According to DK Pittsburgh Sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates and PNC Bank are miles apart on a naming rights extension for the Pirates home stadium.
PNC Park, the Pirates home for the past twenty years is known as one of the most beautiful ballparks in the league. Fans from all over come to see its beautiful river side seats and view of the Steel City.
Since it’s opening in 2001 PNC Park has had it’s fair share of good memories. From Rob Mackowiaks game winning grand-slam and game tying ninth inning home run in a double header, to the river blasts, to Cueto dropping the ball, all of these moments make up our PNC Park memories.
As PNC nears the end of their naming-rights contract with the Pirates, the future is up for debate. Both sides have been in contact trying to come to terms with an extension, however nothing has been agreed on yet. Although, as of now there are no other companies who have expressed interest in the naming-rights for the ballpark.
However, we all know all it takes it for one company to appear from the shadows, with a bag full of money at hand. I think the companies who would throw their gloves into the ring would be Allegheny Health Network and UPMC.
Both are dominant companies in the Pittsburgh area, and are always looking to get their names out there. Allegheny Health Network would make the most sense for the Pirates, since AHN is the Pirates official medical provider. UPMC could make an offer, but with them being the official healthcare provider and owner of the Steelers practice facility, it makes more sense for them to take a run at Heinz Field’s naming rights (which are also up for debate).
I personally don’t think I could call PNC Park anything else, but I also said that about Consol Energy Center (now PPG Paints Arena). If changing the name of the ballpark helps the Pirates rebrand and play better, I’m all for it. At this rate, might as well try it right?
thoughtsfromthebench.com 