Gulf Tower to light up when Jolly Roger is raised

By Tom Singer

August 30, 2013

PITTSBURGH -- Whenever the Pirates raise the Jolly Roger for the rest of the season, they will be doing so by the light of the Gulf Tower.

To officially celebrate the start of the September stretch drive to a National League Central title -- launching with the three-game division showdown this weekend with the Cardinals --- key moments in Buccos games will be reflected by lights sequences in the top six floors of the 44-story tower.

Clearly rising beyond PNC Park's left-center stands, the Clemente Bridge and the Allegheny River, the Gulf Tower will display different light shows for Pirates home runs and Pirates runs.

Each light sequence will feature a black and gold pattern that lasts for 60 seconds.

Following Buccos victories for the rest of the season -- home as well as on the road -- the tower will display a separate light sequence that will run the remainder of the evening.

How will this be carried out?

Through arrangements by Larry Walsh of Rugby Realty, owners of the Gulf Tower, the Pirates scoreboard staff will have control of the lights during game days (home and away).

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.