The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today details for the 2019 PiratesFest, presented by Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh, as the winter fan fest returns to the Best Ballpark in America. The all-day event will take place this year at PNC Park on Saturday, January 26 and admission is FREE to the public.
The general autograph sessions will take place throughout the event on Saturday in the PNC Park Jim Beam Left Field Lounge. The autograph sessions will be ticketed with per session tickets sold prior to the event. All proceeds from the sessions will benefit Pittsburgh area first responders.
On October 27, the Pittsburgh community was rocked by the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue. In memory of the 11 lives lost that day, as well as in honor of the first responders who bravely entered the fray to ensure the safety of so many others, Pirates Charities will donate 100-percent of the autograph proceeds from the 2019 PiratesFest to the City of Pittsburgh's Fraternal Order of Police "Injured Officers Fund," and the newly formed local "Public Safety Support Trust Fund." In addition, there will be many opportunities around PNC Park for fans to donate and show their support for area first responders.
The support comes in addition to the $50,000 donation already made by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pirates Charities, which was divided among the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh's "Victims of Terror Fund," the City of Pittsburgh's Fraternal Order of Police "Injured Officers Fund," and the "Public Safety Support Trust Fund."
"As we continue to pray for those we lost in this indescribable tragedy, we must also continue to honor their memory by committing to a kinder, more inclusive and more loving future," said Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting. "Our community should take great pride in the fact that Pittsburgh is once again leading the country by demonstrating to our nation how we can stand together as one."
"All too often professional athletes are hailed as heroes, but we know that the real heroes among us are our community's first responders, men and women who dedicate their lives to helping others, no matter what the situation," added Nutting. "Raising additional funds at PiratesFest is yet another way in which the Pirates, and our fans, can continue to honor, support and express our gratitude to our first responders."
General Public hours for PiratesFest, presented by Chick-fil-A Pittsburgh, will be Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.