As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare for the return of fans to PNC Park, the Club today announced the health and safety protocols that will be in place to safely welcome fans back to the Best Ballpark in America.
Below is a comprehensive list of health and safety protocols that have been implemented at the ballpark. The Pirates will require fans to wear face masks as well as practice social distancing throughout the facility. All protocols are consistent with CDC guidelines and were developed with help from medical experts at
Allegheny Health Network and guidance from Major League Baseball.
Face Masks
• In accordance with state orders, all fans ages two and older are REQUIRED to wear a face mask at all times while at PNC Park, unless actively eating or drinking in their ticketed seat. Guests who fail to wear a mask may be denied entry or may be subject to ejection.
• Face masks must cover the nose and mouth with material that is secured to the head with ties, straps, or loops over the ears or is wrapped around the lower face. Gaiters, bandanas, and face coverings with an exhalation valve or vent are prohibited.
• Face masks must be worn at all times in all common areas at PNC Park (including, but not limited to, entrance lines outside or inside of PNC Park, while walking on the Riverwalk or on a concourse inside of PNC Park, and in restrooms).
Social Distancing
• PNC Park will be operating at a reduced seating capacity in order to comply with state orders and to provide adequate space for socially distanced seating pods.
• Fans must follow all posted instructions at PNC Park and maintain social distancing of six feet from other fans.
• Signage and ground graphics are in place to define paths of travel and identify queuing lines/areas.
• Guests will be asked to enter the designated gate on their tickets.
• Fans must sit only in their purchased seats in order to ensure social distancing. Relocating to other open seats without permission is prohibited. Fans are encouraged to ask a Guest Services representative for assistance should they wish to relocate.
Sanitizing
• Hand sanitizing and hand washing stations have been placed throughout PNC Park. In addition, hand sanitizer stations will be located at every point of sale.
• PNC Park has implemented industry-best cleaning sanitization procedures and is complying with all CDC requirements and recommendations. Expanded cleaning and disinfecting occurs before, during and following each event. Clean Team members wearing a highly visible vest will sanitize high touch areas regularly throughout each event.
Contactless PNC Park/Concessions and Merchandise
• For easy and contactless entry into the ballpark, fans are encouraged to have tickets ready on their mobile device in the MLB Ballpark app before getting to the gates. Online ticket purchasing is the preferred method of ticket buying.
• Fans are encouraged to add their mobile tickets to their Apple Wallet or other mobile device for ease of entry to the ballpark.
• To limit touch points, PNC Park will now be a completely cashless ballpark. Credit and debit cards as well as Apple/Google Pay will be accepted. A reverse ATM will be available to convert cash to a prepaid Mastercard. This service is free of charge to fans. Pre-paid cards can be used anywhere, not just at PNC Park. Any amount up to $500 can be put on the cards. Reverse ATMs can be found in sections
119 and 319.
• All Aramark concession stands and clubs, as well as all Fanatics’ Pirates Clubhouse Stores, throughout the ballpark are cashless.
• The Pirates have implemented separation between concession lines and placed social distancing markings on the floor, and line capacities will be in place for concession stands.
• All food and condiments will be prepacked in single servings.
• Touchless sinks and toilets have been installed through PNC Park, allowing for a contact free restroom experience.
Parking, New Bag Policy, Gate Procedures and Area Closures
• Parking lots and garages located around PNC Park will offer touchless payment systems, including: Lot 6, Lot 1, Lot 2, Gold 1 and North Shore Garage.
• Tailgating is not permitted at this time.
• Bags bigger than 8" x 5" x 1" will not be permitted unless it is a medical or diaper bag. All bags will be subject to search upon entry.
• Several PNC Park gates are closed around the ballpark until further notice including Legacy Square Gate and Right Field Gate.
• Several areas around PNC Park are closed until further notice including Lower Bleachers, Kids STEM Zone, Jim Beam Left Field Lounge, Picnic Park, Corner Bar, Bucaroos @ Legacy Square (Bucaroos at section 147 will be open). The pool tables on the Pittsburgh Baseball Club Level will also be closed.
• All water fountains throughout the ballpark will not be in use until further notice. Fans are welcome to carry in sealed water bottles, 24 oz. or less.
Ticket Assurance
• With so much uncertainty around gatherings and events, the Pirates are pledging to provide assurance to fans that their investment in Pirates Baseball will be guaranteed.
• Season Ticket Holders:
o In the event a fan’s 2021 seats are impacted due to restricted capacity or a reduced number of regular season home games resulting from the pandemic, the Pirates will do everything possible to provide the best seat location and season ticket plan that meets the fan’s expectation.
o If the Pirates are unable to meet that expectation, fans will have the opportunity to use the money on their account towards a different ticket purchase in 2021, a credit for the 2022 season or a refund back to the initial payment method. In the event 2021 home games require
reduced seating capacity, Pirates Season Ticket Holders will be guaranteed seating opportunities before the general public.
The Pirates have implemented many health and safety protocols throughout the ballpark, however fans that are considered in the high-risk category for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC (CDC.gov), should not attend an event at PNC Park.
Fans experiencing fever, symptoms of respiratory infection (including cough, sore throat, shortness of breath), or other symptoms associated with COVID-19 as outlined by the CDC (CDC.gov), should not attend an event at PNC Park. Fans who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, unless they meet a quarantine exception as outlined by the CDC (CDC.gov), should not attend an event at PNC Park.