Pittsburgh is a city where the sporting season never truly ends. From the crack of the bat on warm summer evenings to the roar of the crowd on NFL Sundays, the affectionately named ‘City of Champions’ serves up an electric atmosphere all year round.
Located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is home to numerous arts and cultural offerings, such as The Andy Warhol Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Carnegie Science Center. Its buzzing Downtown Cultural District, award-winning food scene, abundance of outdoor activities and high-tech status due to exciting research being undertaken at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University are bringing a new wave of young Pittsburgh residents into the city.
Though Pittsburgh boasts breath-taking views, fantastic hotels and accommodations and exciting family attractions, visitors quickly discover it’s the experiences and activities that they can see, do and find only in Pittsburgh that make a visit to the region truly stand out.
First pitch of the Baseball season with the Pirates (March – September)
Major League Baseball begins in late March, and the Pittsburgh Pirates are a must-see. Their home, PNC Park, is widely regarded as one of the USA’s most iconic ballparks, celebrated for its stunning skyline views, intimate atmosphere and picturesque setting along the Allegheny River. Games typically last around 2 hours and 30 minutes and offer plenty of entertainment, including the beloved Great Pittsburgh Pierogy Race, where giant pierogi mascots dash around the field between innings.
Watch excitement build at the NFL Draft at Point State Park (23-25 April)
For the first time ever, Pittsburgh will host the NFL Draft. Expect over 500,000 fans to descend upon Point State Park, the North Shore, and Acrisure Stadium for this massive, free football festival. Presented by Bud Light, the city will be abuzz with the event with all 32 teams and fans descending on the city. Beyond the draft, sports enthusiasts can enjoy art and culture with a sports theme at the Roberto Clemente Museum, Acrisure Stadium tour and Heinz History Centre Steelers exhibition.
Get involved in Pittsburgh Marathon and Half-Marathon (3 May)
There’s no better way to experience Pittsburgh than by running through it, and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon delivers just that with a stunning tour of the city’s rivers, bridges and neighbourhoods. The marathon course starts downtown, takes runners across multiple river crossings and major bridges, including the Roberto Clemente Bridge near PNC Park and winds through vibrant areas like the Strip District, Shadyside, Bloomfield and Oakland before finishing near Point State Park with panoramic skyline views. With both full and half marathon options, it’s a perfect challenge for seasoned athletes and first-time racers alike
Experience electric atmosphere with the Pittsburgh Penguins Ice Hockey (October – April)
If the hit series Heated Rivalry has sparked your interest in ice hockey, then you’ll want to catch the Pittsburgh Penguins in action. The National Hockey League season begins in early October and runs through April, with playoffs extending into early summer for qualifying teams. Home games at PPG Paints Arena offer an amazing atmosphere, complete with dramatic player introductions, fast-paced play and passionate black-and-gold support.
Experience electric atmosphere with the Steelers (September – January)
With the Super Bowl taking the UK and Ireland by storm this year, there’s so much to discover about American football including Pittsburgh’s legendary Steelers. The National Football League season runs from September through early January. Home games are held at Acrisure Stadium which offers an unforgettable atmosphere, as a sea of black and gold fills the stands and fans wave the iconic Terrible Towel, a decades-old symbol of unity and team pride. Game day in Pittsburgh is as much about tradition and passion as it is about the action on the field.