Pirates host big screen watch party

PITTSBURGH — Thousands of fans gathered outside PNC Park to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday night in Game 1 of the National League Divisional Series.

Fans watched the Buccos fall to the Cardinals 9-1 outside of PNC Park on Federal Street on a 15-foot x 20-foot screen.

Channel 11’s Vince Sims was there as the first fans started showing up around 1 p.m. Thursday.

“We’re in the playoffs for the first time in our lives. I was born in ’92 so I haven’t seen a playoff game,” Mike Erdeljac said.

Pirates President Frank Coonelly said in a press release: "This series promises to be another great chapter in this incredible season and we want to ensure all of our loyal fans have the opportunity to be a part of the festivities. The electricity of the first Postseason game at PNC Park showed how passionate Pittsburgh is about the Pirates and we want to give fans the opportunity to join together again to cheer on the team."

This season marks the first time in 21 years the Pirates have made the playoffs. The National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins have drawn thousands of fans to watch road playoff games in recent years on a big-screen TV near their arena, the Consol Energy Center.

Information on the event can be found on the official website by clicking here.

WPXI