PITTSBURGH — PNC Bank and the Pittsburgh Pirates announced a partnership Thursday to introduce a “Hoist the Cones” promotional giveaway at PNC Park.
The team will offer fans limited-edition collector traffic cone ice cream holders during select home games this season.
The free PNC-branded traffic cone holders will be available with the purchase of ice cream at select ballpark locations during Sunday home games, while supplies last. The promotional schedule includes games on Aug. 16, Sept. 6 and Sept. 20, 2026.
The “Hoist the Cone” slogan originated earlier this season after a third party mistakenly designed a T-shirt and posted it on social media. The orange traffic cone subsequently became a permanent fixture in the Pittsburgh Pirates dugout, where players use it as part of their home run celebrations.
Pittsburgh Pirates President Travis Williams noted that the trend has become a visible symbol of team spirit.
“The ‘Hoist the Cone’ movement has become incredibly popular in 2026 and is adding to the PNC Park experience in a fun and unique way,” Williams said. “The traffic cone is a symbol of connection and a rallying point between our dugout and our fans and we are proud to build upon our partnership with PNC to offer fans a fun opportunity to get their own traffic cone to hoist once inside the park.”
Lou Cestello, PNC regional president for Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania, emphasized the bank’s ongoing relationship with the franchise.
“As Pittsburgh’s hometown bank, PNC is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Pirates and PNC Park,” Cestello said. “The traffic cone phenomenon is one of those uniquely Pittsburgh moments that fans have made their own. We’re excited to bring it to life in a new way and create another memorable experience for fans visiting the best ballpark in baseball.”
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