Guide to Pittsburgh if You Love Sports but Your Traveling Partner Doesn’t (aka, There’s No Crying in Travel)

*I’m going to label all teams by sport, too, for those of you who fall into the ‘I don’t care for sports’ category*

People are usually surprised to learn how important sports have been in my life. I played numerous sports growing up. Attending games also led to many important—and fun—memories.

Not only did I get to watch Brazil crush the competition in the women’s basketball preliminaries at the ’96 Olympics, but shortly thereafter I experienced my own on-court triumph by taking part in the Knicks’ (basketball) halftime show.

But it’s baseball that my family really loves.

I have my dad—a former sports journalist—to thank for this passion. Since his first game at age 7—a “rather boring Yankees games” in 1963—he’s been to all but two U.S. ballparks currently in existence and many more that have since been torn down.

And my mom? Well, my mom hates sports.

Pittsburgh, Home of the Scaredy Cat…and some sports teams

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to four professional sports teams: the Steelers (football), Penguins (hockey), Pirates (baseball) and Riverhounds (soccer), plus Pitt and Carnegie Mellon Athletics for the college sports fans. The only major American sport not represented at the pro level is basketball. So, love the Black and Gold or hate it, Pittsburgh sports are known world-round and make this a great destination for sports fans.

That being said, I didn’t move to Pittsburgh six years ago for sports. I, like so many before me, came to study at one of the city’s half-dozen-plus colleges. But it was certainly a bonus and I’ve caught many-a-Pirates game in spite of my inner-Phillies heart.

My partner, like my mom, though, could not care less about sports.

Luckily, Pittsburgh has a lot to enjoy whether you love sports or not. I have divided the list below into “sports” and “non-sports” categories. Not into sports? Skip ahead to the italics.

North Side and Downtown

The pro ball stadiums alone are worth a visit. Home games for the Steelers, Pirates (known locally as the Bucs), and Riverhounds are all played along the north shore in view of the city’s famous rivers, creating a breathtaking experience for the first-time visitor. While The Riverhounds play in an area called Station Square, both the Steelers’ Heinz Field and the Pirates’ PNC Park are on the North Side, right across the river from downtown.

Before the game, the non-sports fan may enjoy visiting the Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Science Center, or taking a stroll along the river (look for the statue of Mister Rogers along the way!), all within a short jog of PNC Park and Heinz Field. For dinner and drinks, bypass the sports bar—check out Federal Galley instead, just a five-minute ride away, which offers a rotation of start-up kitchens that are sure to appease every member of the family.

Across the river in downtown, take in a show in the Cultural District or visit the fountain at Point State Park. On fireworks nights at PNC Park, Point State Park also makes for a great spot to watch free. Visiting the Heinz History Center has many neat, interactive exhibits on the steel city and even encompasses the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum for the sports fan in your life.

Downtown also serves as the backdrop for festivals and celebrations throughout the summer season, such as the free Three Rivers Arts Festival each June.

Oakland

Additionally, sports fans might enjoy heading to the Oakland neighborhood, home of University of Pittsburgh, to visit remnants of The Pirates’ old Forbes Field. A portion of its outfield wall still stands across the way from Schenley Plaza. Then, follow the line of markers in toward campus to find the field’s home plate INSIDE Posvar Hall. A bathroom was built atop the spot home base actually stood, so now it can be found situated just outside the bathrooms on the ground floor.

While on campus, visit the Cathedral of Learning. You can’t miss it—it’s a 42-story tower that feels like Hogwarts on the ground floor and is quite possibly home to as many ghosts as Hogwarts, too. Take the elevator up to the (near) top to see some impressive views of the city or, if they’re open, enjoy the Nationality Rooms where, yes, some classes are actually held! Then, walk a couple blocks to the Carnegie History & Art Museum; grab some food, bubble tea, or a beer in the busy college town; or travel the quarter mile over to one of our favorite places in the city: Phipps Botanical Gardens.

Lawrenceville

If you haven’t had enough sports yet, head out to the Lawrenceville neighborhood. There, you will find The Clemente Museum, which honors Hall of Fame right fielder Roberto Clemente (who also has one of our famous yellow bridges named after him). 

Lawrenceville makes for a nice neighborhood to spend an afternoon. See what the theme of the week is at the independently owned Row House Cinema, go bowling at the retro Arsenal Lanes, or grab a coffee and play pinball at Kickback Pinball Cafe—or window shop and grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants.

The Wrap-Up

Pittsburgh is known for steel, French fries on sandwiches (and pizza…and salads…), and sports, but there’s so much more to the industrial city than that. If you are heading this way and want some suggestions catered to your interests, drop me a comment below! In the meantime, there’s plenty to get you started above whether you love sports or hate ‘em.

Thanks for reading!

Until next time, Mel

5/22/23: Updated to reflect my father’s new ballpark tally.