Pirates return to PNC Park for the second homestand of 2025
The Pirates return home for the second homestand of the season with a four-game series beginning tonight against the Washington Nationals. The homestand concludes with three games against the Cleveland Guardians that gets underway Friday night.
The Bucs will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on Tuesday, April 15 while also hosting the first Fireworks Night on Friday, April 18. The first 20,000 fans through the gates will receive a Paul Skenes Topps Card bobblehead on Saturday, April 19. Below are more highlights from around the ballpark this homestand.
Monday, April 14 – Pirates vs. Washington Nationals (6:40 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 15 – Pirates vs. Washington Nationals (6:40 p.m.) Jackie Robinson Day
Jackie Robinson Day: On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier when he made his historic MLB debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Every year on April 15, baseball honors Jackie’s legacy by celebrating his life, values and accomplishments. On Tuesday, all teams proudly wore “42”, demonstrating a powerful, unified, tribute to the legacy of the great Jackie Robinson. Tonight, the Pirates celebrate by recognizing:
Drew Hairston, a freshman at Allegheny College and Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar, will throw an honorary first pitch in a pregame ceremony.
Shelty’s Shirts: Pirates manager Derek Shelton has invited Jackie Robinson scholar, Drew Hairston and his family as special guests to batting practice to show his support of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the work they do for minority youth across the county. The visit will include a meet-and-greet with Shelton, players and coaches prior to Hairston throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Step Up to the Plate: Curt Roberts: Step Up to the Plate is an annual event held at PNC Park to honor Curt Roberts, the first African-American player for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The event takes place in the Left Field Lounge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and aims to bring together college students for a day of career exploration, connection, and inspiration within the sports industry. The program includes a panel discussion with Pirates staff, a group strategy exercise, and direct networking opportunities with hiring managers. By creating access and opening doors, this event ensures the spirit of both Jackie Robinson and Curt Roberts lives on through the next generation of leaders in baseball.
Pup Night: Tonight is a special night on the Rooftop as fans will enjoy Bucco baseball with their pooch as the Pirates present Pup Nights at PNC Park. Each ticket package includes a seat for one person and a complimentary admittance for one pup! Seats are limited and subject to availability. For tickets and more info, visit pirates.com/pups.
Wednesday, April 16 – Pirates vs. Washington Nationals (6:40 p.m.)
- Career in Sports Night: Tonight, the Pirates will host a Career in Sports Night at PNC Park. This is a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders at a pregame panel discussion with Pirates executives. Guests will have the chance to enhance their professional skills with a Human Resources Resume Workshop, plus take part in an exclusive networking session. This special ticket offer grants access to these valuable experiences and also includes a Pirates notebook to document insights and ideas. For tickets and more info, visit pirates.com/careerinsports.
- Tommy Pham: Today, Pirates outfielder Tommy Pham will host coaches and players from the Southside RBI in a pregame meet and greet during batting practice.
Thursday, April 17 – Pirates vs. Washington Nationals (12:35 p.m.)
- Markers Celebration: Pirates President Travis Williams and Pirates alum Steve Blass will join local officials for a special ceremony in Gold Lot 1A for the unveiling of additional permanent markers at the location of Three Rivers Stadium including the pitching rubber, second base and a plaque commemorating baseball history. This special ceremony will be emceed by Pirates play-by-play announcer Greg Brown and will also recognize the 70th anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s Major League Debut and first hit.
- Roberto Clemente Debut Celebration: In recognition of Roberto Clemente’s Major League debut and fist big-league hit, his son, Roberto Clemente Jr. will be throwing out an honorary first pitch to commemorate the moment.
- Education Day: Today the Pirates host the first of four scheduled Education Days, combining the excitement of baseball with enriching classroom curriculum. Our interactive workbooks, developed in collaboration with dedicated teachers, adhere to the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Plus, we're excited to continue our special programming in partnership with the Carnegie Science Center to enhance the learning experience. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hit a home run in education and entertainment. For tickets, visit pirates.com/educationdays.
- Dollar Dogs: Today is the first of six Sugardale Dollar Dog games at PNC Park. Fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs at select concessions stands, thanks to Sugardale, each Thursday home game this season. For a complete list of dates and more information, visit pirates.com/dollardogs.
- Lunch with the Bucs: No better way to spend an afternoon than at PNC Park cheering on the Bucs. Now with this special offer, lunch is included with your game ticket! Your purchase of tickets through pirates.com/lunch includes $12 Loaded Value on each ticket.
Friday, April 18 – Pirates vs. Cleveland Guardians (6:40 p.m.)
- ROY: 2004 Rookie of the Year Jason Bay will take part in a pre-game ceremony* honoring 2024 Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Skenes is just the second Pirate to be named Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year in the 25 seasons at PNC Park after a season in which he dominated on the mound with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, amassing 170 strikeouts in 133.0ip. In his first full season with the Bucs, Bay batted .282 with 26 home runs and 82 RBI while going on to be named the 2004 Jackie Robinson National League Rookie of the Year – the first recipient of that award in Pirates history. Bay will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. *subject to change
- Fireworks Night: Join us tonight for the first Fireworks Night at PNC Park. Fans are encouraged to stay in their seats as tonight’s Zambelli Fireworks Show, thanks to 93.7 The Fan, that will take place following the final out of the game.
- Miller Lite Happy Hour: Tonight, fans 21 and older are encouraged to enjoy a pre-game happy hour at the Miller Lite Landing Bar and other locations with drink specials, games and more from the time gates open until first pitch.
- Leagues Day: Tonight, Pirates and Sheetz welcome and recognize over 300 local youth baseball and softball athletes in a special pregame on-field ceremony. All invited athletes in attendance will participate in a pre-game warning track group salute. As part of the evening, one lucky team will have the opportunity to sit in the Pirates dugout during batting practice.
Saturday, April 19 – Pirates vs. Cleveland Guardians (4:05 p.m.)
- Skenes Bobblehead: Today, the first 20,000 fans through the gates at PNC Park will receive a Paul Skenes Bobblehead, thanks to PNC. Celebrate the 2024 N.L. Rookie of the Year with this unique limited-edition baseball card style bobblehead.
- Autism Speaks: As part of Autism Awareness Month, Colin Holderman will host families from Autism Speaks for a special pregame meet-and-greet at PNC Park. In addition, one family will be invited to throw out a ceremonial first pitch to Holderman. Autism Speaks is enhancing lives today and accelerating a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow.
- Audacy Game of the Week: The Pirates will join the team’s radio flagship partner 93.7 The Fan at Bullskin Little League as part of the Audacy Game of the Week. The morning event will include a visit from the Pirate Parrot, giveaways and more as 93.7 The Fan broadcasts live from the field.
Sunday, April 20 – Pirates vs. Cleveland Guardians (1:35 p.m.) Easter Sunday
- Kids Run the Bases: Kids attending today’s game are invited to stick around at the conclusion of the game to run the bases.