OT: Coming to Pitt for the Finals

[GFF]

OT: Coming to Pitt (again)

Right, i am thinking quite seriously about coming to Pittsburgh for the finals, even though im very unlikely to get a ticket for the games, i kinda just wanna 'be there!'

I've never been to Pittsburgh, for my sins i visited Philly for a couple of days during my travels a couple of years ago, but didn't make it to Pitt.

So a few questions for you all.

Where is a safe/cheap/practicle place to stay?
I notice there doesn't seem to be any hostels in Pittsburgh which is a shame and suprising. The most suitable Hotel i can find for my needs is the "Quality Inn University Center", although its got some pretty horrid reviews, it is the cheapest i can find within a sensible distance of the City Centre.

Also, what is there to do in Pittsburgh? I'm likely gonna be around for a good week or so, so will need lots to do.

Finally, what is there to do in the evenings, take into account im not 21 until the 2nd June so i asume i wont be able to drink (until then)?

Cheers!

Click to read more...

 

[FDBluth]

I have never been within a 500 mile radius of Pittsburgh, but I would suggest maybe looking at staying at a university. They have open dorms in the summer and I know that at least where I'm from they let people stay there either for very cheap.

 

[ColePens]

Right, i am thinking quite seriously about coming to Pittsburgh for the finals, even though im very unlikely to get a ticket for the games, i kinda just wanna 'be there!'

I've never been to Pittsburgh, for my sins i visited Philly for a couple of days during my travels a couple of years ago, but didn't make it to Pitt.

So a few questions for you all.

Where is a safe/cheap/practicle place to stay?
I notice there doesn't seem to be any hostels in Pittsburgh which is a shame and suprising. The most suitable Hotel i can find for my needs is the "Quality Inn University Center", although its got some pretty horrid reviews, it is the cheapest i can find within a sensible distance of the City Centre.

Also, what is there to do in Pittsburgh? I'm likely gonna be around for a good week or so, so will need lots to do.

Finally, what is there to do in the evenings, take into account im not 21 until the 2nd June so i asume i wont be able to drink (until then)?

Cheers!

I'll share the "night life" aspect of our city.

Night life: We have a few places that are just amazing for people to go out.. check out different bars/clubs and party. It's a friendly atmosphere... easy to get around.. and they are all located right next to each other so you dont' have to worry about taking a cab EVERYWHERE.

1) South Side: This is where all the bars/clubs are and where the majority of the 21-35 club go to smooooze and drink. There are plenty of places to go and even a couple of really nice restaurants to enjoy there too. Everything from Fat Heads (a great sandwich/beer place) to Mallorca (an upscale wine/dine place) to Diesel (a dance night club). It will have everything you are looking for.

info: http://www.southsidepittsburgh.com/index.asp
or
http://pittsburgh.citysearch.com/roundup/36964

I suggest you go to Fat Heads.... you'll love it forever!!! It's a great place to be. Thank me later... or meet us crazy Penguin fans down there and we'll buy you a round a brew!

2) Station Square: Just 2-3 miles down the road from South Side. Has restaurants, bars, a little shopping plaza, a neat little (gay) fountain, w/ a great look across the river from the actual city. It also has an incline you can take to go up top mt. washington for the best sites of the city. It's really cheap too.

info: http://www.stationsquare.com/

--- South Side and Station Square are ususally the 2 places that most people in Pittsburgh go to for their night life. It's friendly.. easy to get around... safe.. and just a lot of fun.

3) Downtown Pittsburgh: Has some bars and some nice places to go.. but harder to get around. If you stick towards Mellon Arena.. there are a few nice bars there too. To be honest... not a lot of people go down town for night life.

info: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/Things_to_Do_in_Pittsburgh_Western_Pennsylvania.htm


4) By the Parks: PNC Park and Heinz Field are right next to each other and are downtown close to the Point. They have a couple really nice bars and clubs down there too. Jerome Bettis Grille is a great place to go... you can get a cheap ticket to a Bucco game (i think it's $8.00 for outfield seats). Our ball park is rated one of the top ball parks in America. I'd really suggest you check that out.

info: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/index.jsp


I really suggest you go to a ballgame.. then walk over to Jerome Bettis Grille afterwards. first.. the ball park is amazing. You can get a cheap ticket for about $8.00 and there are no bad seats in the entire stadium. It's seriously one of the best ballparks in the world. If you aren't 21... you can go and sit and just have a good meal and talk to all the crazy pittsburgh sport fans. It's a REALLY great place to get an after-game bite.

Day Time Activities:

We have museums, museums, museums! Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Sports Museum, The Frick Museum of Art, Carnegie Science Center, etc. They aren't that expensive to go into and actually the Sports Museum is a lot of fun.

If you like art/dance/music theatre at all... we also have a theatre district that i'm not really knowledgeable about but it's located on that link below.

You can also spend a lot of time just enjoying our city. It's easy to walk around and that website provides more things to do.


info: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/Things_to_Do_in_Pittsburgh_Western_Pennsylvania.htm



If you want to shop: We have way to many malls lol. Go to this website to check it all out... The Waterfront is a nice place to go.. it has out-door shopping, a movie theater, and more restaurants then you could ever want.

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/shopping_malls/Pittsburgh_Shopping_Malls_Outlets.htm


Also.. I'm assuming you are coming from England so remember that the US Dollar is weak and the majority of the shopping here would be ridiculously cheap for you. Plus.. our state does not tax clothing.

Make sure you grab urself a Crosby Jersey or what-not

And most of our bars are restaurants AND bars so you don't have to be 21 to get in.. you just have to be 21 to order a drink. I'm sure there is a friendly penguin fan in there who is willing to buy a round or 2 for u... Definitely check out Fat Heads... you'll thank me forever for introducing you to the sandwich of choice for us Pittsburghers..



Lastly (as I keep editing to put more in): If you get a chance.. the best picture of our city is from Mt. Washington. You can go to station square and take the incline up and walk along grandview ave. There are 2 different look outs that are just unreal.

Here is info to that:

1) http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/neighborhoods/p/mt_washington.htm

2)
http://incline.pghfree.net/restaurants.htm

3)
http://incline.pghfree.net/directpark.htm




Here are a few more websites for more info:

1) http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/

2) http://www.pittsburgh.net/

 

[GFF]

Wow, that's awesome thanks very much. Thats a whole lot of info nice one!

 

[ColePens]

Yah.. I figured it'd be a bit to much but if your planning to come across the big pond... I guess it'd be nice to have the info right?? Lol.


I might edit it here & there... but those websites should lead you to just about everything you need.

 

[Harv]

4) By the Parks: PNC Park and Heinz Field are right next to each other and are downtown close to the Point. They have a couple really nice bars and clubs down there too. Jerome Bettis Grille is a great place to go... you can get a cheap ticket to a Bucco game (i think it's $8.00 for outfield seats). Our ball park is rated one of the top ball parks in America. I'd really suggest you check that out.

info: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/index.jsp


I really suggest you go to a ballgame.. then walk over to Jerome Bettis Grille afterwards. first.. the ball park is amazing. You can get a cheap ticket for about $8.00 and there are no bad seats in the entire stadium. It's seriously one of the best ballparks in the world. If you aren't 21... you can go and sit and just have a good meal and talk to all the crazy pittsburgh sport fans. It's a REALLY great place to get an after-game bite.

Go to a ball game. It's worth it. Few ballparks in the world loook like this;

 

[Lemieuxfan]

don't you have school ?..I'm really jealous, btw....but have fun there if you go....!!

I was acutally thinking about something like this, too, but since my last school misconduct, I can't do anything, which is against the law..if they would find out about that, I would be gone..

But I'll be in the states next year, for 2 month (2nd time, autom was first, and it was amazing,..)

 

[Markoolio]

What will be the gamedays for stanleycup finals? If it´s PIT-DET which one will start at home?

 

[bathroomSTAAL]

There are no confirmed dates yet. If Detroit wins, the first 2 games will be in Detroit. If Dallas wins, they're here.

 

[AquaticBirdman]

I'm too was strongly considering jumping on a flight down to Pittsburgh for a weekend during the finals. Fortunately for me, I have a lot of family living in the Jefferson area, so having a place to stay wouldn't be a huge problem.

Ironically enough, want to go even if I don't get tickets for a game as well. The experience of being in the city while the Pens are battling out in the playoffs would be an experience of a lifetime for me considering I'm a die hard Pens fan! I'd love to have the opportunity to watch a game on the big screen outside of Mellon arena with thousands of fellow Pens fans.

 

[GFF]

Yeh i've had a few problems at Uni this year so i've dropped out so i'm free of anything to tie me down at the moment and i have a nice student Loan to fund me so there's not a lot holding me back.

 

[cassius]

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org

click tickets

there's definitely tickets available - you should do it man! how many times are the pens gonna make it to the cup?

 

[Lemieuxfan]

IF you atually go..please make many pics and upoald them here

 

[ColePens]

I'm too was strongly considering jumping on a flight down to Pittsburgh for a weekend during the finals. Fortunately for me, I have a lot of family living in the Jefferson area, so having a place to stay wouldn't be a huge problem.

Ironically enough, want to go even if I don't get tickets for a game as well. The experience of being in the city while the Pens are battling out in the playoffs would be an experience of a lifetime for me considering I'm a die hard Pens fan! I'd love to have the opportunity to watch a game on the big screen outside of Mellon arena with thousands of fellow Pens fans.

The atmosphere in this town is wonderful. The bandwagoners get a little bit annoying... but to see everyone in Penguins apparel and backing the team is something else. If you go to a local store... they're selling penguin cookies,banners,towels,flags,shirts,jerseys,cakes, whatever you can think of. The people are rocking old school jerseys, hats, hoodies, made up shirts, etc. This city is one of the best hockey towns in the world.

On game day and the day after the game.. all conversations turn to the Penguins. It's a beautiful thing.


If I can help anyone coming into town... let me know. PM me for more information... or I can call around to see what is the best way to come in or what not. Just let me know!!! I'd gladly help a fellow Pens fan out.

 

[AquaticBirdman]

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org

click tickets

there's definitely tickets available - you should do it man! how many times are the pens gonna make it to the cup?

Many more hopefully.

 

[Don'tcry4mejanhrdina]

Go to a ball game. It's worth it. Few ballparks in the world loook like this;

Does anybody know if you're allowed to bring a digital slr into PNC Park (or Mellon arena, for that matter)? I know a lot of ballparks/arenas don't allow it, because with a "professional" camera you could possibly sell pictures you take at the game without media credentials.

 

[Emalkin71]

Getting Around/Places to Stay: Pitt has a pretty crappy mass transit system, but the "T", where it does reach, is pretty awesome, and is free if you stay in the downtown area.

http://www.portauthority.org/PAAC/C...ransitSystem/TStations/tabid/189/Default.aspx

Look at all the stops and Google hotels for that area. The South Hills stop might be out of your price range, they have a huge mall/shopping area there. You might also want to look at Greentree, they don't have a "T" stop but you can catch a bus from there, and it is kinda close to the airport.

Safety: Pitt is pretty safe, I have never felt scared in the city, but with that being said STAY OUT OF THE HILL DISTRICT, Hazelwood, East Liberty!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_District_(Pittsburgh)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Liberty_(Pittsburgh)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazelwood_(Pittsburgh)

I'm exaggerating a bit about the Hill, I have walked it at night after a game to see friends at Pitt (long dumb story), but it is directly behind the arena.

It has gotten a little better in recent years, but to give you an idea of the quality of the neighborhood it was the very loose inspiration for Hill Street Blues. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hill_Street_Blues

I'm in southern Washington County, beyond what most would consider the "real" suburbs of Pitt, so I'm really not a true city guy, but if you are interested in staying about 25-30 miles out, where things will be cheaper, PM me for more info I could probably make a few phone calls and help you out, especially if you are not opposed to saying in a church or something. Most of my friends are foreign nationals so I'm used to this kind of thing.

Things to do: Look around http://pittsburgh.about.com/, it is a pretty good site. Other posters hit the big things, but the Carnegie Museum has an awesome dinosaur collection, the National Aviary has one of the largest bird collections in the world, and Phipps Conservatory, while being one of the most boring places in the universe IMO, has a ton of cool plants (or so say people who are into that kind of thing.)

This has nothing to do with Pittsburgh culture, but if you have the $$$ to blow on an amazing meal you CANNOT go wrong with Mallorca http://www.mallorcarestaurant.com/reviews.php

Le Mont is overrated IMO, but it has the best view in the 'Burg.
http://www.lemontpittsburgh.com/LeMont/index.htm

Please feel free to PM if you have questions I have not covered here.

 

[Riggs]

Does anybody know if you're allowed to bring a digital slr into PNC Park (or Mellon arena, for that matter)? I know a lot of ballparks/arenas don't allow it, because with a "professional" camera you could possibly sell pictures you take at the game without media credentials.

Looks like SLRs are ok.
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/pit_ballpark_guide.jsp#C

Lens size restriction for Mellon arena.
http://www.mellonarena.com/site42.php#c

 

[Don'tcry4mejanhrdina]

Looks like SLRs are ok.
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/pit_ballpark_guide.jsp#C

Lens size restriction for Mellon arena.
http://www.mellonarena.com/site42.php#c

Thanks a lot. It sucks that I can't bring my camera into Mellon, but it's nice to know I can bring it into PNC Park. I'm not into basebll, so I'd like to just enjoy the time there and take some pics. Kinda sucks you can't use a monopod if you're using a long lens, but I likely wouldn't bring one anyway.

$8 for a ticket is awesome though. Hopefully I can get a chance to go down to Pittsbugh later this year and catch a game at both Mellon and PNC (I'd like to go to see the Steelers play too).

 

[The Old Master]

I'll share the "night life" aspect of our city.

Night life: We have a few places that are just amazing for people to go out.. check out different bars/clubs and party. It's a friendly atmosphere... easy to get around.. and they are all located right next to each other so you dont' have to worry about taking a cab EVERYWHERE.

1) South Side: This is where all the bars/clubs are and where the majority of the 21-35 club go to smooooze and drink. There are plenty of places to go and even a couple of really nice restaurants to enjoy there too. Everything from Fat Heads (a great sandwich/beer place) to Mallorca (an upscale wine/dine place) to Diesel (a dance night club). It will have everything you are looking for.

info: http://www.southsidepittsburgh.com/index.asp
or
http://pittsburgh.citysearch.com/roundup/36964

I suggest you go to Fat Heads.... you'll love it forever!!! It's a great place to be. Thank me later... or meet us crazy Penguin fans down there and we'll buy you a round a brew!

2) Station Square: Just 2-3 miles down the road from South Side. Has restaurants, bars, a little shopping plaza, a neat little (gay) fountain, w/ a great look across the river from the actual city. It also has an incline you can take to go up top mt. washington for the best sites of the city. It's really cheap too.

info: http://www.stationsquare.com/

--- South Side and Station Square are ususally the 2 places that most people in Pittsburgh go to for their night life. It's friendly.. easy to get around... safe.. and just a lot of fun.

3) Downtown Pittsburgh: Has some bars and some nice places to go.. but harder to get around. If you stick towards Mellon Arena.. there are a few nice bars there too. To be honest... not a lot of people go down town for night life.

info: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/Things_to_Do_in_Pittsburgh_Western_Pennsylvania.htm


4) By the Parks: PNC Park and Heinz Field are right next to each other and are downtown close to the Point. They have a couple really nice bars and clubs down there too. Jerome Bettis Grille is a great place to go... you can get a cheap ticket to a Bucco game (i think it's $8.00 for outfield seats). Our ball park is rated one of the top ball parks in America. I'd really suggest you check that out.

info: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/index.jsp


I really suggest you go to a ballgame.. then walk over to Jerome Bettis Grille afterwards. first.. the ball park is amazing. You can get a cheap ticket for about $8.00 and there are no bad seats in the entire stadium. It's seriously one of the best ballparks in the world. If you aren't 21... you can go and sit and just have a good meal and talk to all the crazy pittsburgh sport fans. It's a REALLY great place to get an after-game bite.

Day Time Activities:

We have museums, museums, museums! Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh Sports Museum, The Frick Museum of Art, Carnegie Science Center, etc. They aren't that expensive to go into and actually the Sports Museum is a lot of fun.

If you like art/dance/music theatre at all... we also have a theatre district that i'm not really knowledgeable about but it's located on that link below.

You can also spend a lot of time just enjoying our city. It's easy to walk around and that website provides more things to do.


info: http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/things_to_do/Things_to_Do_in_Pittsburgh_Western_Pennsylvania.htm



If you want to shop: We have way to many malls lol. Go to this website to check it all out... The Waterfront is a nice place to go.. it has out-door shopping, a movie theater, and more restaurants then you could ever want.

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/shopping_malls/Pittsburgh_Shopping_Malls_Outlets.htm


Also.. I'm assuming you are coming from England so remember that the US Dollar is weak and the majority of the shopping here would be ridiculously cheap for you. Plus.. our state does not tax clothing.

Make sure you grab urself a Crosby Jersey or what-not

And most of our bars are restaurants AND bars so you don't have to be 21 to get in.. you just have to be 21 to order a drink. I'm sure there is a friendly penguin fan in there who is willing to buy a round or 2 for u... Definitely check out Fat Heads... you'll thank me forever for introducing you to the sandwich of choice for us Pittsburghers..



Lastly (as I keep editing to put more in): If you get a chance.. the best picture of our city is from Mt. Washington. You can go to station square and take the incline up and walk along grandview ave. There are 2 different look outs that are just unreal.

Here is info to that:

1) http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/neighborhoods/p/mt_washington.htm

2)
http://incline.pghfree.net/restaurants.htm

3)
http://incline.pghfree.net/directpark.htm




Here are a few more websites for more info:

1) http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/

2) http://www.pittsburgh.net/

hey mod,s just sticky this post. hes got stuff in here that i want to try and i've lived here all my life! great post you covered everything.

 

[nbonaddio]

For things to do, I also recommend:

Kennywood
Mt. Washington (take the incline, have dinner)
Warhol Museum/Mattress Factory
Heinz History Museum
Carnegie Science Center

Definitely see a ballgame at PNC Park, and maybe Heinz Field will have a walking tour so you can check it out. If you want to get a good sense of the people of Pittsburgh, check out the Strip District on weekend mornings, Shadyside's Walnut St. on a warm afternoon, and the South Side at night.

If you can get out of the city:
McConnell's Mill
Ohiopyle
Fallingwater

 

[Sorry]

Kennywood is open.

Too bad Kennywood is driving up the prices. I feel like an old man thinking of days where you payed not even twenty dollars for a ride all day. Stinkin' new owners. They should've bought an olive oil import instead.

Kennywood, the local amusement park in Pittsburgh, is world renowned for multiple reasons. Check it out on a weekday and you are sure to have a good time.

 

[Dying Alive]

I will agree with those who say that you need to go to a Pirates game. Crap team and the atmosphere isn't great compared to other MLB parks, but it's an amazing place and the view of the city behind the outfield is second to none.

I'm a nerd, so I'd recommend doing all of the geeky stuff. Particularly the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. They just re-did the dinosaur exhibit and it's one of the best in the country. I'd also hit Kennywood if you're into amusement parks.

You need to go to the games. If you can't get into them, at least go and watch outside of Mellon on the big screen. It's unbelievable to be down there after the Pens win. Everyone is high-fiving each other in the streets, honking their horns, waving their towels out of windows, etc.

University Center is a decent place to stay. It's on Pitt's campus, so there will be plenty to do (even though school will be out by then) and it's an easy bus ride over to the arena and downtown. You could probably walk to the south side if you had to. Another place you might want to check into is the Holiday Inn Express in South Side. It's close to the action in South Side - which is primarily bars, but you should be able to find some under 21 stuff to do as well. It's also full of cool little shops and it's a short walk across the bridge to the arena.

 

[Jeff Goldblum]

University Center will get you easy access to everything you would want to do here in Pittsburgh. The Natural History Museum is within walking distance as well as plenty of places to eat, and everything else can be reached by buses, which have stops very close to the hotel itself.

Evenings before you turn 21 will probably be pretty timid, as school here is out, so house parties will be sparse. I don't know of any under-21 clubs or anything. However, once you turn 21, there are a few bars in the Oakland area and plenty more on the South Side.

 

[Harv]

This would make a great ''What do to in Pittsburgh'' sticky.