Pirates fans looking forward to baseball season

PITTSBURGH — Baseball is back and fans can’t wait to head to the North Shore. The Pirates’ home opener is set for April 12 against the Cubs.

Bars, restaurants, hotels and businesses are looking forward to the economic boost. At Mike’s Beer Bar on Federal Street, just across from PNC Park, news of the lockout coming to an end spread quickly.

“I think everyone is excited,” Mike Sukitch, owner of Mike’s Beer Bar, told Channel 11. “It’s now happening sooner than I thought it would, which is certainly a positive for the business and even more so our employees.”

Sukitch said his seasonal hiring hold is over. More spring and summer employees will now be needed for what’s expected to be a busy return to normalcy.

“With the pandemic being almost over, people are going to be out and about,” Brian Havyer told Channel 11.

Some fans said they would have liked to see more significant changes in the agreement between managers and the Player’s Association.

“The need to run it a little more like the NFL,” Eric Brandenburg said. “Even hockey is doing better.”

“I certainly would have liked to see a structure built in with a salary floor so it would get the Pirates to spend a little bit more and make them more competitive,” Sukitch said.

At Stage AE on the North Shore, things are going to look more normal this summer. Thursday night’s concert has no COVID-19 requirements.

“It’s really exciting. We haven’t been to a concert in two years since this all started,” Brianna Klingsmith said.

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