Pirates announce PNC Park improvements for 2015

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates are raising the "bar" for the fan experience at PNC Park for the 2015 season.

The club on Monday announced four new areas for fans to congregate and toast the action on the field, without having to miss a single play. Three of the enhancements will be accessible to fans in general seating areas. Additionally, a 1,600-square-foot meeting center is being added to the park's administration building.

The new amenities, fully funded by the club, will all be unveiled for the Bucs' home opener, on April 13 against the Detroit Tigers.

"It is important for the Pirates, and we believe the City of Pittsburgh, that PNC Park continues to be widely considered as the best ballpark in America," said club president Frank Coonelly. "We view PNC Park as one of Major League Baseball's iconic ballparks, and we understand that iconic ballparks must continuously be updated and improved to ensure that they continue to meet the needs and desires of all of our fans.

"Pittsburgh is a city with a strong sense of community. With that in mind, what we have created with these enhancements are areas for all fans to gather as a community while enjoying Pirates baseball together."

A two-level standing-room terrace behind the left-field bleachers, each spanning 250-plus feet, will allow fans easy in-and-out access to the Rivertown Brewing Hall of Fame Club. Access to "The Porch," a separate outdoor patio adjacent to the terraces, will be available for sale on a game-by-game basis to groups of about two dozen people.

There will be a new outdoor bar at the base of the left-field-corner rotunda, featuring a 40-foot bar as well as a 60-foot standing rail.

Finally, a full-service bar is being added on the 300 Level concourse, with a 28-foot outdoor bar as well as separate tables with barstool seating. Sun shades and ceiling fans will add to fans' comfort.