PiratesFest Preview

Now that Christmas is behind us, we head into the final week of 2023 with likely lighter pockets and tighter belts, but also, something more. With PiratesFest just around the corner for the first time in 4 years, fan excitement is palpable. Returning to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center will mean many new faces (this writer included) could be making their first trek to the event so let’s talk about what fans can expect for January 6, 2024:

First of all, there will be autograph panels featuring current and former Pirates. Steve Blass, Bill Mazeroski and Kent Tekulve are among the alumnae who have been there in previous years – but plenty of your current favorite players will likely feature there as well: David Bednar, Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds are all confirmed to be attending and likely taking part in signing autographs. The Pirates have disclosed that there will be five separate autograph sessions throughout the day with tickets available for purchase on January 3rd. Children under 14 can enter for free but cost is $25 for general admission and $20 for season ticket holders with proceeds benefiting the Pirates Charities.

Speaking of season ticket holders, this group has been privy to more of a glimpse behind the curtain than your average fan. They had a special event at PNC Park last spring and they’ll earn early access to Piratesfest, entering as early as 8:30am while the rest of the fandom can start at 10:00am. But even with a LOT going on, the event runs until 6:00pm so you should have plenty of time for all of the other activities.

Games in the past have included a singing competition (where the winner gets to sign the National Anthem before a Pirates game that season), Pirates trivia games and more! Given that the event returns to the convention center for the first time since 2018 (previous two were held at PNC Park), the organization has more space for games, activities and opportunities for fans to stock up on team merch ahead of the season. 

For fans who are irate at the pace of the rebuild and direction the franchise is heading in, previous Fests have included panels with members of the coaching staff and front office. If you feel the need to lay in to them, complain about transactions (or lack thereof) or even discuss the vendor services at PNC Park, General Manager Ben Cherington, team President Travis Williams and Chairman of the Board Bob Nutting will most likely take part in at least one panel to field these questions.

While the team has advised that a more detailed schedule of events will be released closer to the date, hopefully this has helped provide you with expectations for next Saturday in Pittsburgh. Hope to see you there!