PNC Park always does a great job with finding other things outside of baseball to make the ballpark experience even better. So when the promotional calendar is released, I like to bookmark some things to make sure I don’t miss out on the pageantry, collect all the items, and baste myself in the communal experience that the Pirates offer every year. Let’s take a look and see what we have to look forward to as the 2027 Pirates try to give us a season we tell our grandchildren about.
May 21-23rd Superhero Weekend vs the Chicago White Sox
This will be a can’t miss weekend for me. My MLB Infinity Stone Gauntlet will be complete when I see the White Sox. They are the last team to check off on my list until expansion occurs. But the superhero theme alone is enough to get me out to the park. It’s basically like Halloween in the middle of May. Drone show Friday. That Saturday, a superhero themed Bobblehead giveaway. I’m guessing AJ Burnett in a Batman costume overlooking the city. Kids Sunday is always a blast but we know the little ones get some extra juice when superheroes are involved.
Saturday June 5th vs the Toronto Blue Jays
Bobblehead #2 lands on this day. This one has been described as “Pirates” themed. So really this could be anyone from 1881 until now. I predict this will be a Greg Brown bobblehead. It will have sound. You press the button and hear some of his most unhinged calls. This man has earned his place in Pirates lore and it’s time we immortalize him. I might go get in line right now. I’m tearing up just thinking about it.
July 9-11th Luau Weekend vs the Miami Marlins
I don’t remember the first Luau weekend the Pirates ever had but I do remember every year it has been a big hit. People love the bucket hats, the Hawaiian shirts, and it’s smack dab in the middle of summer so it feels like Hawaii here in Western PA. I imagine the Tiki boats get booked way in advance for this weekend so plan accordingly.
July 23-25th Yinzerpalooza Weekend vs the Arizona Diamondbacks
Folks, Friday night we are getting a Pittsburgh themed Guess Who board game. I can hear Glenn from Blawnox playing against Tina from Dormont out at the Miller Lite Landing. “Is you Mister Rawgers? No? How abouts Edgar Schneiders?” I look forward to playing that game. Then we have our third Bobblehead of the year on Saturday. I think this one has got to be Donnie Iris RIP. It would only be right. I don’t think anyone saw Dr. Bobby coming last year.
August 13-15th Cowboy Weekend vs the Texas Rangers
The cowboy hats return to PNC park this year. The Friday of that weekend you will get 2027’s version. I’m a baseball hat traditionalist but it’s hard to deny that these hats were a big hit with Pittsburgh’s country crowd. Some Pirates fans chose to wear it as their hat of choice for the rest of the season beyond just country weekend. There were no rules against that. Is it too much to ask to get Mel Blount out there to put one of these on?
Obviously baseball is the reason we all go out to the ballpark. But lots of love should go to the unsung heroes in marketing, producers of the items/events, and the stadium and team staff that add to our overall experience. These events are a blast, whether it’s Opening Day pageantry, fireworks, pup nights, free shirts, or something else. I mean, who doesn’t love a free t-shirt?
Stay tuned for my blog on potential new themes for weekends
