Pirates Opening Day 2011
Apparently the groundhog was right when he predicted 6 more weeks of winter. After a mild winter, it looked like spring was right around the corner, but recently we’ve gotten some snow and it’s been pretty cold outside.
However, if you’re in the mood to start thinking about some warmer weather, baseball season is less than 2 months away! In fact, pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training this Sunday for most teams.
Since moving to Pittsburgh 8 years ago, I think I’ve been to just about every Pirates home opener. I am a Cleveland Indians fan, but I love baseball and nothing beats taking off of work at the start of April & going down to PNC Park, tailgating all morning, and then heading into one of the prettiest MLB parks in the country to watch some spring baseball.
It’s not too often that you can go to PNC Park for a sellout game and tailgate with thousands of people, so if you are able to get the day off, I recommend checking it out. And for the first time in about 20 years, the Pirates were actually somewhat competitive last year, so opening day 2012 looks to be more popular than ever. Combine that fact with the opening day opponent – the hated Philadelphia Phillies – and this game will be a hot ticket. In fact, opening day tickets may already be sold out. Your best bet for finding tickets is either craigslist (buyer beware) or some online ticket broker.
The weather the last several years has been great, so cross your fingers that it will be warm and sunny again this year. Arrive early because parking is always a hassle on opening day. And if you don’t make it into the game, Mullens Bar across the street is always a fun place to grab a beer – just steer clear of the food.
Ps. I forgot to mention, opening day 2012 for the Pirates is Thursday, April 5th, 2012. Game time is 1:35PM. Buy Pirates Opening Day Tickets. See you there.
Mike Martin
Mike Martin is the creator of the Stuck in Pittsburgh blog. In his spare time he enjoys creating websites, playing baseball, and drinking beer.
I’m flying in to attend the home opener-My Aunt Betty (a Mercy Nun) is throwing out the first pitch-the back story to this is very interesting
Hope you enjoy the game. Where are you flying in from? Care to share the back story?
Coming in from New Orleans-and other nieces and nephews(over 50) are flying in from all over the country-please feel free to post it-we are all so proud of her
I’ve added the post here: http://pittsburghtailgate.com/2012/04/pirates-opening-day-first-pitch/
Thanks for stopping by.