Bucs, PNC Bank extend naming rights deal

The Pirates announced on Thursday that the club has agreed to a 10-year extension with PNC Bank for the naming rights to PNC Park.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“It is an honor for us to begin the next chapter with PNC,” said Pirates president Travis Williams. "We have long been proud of the relationship between our two brands, and are pleased that PNC shares our optimism in the new course we have set as an organization.

"The spirit of this agreement reaches well beyond the ballpark. PNC’s shared pride in our city and commitment to make a difference in our community remains an important aspect of our work together.”

PNC has been the ballpark’s sponsor since it opened its gates on April 9, 2001. The earlier 20-year contract was set to expire at some point prior to the ‘21 season, per the team's news release.

“Simply put, the Pittsburgh Pirates are our hometown baseball team, and as Pittsburgh’s hometown bank, we believe the opportunity to renew our agreement makes a great deal of sense,” said Lou Cestello, head of regional markets and regional president for PNC in Pittsburgh. “Our relationship with the Pirates is a natural fit, as our two organizations share a focus on providing opportunities for those in our community to succeed, especially young children and families.”

According to the release, the Pirates and PNC Bank will also continue to support initiatives to aid the Pittsburgh community, especially efforts aimed at local youth.

The new relationship will also feature a new logo at the ballpark. The new PNC Bank insignia at the ballpark will feature the company’s orange and white logo, and the arched “PNC Park” text will become more linear above “Home of the Pirates.”

After Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf announced a revised mitigation order, the Pirates are expecting to have fans at PNC Park this season in roughly the 7,500-8,000 range, Williams said on Wednesday.