The Pittsburgh Pirates are set host their cross-state rival Philadelphia Phillies to open up a seven game homestand beginning on Thursday, July 28. On Friday, July 29, the Pirates will ramp up the hometown atmosphere at PNC Park by hosting Yinzerpalooza, a night designed to celebrate all that’s great about Pittsburgh, featuring a postgame concert from Pittsburgh-native band, The Clarks.

The night will begin with the first round of a pierogy eating contest on the Highmark Riverwalk. Twelve contestants made up of Pirates Season Ticket Holders, Pirates fans and social followers will face off before the grand prize finals take place during the game. The grand prize winner will receive a year’s supply of Mrs. T’s pierogies, Home Plate Club tickets to a future game and the opportunity to hold the finish line during the pierogy race.

The pregame ceremonies will continue with the Pittsburgh theme with a national anthem performance by The University of Pittsburgh Marching Band as part of University of Pitt Night tied to the Yinzerpalooza celebration. The first pitch honors will be held by a true Pittsburgh sports legend and two-time Super Bowl Champion, Ben Roethlisberger. It is only appropriate that Pirates All-Star Yinzer, David Bednar catch his first pitch.

“Pirates baseball is all about celebrating the great city of Pittsburgh in the summertime at PNC Park,” said Team President Travis Williams, “Adding a special night to our promotional calendar as we face our cross-state rival the Phillies seemed like an obvious choice and a great opportunity to showcase our Pittsburgh pride.”

In addition, there will be special appearances and autograph signings from former Pirates and MLB alumni Ken Macha, Kevin Orie, Chris Peters and John Wehner. The Pirate Parrot will be joined by Steely McBeam and Iceburgh for festivities throughout the night as fans can enjoy many fun surprises throughout the in-game presentation.

Also, on display at the Highmark Riverwalk will be special artwork by local Pittsburgh artists. Ten local Pittsburgh artists have each designed and decorated an MLB official sized home plate with artwork that represents what they love about Pittsburgh. Fans will have the chance to bid on these unique art pieces starting Wednesday, July 27 and concluding on Sunday, July 31.

Finally, following the game, there will be a postgame concert featuring the Pittsburgh-native band, The Clarks. With a highlight reel that includes the Late Show with David Letterman, The Simpsons and others, The Clarks are continuing their long and storied history on tour this summer.

Fans can purchase tickets at pirates.com/yinzerpalooza.

Other highlights of the upcoming homestand include:

Thursday, July 28 – Phillies vs. Pirates (7:05 p.m.)
• Sugardale Dollar Dog Night: Enjoy $1 hot dogs at select concession stands throughout PNC Park thanks to Sugardale.

Saturday, July 30 – Phillies vs. Pirates (7:15 p.m.)
• Jim Beam Block Party: Head to the game early and enjoy a Jim Beam Block Party featuring live music from East Coast Turnaround, food, drink specials and more. Pirates alum Omar Moreno will be signing autographs from 6 PM – 7 PM.

• Police and Firefighters Appreciation Night: Guardian Protection continued their support of our local heroes by purchasing and distributing thousands of tickets to local Police and Firefighters. Join us as we celebrate our local heroes.

• Zambelli Fireworks Night: Stay after the game to watch Zambelli Fireworks light up the city skyline presented by Guardian Protection.

• Penn State Night: Penn State alumni and fans are in for a treat with a special ticket offer celebrating Penn State at PNC Park. Tickets include a co-branded Pirates/Penn State water bottle and access to a pregame happy hour in the Left Field Lounge. A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit THON. This special ticket package may be purchased at pirates.com/PennState.

Sunday, July 31 – Phillies vs. Pirates (1:35 p.m.)
• Kids Days + Kids Poster Giveaway Get to Federal Street early to enjoy the Family Fun Zone with fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a balloon artist, face painters, inflatables and more. In addition, all kids 14 & younger will receive a Pirates poster painted by local artist Johno Prascak.

• Kent State University Day: Kent State alumni and fans are in for a treat with a special ticket offer celebrating Kent State at PNC Park. Tickets include a co-branded Pirates/Kent State water bottle and access to a pregame happy hour in the Left Field Lounge. This special ticket package may be purchased at pirates.com/KentState.

• Kids of Steel: Members of Kids of STEEL can participate in a warning track parade during pregame. Special ticket purchase is required. Visit pirates.com/kidsofsteel.

Tuesday, August 2 – Brewers vs. Pirates (7:05 p.m.)
• Pup Night – Pirates fans with pups can enjoy a special Pup Night on the Rooftop at PNC Park. Seats are limited and can be purchased at pirates.com/pupnight.

Wednesday, August 3 – Brewers vs. Pirates (7:05 p.m.)
• Beer Passport Night – With a special ticket purchase, fans can enjoy an exclusive sampling of beers from FatHeads on the Highmark Riverwalk. All participants will also receive an exclusive Pirates koozie. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at pirates.com/beerpassport.

• Josh Gibson MLB Hall of Fame Plaque – To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Josh Gibson’s National Baseball Hall of Fame induction, the Pirates are proud to host Gibson’s plaque at PNC Park August 3 and 4. Fans attending the games both nights will have the opportunity to take a photo with the plaque, during the rare visit away from its home in Cooperstown. Gibson was an American baseball catcher primarily in the Negro leagues for Pittsburgh’s Homestead Grays. Baseball historians consider Gibson among the best power hitters and catchers in baseball history. In 1972, he became the second Negro league player to be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Thursday, August 4 – Brewers vs. Pirates (12:35 p.m.)
• Josh Gibson MLB Hall of Fame Plaque – To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Josh Gibson’s National Baseball Hall of Fame induction, the Pirates are proud to host Gibson’s plaque at PNC Park August 3 and 4. Fans attending the games both nights will have the opportunity to take a photo with the plaque, during the rare visit away from its home in Cooperstown. Gibson was an American baseball catcher primarily in the Negro leagues for Pittsburgh’s Homestead Grays. Baseball historians consider Gibson among the best power hitters and catchers in baseball history. In 1972, he became the second Negro league player to be inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.