Here are the new features you will see at PNC Park during the Pittsburgh Pirates home opener
PNC Park is already buzzing ahead of Friday’s home opener against the Baltimore Orioles as the team gets set to introduce improvements and new food options for fans. Among the headliners at concession stands this year are chipped ham fries covered in the classic Pittsburgh staple and the Heavy Hitter Dog, a foot-long corn dog covered in mustard and pico de gallo. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pirates show off new lineup of concessions at PNC Park for 2026 baseball season From bursts of creativity to fan feedback to Pittsburgh influences, PNC Park executive chef Gabor Kovats gets his ballpark food inspiration everywhere.
“I remember when I came up with the foot-long corn dog,” said Kovats. “I woke up on a Monday morning like, ‘we should do this. ’” Those flashes of inspiration are in this year’s food additions, including the Boricua Dog, a Puerto Rican-inspired hot dog that Kovats describes as a tribute to Roberto Clemente.
Concession stands will also offer a cold pierogi salad, empanadas, kettle nachos topped with kielbasa and Nutella beignets. “It’s always a weird but great feeling to see fans eat the food that was just a concept a couple months ago,” Kovats said. “That was all in your head, and then they’re actually enjoying it.
For every chef, it’s a great feeling. ” The Pirates also want food in fans’ hands and stomachs faster this season with grab-and-go service. It’s opposed to the more traditional experience of waiting in line to order, then waiting for food.
Fans will notice the pass-through design, getting in line to grab their own food and heading for checkout. Pirates president Travis Williams said the team was looking for ways to make service faster as the game speeds up. “The pitch clock has certainly impacted the speed of the game,” Williams said.