The Pittsburgh Pirates return to PNC Park for the first time this season and the organization has worked tirelessly to plan for the return of fans to PNC Park. The Club will begin the season with a nearly 25-percent capacity for games, with seating pods of two and four strategically placed throughout the ballpark.

The return to PNC Park begins with Opening Day, presented by Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network, a 1:35 first pitch vs. the Chicago Cubs. All fans will be able to enter the ballpark beginning at 12 p.m. There are a number of gates and areas closed throughout the ballpark and fans are asked to enter at the recommended gate on their ticket. The Opening Day pregame is scheduled to begin at approximately 1 p.m. and fans are encouraged to be in their seats early to ensure they do not miss a moment of the special ceremonies.

Below are some highlights from the upcoming seven-game homestand.

Magnetic Schedule Giveaway: All fans in attendance throughout the three-game Cubs series will receive a Pirates 2021 magnetic schedule, compliments of Highmark.

Face Mask Giveaway: All fans in attendance throughout the three-game Cubs series will receive a Pirates and Allegheny Health Network face mask, compliments of AHN.

Opening Day information:

• Gate Time: PNC Park gates will open to ALL FANS at 12 p.m.

• Pirates Pregame: All fans in attendance are encouraged to be in their seats by 1 p.m. as Pirates play-by-play broadcaster, Greg Brown, will welcome everyone to PNC Park for the 2021 Home Opener and begin the pregame ceremony.

• Season Ticket Holder Appreciation: As a welcome back to all Pirates Season Ticket Holders, 20-year Season Ticket Holder Steve Sweeny will be honored pregame.

• Lineup: Members of the Pirates and Cubs will take part in player introductions on the infield lines.

• Moment of Silence: Today, in a pregame ceremony everyone in attendance will observe a moment of silence for the Pirates alumni whom we have lost since Pirates and fans have last been together (2019). In addition, everyone in attendance will recognize a moment of silence to honor the memory of those lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic around the world and in the greater Pittsburgh area.

• God Bless America: Representing all service men and women, today’s God Bless America will be performed by Vanessa Norris, Tech Sergeant from the 911th Airlift Wing of the United States Airforce.

• National Anthem: The National Anthem will be performed on the saxophone by 30-year Pirates Season Ticket Holder, Tim Pollock. The Pittsburgh Public School teacher of 34-years is representing all essential workers in addition to celebrating his 27th consecutive year of playing the National Anthem before a Pirates game.

• First Pitch: Today, the Pirates are proud to present a very special ceremonial first pitch by Highmark Health Chief Executive Officer David Holmberg and Allegheny General Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Imran Qadeer. They represent the thousands of healthcare professionals who work for Highmark Health and the Allegheny Health Network and have served our community throughout the pandemic. The Pirates, AHN and Highmark Health teamed-up to host the areas first large-scale mass vaccination clinic and have already distributed 13,000 full vaccinations at PNC Park over eight vaccination events.

• Healthcare Heroes: Today, the Pirates are hosting a group of healthcare heroes from Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network on the Miller Lite Rooftop as a thank you for all of their hard work.

Tickets for Opening Day at PNC Park are sold out, but fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets for the first Saturday and Sunday games of 2021 as a limited number of tickets are still available at pirates.com/tickets.

This season, PNC Park is transforming to a complete digital ticketing experience in an effort to streamline the fan experience and remove as many touch points as possible. Fans are encouraged to download the MLB Ballpark app to purchase and manage all of their tickets.