

Also new, a turkey gyro burger, and the Andrew Zimmerman canteen dog: a cheddar sausage with mustard, cabbage slaw and mayo on a bun. There is a new pizza joint called Slice, and a Mexican Cantina.  There are more than three dozen craft brews available at the ball park as well.

"We do more than just a hot dog. We have several items out there.  We've got BRGR.  We've got Primanti's. We've got Quaker Steak and Lube and of course we create our own items that set themselves apart," Musciano said.

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