PNC Park

PNC Park, home to Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates, is often noted for its physical beauty. The low, open-air outfield stands offer a wide, breathtaking view of the downtown skyline across the Allegheny River. The exterior walls and backstop behind home plate are made of limestone, a departure from the red-brick walls present in most of today's newer ballparks. The limestone captures the city's trademark "gold" color while also representing the rugged local landscape. Also prevalent throughout the ballpark is the use of steel construction, a tribute to Pittsburgh's history in the steel industry. The spiraling rotunda in left-field, which allows access to the various concourse levels via escalators and stairs, employs this the best. All of the concourses are open-air, as well, meaning fans can still watch the game and even enjoy the riverfront view when standing in line at concessions stands. A 2003 ESPN study gave the park a 95 rating (out of 100), making it "the best stadium in baseball."