Thousands Of Fans Pack North Shore For Pirates' Home Opener At PNC Park
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's Opening Day at PNC Park.
Despite the cold temperatures, nearly 40,000 fans gathered on the North Shore for the Pittsburgh Pirates' first home game of the season.
The parking lots from Heinz Field all the way down to the ballpark were packed.
"This is something me and my dad have been doing for the last six years and he beat me out of bed to be here early today, and I brought my fiancée for the first time," said fan Shienna Ross, of Uniontown.
"Looking forward to the season, and summer's coming," said fan Karen Herbst, of Cranberry Township. "I think the Pirates are going to do well."
First pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals was thrown at for 1:05 p.m.
The gates opened at 11 a.m., and the pre-game ceremonies began at 12:30 p.m.
The Bucs made sure opening day was special. The National Anthem was be sung by 6-year-old Opera singer Victory Brinker, of Latrobe. Then, first responders were honored for their work at the scene of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting scene.
The first pitch was thrown out by four Pittsburgh officers injured in the shooting.
Officers Anthony Burke, Timothy Matson, Dan Mead, and Michael Smidga, four Pittsburgh Police officers who were wounded at the Tree of Life shooting, threw out the first pitch at the @Pirates Home Opener. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/IuSx47EONJ
— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) April 1, 2019
Meanwhile, the Pirates say there's always a special feel to the Home Opener.
"There's importance in the day, and there's importance of acknowledging the tradition, fan base, our organization, our employees, everybody that pours in to our product. I think there's honor and value in that and there always will be," said Pirates manager Clint Hurdle. "I think it's significant and special for generations. The game can be handed down on Opening Day."
KDKA's Rich Walsh Reports:
There are a lot of changes at the ballpark for the season, including new food, like the Pittsburgh Cone featuring kielbasa, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing in a waffle cone.
And for those with a sweet tooth, there's also the Shipwreck Sundae and the Jolly Roger S'mores.
Over in the kids' area they've set up a broadcast booth, and then there's the Chevron STEM Zone where there is a playground and the new virtual reality Home Run Derby experience.
Unfortunately, the game didn't end the way fans were hoping it would with the Pirates losing to the Cardinals 6-5 in the 11th inning.
For all the latest details on Opening Day, visit our comprehensive guide here.
