The Stadium holds 38,000-plus people. It is intimate and seems very accommodating for people in the stands. Most of the spectators sit in normal seats, although the two-level bleachers in left field are metal benches. The bleachers in left are behind a very short outfield wall, offering great views for the outfield. The right field seats are above a manual out-of-town scoreboard, a novelty quickly losing its luster in these new stadiums. There are a number of areas that I presume can be used for standing spectators, for the time when the Pirates are a big draw again. Unlike most modern parks, the media area is not on a lower level, but is above the seats behind the plate. That offers plenty of room for better fan seats.

The concourses and public areas of PNC are great. The wide walkways and clean, well-kept restrooms are great. There are plenty of shops for food and concessions. In certain areas, such as behind the left field corner, are tons of specialty shops. This includes Pittsburgh favorite cuisines and larger stores for adults as well as children (there is a special store for "Buckaroos," which they call their kid-fans). This corner is very attractive, with a tribute to the Negro League stars who once played in what was once arguably the Negro League capital of the world (home of the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawford. Players such as Paige, Gibson, Johnson and Bell called Pittsburgh home) as well as rotunda and the shops. This seems to be one of the best places for standing fans to enjoy the game. Also in this area, behind the left field bleachers is an Outback Steakhouse where people can eat while watching the game.

Although I didn't check it out, there is apparently a similar rotunda behind the plate.

Outside the park is very fan-friendly. Some of the immediate streets are closed down for traffic and are instead opened for a kids zone. One of the bridges going to the south side of town is also left for pedestrians only on game days. Around the park are banners to remember some of the old-time heroes, and there are statues of Roberto Clemente and Willie "Pops" Stargell. Outside the stadium in left field, along the part of the building that houses the Outback, also has a number of other dining and drinking establishments.

The view from the park is much more attractive than I ever thought Pittsburgh could offer. A collection of old and new buildings that work well amongst one another. During my trip, the river was high, but that didn't seem to impede life in the Iron City. When I get to Pittsburgh again, I certainly look forward to exploring the park and the city some more.

I will begin by telling you that I am a female baseball fan whose goal it was to visit each and every one of the 30 stadiums. At the end of last year, my journey was complete, but two new parks this year will set me back out on the road again.

There are a lot of beautiful parks in baseball, but most of them pale in comparison to PNC. The park is located just across the Roberto Clemente Bridge very near where the old Three Rivers Stadium stood.

If you sit anywhere between the bases, you are treated to a beautiful view of the city's skyline. You also have the option of watching the game from the Outback Steakhouse located in left field.

The Pirates may be a below average team, but this is no below average park. It has the intimacy of Wrigley Field, the modernization of Turner Field, and the beauty of Pac Bell all rolled into one.

In the new parks, the baseball is a second show to the features of the parks. PNC is no different. Here you have good food, good scenery, and good people to share it with. Definitely a jewel in Pittsburgh's crown!