The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to take on the Baltimore Orioles for their home opener at PNC Park on Friday.It’s a special day for top MLB prospect, 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, who is set to make his debut after being called up Thursday. Game Time Gates will open at 2 p.m. with the first pitch set for 4:12 p.m.Fans who arrive early will be able to enjoy a pregame block party on Federal Street. There will be a magnetic schedule available for fans to take home while supplies last. Each guest is permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark provided that the bag is soft-sided and 16” x 16” x 8” or smaller. Bags exceeding these dimensions will not be permitted inside the ballpark.Exceptions to this policy include diaper bags and medical reasons. Click here to learn more about the policies. All bags are subject to search. Pirates vs. Orioles PreviewThe Pirates are coming off their first series win of the season against the Reds. Their last game saw Pittsburgh dominating Cincinnati 8-3. Oneil Cruz had a three-run homer, his third in two games, while Paul Skenes allowed only one run in five innings. Friday’s game also marks the debut for 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, who was called up on Thursday to play his first major league game with the Pirates.Pittsburgh had a 71-91 record overall and a 44-37 record at home last season. The Pirates averaged 7.7 hits per game last season while batting a collective .231.Baltimore went 75-87 overall and 36-45 on the road a season ago. The Orioles scored 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.9 in the 2025 season.Home Opener Forecast from Meteorologist Ashley DoughertyWith the first pitch for the game scheduled for 4:12 p.m., the weather should cooperate.Isolated showers and brief storms are possible today and Saturday. Most of the region remains dry through the afternoon but a front will sag southward into the region sparking up some showers and isolated storms as you drive home from the game.There is a risk for an isolated storm to turn severe with strong wind gusts. What’s New at PNC ParkFans can expect several new features and tributes when they arrive at PNC Park.Before entering the park at Mazeroski Way and West General Robinson Street, fans will notice the return of Bucco Bricks as bronze plaques, featuring more than 10,000 messages and names. At the concession stands, fans will have a streamlined experience to quickly return to their seats and catch the action. Several new food items are joining the menu, including a Boricua hot dog, chipped ham fries and empanadas.For fan gear, the team store is offering a wider range of jerseys and larger items like a bigger Jalapeño Hannah plushy.This season is the first without Pirates great Bill Mazeroski, who died in February at age 89.To honor Mazeroski, the Hall of Famer’s nickname “Maz” will appear behind second base, and players will wear a No. 9 patch on their jerseys.Where to ParkPittsburgh Pirates fans will be facing two challenges for opening day at PNC Park: The closure of Gold Lot 1 for the NFL Draft stage and the closure of West General Robinson Street and Art Rooney Avenue.The Pirates are asking fans to arrive as early as possible, take the T, use alternate parking downtown or walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge.Parking around PNC Park appears to be sold out at this time. Additional garages and lots may be available throughout downtown.Visitors are encouraged to download the “ParkPGH” app or visit m.parkpgh.org to find parking spaces throughout the season.Click here for more information surrounding parking.
PITTSBURGH —
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to take on the Baltimore Orioles for their home opener at PNC Park on Friday.
It’s a special day for top MLB prospect, 19-year-old Konnor Griffin, who is set to make his debut after being called up Thursday.
Game Time
Gates will open at 2 p.m. with the first pitch set for 4:12 p.m.
Fans who arrive early will be able to enjoy a pregame block party on Federal Street. There will be a magnetic schedule available for fans to take home while supplies last.
Each guest is permitted to bring one bag into the ballpark provided that the bag is soft-sided and 16” x 16” x 8” or smaller. Bags exceeding these dimensions will not be permitted inside the ballpark.
Exceptions to this policy include diaper bags and medical reasons. Click here to learn more about the policies. All bags are subject to search.
Pirates vs. Orioles Preview
The Pirates are coming off their first series win of the season against the Reds. Their last game saw Pittsburgh dominating Cincinnati 8-3. Oneil Cruz had a three-run homer, his third in two games, while Paul Skenes allowed only one run in five innings.
Friday’s game also marks the debut for 19-year-old shortstop Konnor Griffin, who was called up on Thursday to play his first major league game with the Pirates.
Pittsburgh had a 71-91 record overall and a 44-37 record at home last season. The Pirates averaged 7.7 hits per game last season while batting a collective .231.
Baltimore went 75-87 overall and 36-45 on the road a season ago. The Orioles scored 4.2 runs per game while allowing 4.9 in the 2025 season.
Home Opener Forecast from Meteorologist Ashley Dougherty
With the first pitch for the game scheduled for 4:12 p.m., the weather should cooperate.
Isolated showers and brief storms are possible today and Saturday.
Most of the region remains dry through the afternoon but a front will sag southward into the region sparking up some showers and isolated storms as you drive home from the game.
There is a risk for an isolated storm to turn severe with strong wind gusts.
What’s New at PNC Park
Fans can expect several new features and tributes when they arrive at PNC Park.
Before entering the park at Mazeroski Way and West General Robinson Street, fans will notice the return of Bucco Bricks as bronze plaques, featuring more than 10,000 messages and names.
At the concession stands, fans will have a streamlined experience to quickly return to their seats and catch the action. Several new food items are joining the menu, including a Boricua hot dog, chipped ham fries and empanadas.
For fan gear, the team store is offering a wider range of jerseys and larger items like a bigger Jalapeño Hannah plushy.
This season is the first without Pirates great Bill Mazeroski, who died in February at age 89.
To honor Mazeroski, the Hall of Famer’s nickname “Maz” will appear behind second base, and players will wear a No. 9 patch on their jerseys.
Where to Park
Pittsburgh Pirates fans will be facing two challenges for opening day at PNC Park: The closure of Gold Lot 1 for the NFL Draft stage and the closure of West General Robinson Street and Art Rooney Avenue.
The Pirates are asking fans to arrive as early as possible, take the T, use alternate parking downtown or walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge.
Parking around PNC Park appears to be sold out at this time. Additional garages and lots may be available throughout downtown.
Visitors are encouraged to download the “ParkPGH” app or visit m.parkpgh.org to find parking spaces throughout the season.
Click here for more information surrounding parking.
