So, you’re heading to the North Shore. You've got the hat, you've got the craving for a Primanti’s sandwich, and you're ready to stare at that gorgeous Pittsburgh skyline. But then you look at a PNC Park row chart and everything gets confusing. Is Row A actually the front? Why does my section start at Row H?
Honestly, picking a seat at PNC Park is sort of an art form. It’s consistently ranked as the best ballpark in America, but if you end up in a "dead zone" where the sun cooks you for three hours or a walkway blocks your view of home plate, the "best ballpark" tag doesn't mean much. Let’s break down the weirdness of the row numbering so you don't get stuck.
The Secret Geometry of the 100 Level
Most people assume Row A is the absolute front. At PNC Park, that is usually true—but not always.
If you are looking at the Dugout Box (Sections 9-13 on the visitor side and 20-24 on the Pirates side), the row numbering is a bit of a tease. The Pirates dugout is right in front of Sections 20-23. If you snag Row H in these sections, you aren't "eight rows back." You are actually right on top of the dugout. Basically, the first seven rows or so are skipped to accommodate the dugout structure. You can literally lean on the roof. It’s the best spot for snagging a tossed ball from a shortstop, but don't expect to see the dirt if you're shorter than five feet.
In the rest of the Lower Level (Sections 101-147), rows generally run from A to Z, and then continue with AA through HH.
Here is the thing about the 100 level that most people miss: the walkway. There is a horizontal walkway that cuts through the lower bowl. If you are in the first row behind that walkway, you’re going to spend the whole game watching the back of a guy’s head as he carries four beers and a bucket of popcorn. You want to be either well in front of that path or at least 5-6 rows behind it to keep your sightline clear.
The Pittsburgh Baseball Club: Only 10 Rows
If you want to feel fancy without spending "private jet" money, the 200 level—specifically the Pittsburgh Baseball Club (PBC)—is the sweet spot.
These sections (201-228) are legendary among locals for one reason: brevity. Most of these sections only have about 10 rows, labeled A through K. Because the suites are tucked under this level rather than above it, you are significantly closer to the field than the "club level" at almost any other stadium in MLB.
- Row A is the gold standard here.
- Rows H-K are still great because they’re elevated enough to see the entire shift.
- The padded seats are wider. Your back will thank you.
One weird quirk? Row I is often skipped in many sections to avoid confusion with Row 1 or Row J. It’s a small detail, but if you’re looking at a ticket map and see a jump, that’s why.
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Seeking Shade: The "JJ" Strategy
Pittsburgh summers are humid. Brutal, really. If you’re heading to a 1:05 PM Sunday game, the sun is going to be your biggest enemy.
The PNC Park row chart reveals a hidden savior: the overhang. In the 100 level, specifically along the baselines, the upper deck hangs over the back sections. If you want shade, you actually want the highest row numbers.
Look for Row Y and higher in the 100 level. In many sections, the rows go all the way back to Row JJ (which is roughly the 35th row). While you’re further from the grass, you are safely tucked under the roof. You get a breeze, you stay dry if a stray shower hits, and you don't leave the park looking like a lobster.
The Bleacher Breakdown
The bleachers (Sections 133-138) are where the real noise happens. But they aren't traditional benches; they have backs, which is a massive upgrade.
In Section 133, for example, the rows run A through P. You enter at the top (Row P) and walk down. If you want to be near the bullpens to heckle the opposing pitchers (keep it classy, Pittsburgh), aim for the lower letters in Section 138. The Pirates' bullpen is nestled right there in left-center.
Grandstand Views and the Skyline Trap
The 300 level is where you go for the "cheap seats," but at PNC, they are some of the most scenic in sports.
Rows here typically run A through R, then S through Y in the "Upper Grandstand."
- The Skyline View: Sections 312-321 are the ones you see on postcards.
- The Problem: If you get Row A in the 300 level, you might have a glass railing or a safety bar right in your eye line.
- The Fix: Go for Row D or E. You’re high enough to see over the railing but low enough that the players don't look like ants.
Quick Tips for the Savvy Buyer
Don't just click the first "Best Value" seat on a resale site. Look at the specific row.
- Dugout Box (Sections 9-13, 20-24): Row H is the "front" row.
- Avoid Row A in the 300 Level: The railing is a nuisance. Row D is better.
- Shade Seekers: Aim for the 100 level, Rows Z through JJ.
- Seat 1 vs. Seat 20: Seat 1 is always on the side of the section with the lower section number. (e.g., Seat 1 in Section 110 is next to Section 109).
PNC Park wasn't built for massive crowds—it’s intimate. With only about 38,000 seats, there truly isn't a "bad" spot, but knowing the difference between Row A and Row H can be the difference between a foul ball in your glove and a railing in your face.
Check your specific section's starting row before you hit "buy." Sometimes the "front" isn't where you think it is.
The next thing you should do is pull up a 3D seat viewer specifically for the section you're eyeing. It'll confirm if that "Row A" you found is actually behind a dugout or a plexiglass shield.