PNC Park making COVID-friendly changes to keep fans safe during Pirates games

PITTSBURGH — The final touches are being put in place at PNC Park, and there are a lot of changes coming because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a big focus on “touchless technology” at the Pittsburgh Pirates home stadium. From the time you buy your ticket to the gift shop and concession stand, it is all about safety.

Fans can buy tickets in pods of two or four through the MLB Ballpark app, which is being used across the league. While the Pirates are allowed to have up to 50% capacity under the state’s relaxed coronavirus guidelines, the team said PNC Park will only hold about 25% for now.

Masks are required at all times unless actively eating or drinking in your seat. There will also be a “buffer zone” between fans and the players, so no autographs for the time being.

In an effort to go touchless, food and drinks will be cashless. The same goes for gift shops throughout the park. There are reverse ATMs to help fans turn cash into a debit card to use throughout the game.

Food inside suites will be individually wrapped -- with capacity limits similar to restaurants.

There are also features for families. An app will help you unlock the nursing pods around PNC Park, and there is now a room for fans with sensory issues as well.

The maximum bag size allowed inside the park is 8x5x1, except for bags used exclusively for medical equipment or diaper bags.

PNC Park making COVID-friendly changes to keep fans safe during Pirates games PNC Park making COVID-friendly changes to keep fans safe during Pirates games