PNC Park features overhauled eatery
The Pirates unveiled the offseason improvements to PNC Park on Thursday, and the highlight is the Hall of Fame Club.
The restaurant replaces Outback Steakhouse in left field, and it bears little resemblance to the former occupant.
Renovations included knocking down every wall that wasn't structurally necessary to create a wide-open space with a prominent, 25-stool, U-shaped bar. Workers also removed windows that didn't open and replaced them with retractable glass doors that open not only to the field but also to Federal Street on the other side.
"Every opportunity we can, we're going to open up those doors to the outside ballpark so you can see, smell and hear the sounds of the ballpark," team president Frank Coonelly said yesterday while leading the media on a ballpark tour.
In another change from the steakhouse, any person with a ticket can enter the Hall of Fame Club and stay as long as they like. The bar will continue to serve past the seventh inning, when alcohol sales shut down in the rest of the park, and even as late as 2 a.m., depending on fan demand.
"It's something that not many of our fans could enjoy in the past, and now all of our fans can enjoy it, and we're extraordinarily proud of it," Coonelly said. "It's a new and exciting feature of what is already the greatest ballpark in the country, from my perspective."
Other changes include:
• The ability to use debit and/or credit cards at any concession stand in the park.
• All-you-can-eat seats in which fans can pay $35-$40 and get unlimited hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, salads, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream and soda.
• Larger seats with extra padding in the Lexus Club Seating area, and 220 new flat-screen televisions in the premium seating areas.
• A renovated team store in which fans will be able to purchase authentic game-used memorabilia.
There are changes in food offerings in the premium areas and new choices at select concession stands throughout the park, including veggie burgers, Philly cheese steaks and Gatorade.
