One of the new food items at PNC Park is inspired by Pirates pitcher David Bednar’s walk-up song.
The Renegade Dog is a footlong hot dog with pot roast, mini pierogies, pickle slices, and onions on a bun, and it will be available at the Pittsburgh Pirates' home opener.
The Renegade Dog will be available when the Pittsburgh Pirates play against the Baltimore Orioles at 4:12 p.m. on Friday for the home opener.
Originally, the Renegade Dog was planned to be available from Opening Day until the All-Star Break in July, but its availability near Section 133 may continue for the entire season.
During the annual “What’s New at PNC Park” media event, the executive chef expressed uncertainty about whether the Renegade Dog will be a limited time offering, mentioning that it might remain available for the whole season if fans like it.
According to executive chef Gabor Kovats, the decision to keep the Renegade Dog on the menu for the whole season will depend on whether fans like it.
Executive chef Kovats mentioned that he hasn’t discussed the hot dog with Bednar but hopes he appreciates the honor of having it named after him. He also noted that the combination of pierogies, pot roast, and pickles is popular in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are continuing their collaboration with local companies, offering another hot dog from Smallman Deli in the Strip District in Section 135.
The Pirates have partnered with Pittsburgh’s Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse, which will offer pizza, wings, boneless wings, and onion rings in Section 109.
Pittsburgh’s Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse will be located in Section 109, offering pizza, wings, boneless wings, and onion rings.
Chicken on the Hill will collaborate with Coop de Ville in the Strip District to offer a chicken biscuit with a flaky biscuit, fried chicken, honey butter, chorizo gravy, and house pickles in Section 144.
A dessert called the Candied Bacon Sundae will be introduced in July, featuring vanilla ice cream, Belgian waffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, bacon, and caramel sauce in Section 119.
The Coca-Cola Patio will serve items inspired by local eatery Low Key Taco in North Fayette, including beef nachos, caramel-stuffed churro, and roasted corn on the cob.
Pirates President Travis Williams emphasized the importance of partnering with local companies, stating that these items are popular among fans and add to the ballpark experience.
Kovats pointed out that collaborating with the Pirates allows local companies to gain more exposure for their products, reaching thousands of fans who attend the games.
A unique food offering called the Cannonball Burger will be available near Section 146, featuring a sweet cheese pierogie topped with chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.
Look for Big Mozz, a company from New York, offering 5-inch crispy cheesesticks made of whole milk mozzarella served with marinara sauce.
The Pirates have announced a collaboration with Pittsburgh’s Wigle Whiskey to set up three bar areas in the Club Level. The Club Level now has all new carpet, tables, and chairs.
Around the park, there are pictures of former players from the Crawfords and the Homestead Grays, as well as moments at Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium.
“Pittsburgh has a great reputation for baseball,” said Janet Marie Smith, a ballpark designer and founder of Baltimore-based Canopy. “From the time of the Crawfords and the Homestead Grays to Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium, and now to PNC Park, which is considered the best ballpark in America.”
Besides food, the Pirates have expanded the team store in partnership with Fanatics. They have also invested in the players areas, adding an expanded dining space with comfortable chairs, a coffee bar, and a game area.
The team store now has a larger footprint and offers throwback items by Mitchell & Ness. It also has an area where you can create your own baseball trading card and player jersey. Stephen Perkins, vice president of marketing for the Pirates, showcased some of the new children’s T-shirts.
“The vintage products are very modern,” Perkins said. “They showcase players like Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, and Roberto Clemente.”
In the batting cage area, the Pirates are one of 20 Major League Baseball teams to have Trajekt technology, which replicates a pitcher’s throwing motion and actually throws a ball at the speed that the player would throw it. This allows players to practice facing upcoming pitchers, such as the Oriole’s Craig Kimbrel.
“We aim to keep this as the best ballpark in America,” Williams said.
Some of the improvements include women’s locker rooms and areas for female umpires or staff members for the Pirates and visiting teams. There is also a sleep room and massage room for players to receive treatments and relax and recharge. The Pirates also have a mental health coach available.
